Exploring the audit quality and audit fee impacts of joining different types of non-Big Four accounting networks and associations: evidence from China

Purpose - This paper aims to explore the audit quality and fee implications of joining a global accounting firm network and association (“AF N&A”). Design/methodology/approach - A hand-collected sample focusing upon the pre- and post-periods around the time when an independent audit firm joins an AF N&A is developed. A propensity score-matched sample is created to address the endogeneity and self-selection bias. OLS regression is used on a sample of around 2,000 firm-year observations from 2003 to 2014. Findings - Membership with an AF N&A is associated with higher levels of audit quality and audit fees. Furthermore, audit quality and fee increases are more pronounced for audit firms that become members of a larger, more formal AF N&A. Originality/value - This paper provides additional insights into the conflicting results regarding the audit quality implications of membership with AF N&As in China. This paper also extends the discussion by exploring the audit quality and fee differentials among the non-Big Four AF N&As. These findings have significant implications for independent audit firms pursuing membership with an AF N&A and regulators seeking to reduce market concentration around the Big Four.