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Analysing the Factors Contributing to the Decline of Auditors Globally and Avenue for Future Research: A Scoping Review

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  • Thameenah Abrahams

    (College of Law and Management Studies, School of Commerce, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa)

  • Masibulele Phesa

    (College of Law and Management Studies, School of Commerce, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa)

Abstract

Aim: This article explores the contributing factors to the decline in the number of auditors globally and aims to provide the consequences and possible recommendations. Auditors play a critical role in ensuring transparency, trust, and credibility of financial statements. However, the profession is experiencing a decline across the globe. The decrease in the number of registered auditors has become a pressing issue, raising concerns about the future of the assurance industry’s ability to maintain the number of registered auditors and continue providing assurance services to public and private entities or companies. Methodology: A scoping-review methodology was adopted to analyse the existing literature on the global decline in the number of auditors. This approach utilises research evidence to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities within the audit profession. Relevant studies were sourced from databases such as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, as well as the grey literature. Main findings: This study identifies a combination of factors driving the decline of auditors globally. Economic pressures, such as cost reduction initiatives and outsourcing, have impacted the demand for traditional auditing services. Complex regulatory requirements have increased barriers to entry, while technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, are disrupting traditional auditing roles. Additionally, the profession suffers from negative perceptions regarding workload, remuneration, and work–life balance, discouraging new entrants. Practical implications: The findings emphasise the urgent need for the auditing profession to adapt to evolving challenges. Stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and professional organisations, must address issues such as technological integration, career development pathways, and regulatory simplification. Enhanced public awareness campaigns and training initiatives are critical to attracting and retaining professional talent. Contribution: This study contributes to the limited body of knowledge on the global decline of auditors by creating a broad spectrum of evidence. It highlights actionable strategies to address the profession’s challenges and provides a foundation for future research on sustaining the relevance of auditors in a dynamic global economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Thameenah Abrahams & Masibulele Phesa, 2025. "Analysing the Factors Contributing to the Decline of Auditors Globally and Avenue for Future Research: A Scoping Review," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-25, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jjrfmx:v:18:y:2025:i:7:p:363-:d:1692202
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Melinda Timea FÜLÖP & Mirela-Oana PINTEA, 2014. "Effects Of The New Regulation And Corporate Governance Of The Audit Profession," SEA - Practical Application of Science, Romanian Foundation for Business Intelligence, Editorial Department, issue 4, pages 545-554, July.
    2. Paul Olojede & Olayinka Erin & Osariemen Asiriuwa & Momoh Usman, 2020. "Audit expectation gap: an empirical analysis," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-12, December.
    3. W. Robert Knechel & Ann Vanstraelen & Mikko Zerni, 2015. "Does the Identity of Engagement Partners Matter? An Analysis of Audit Partner Reporting Decisions," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(4), pages 1443-1478, December.
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    5. Malsch, Bertrand & Gendron, Yves, 2011. "Reining in auditors: On the dynamics of power surrounding an “innovation” in the regulatory space," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 36(7), pages 456-476.
    6. Han, Hongdan & Shiwakoti, Radha K. & Jarvis, Robin & Mordi, Chima & Botchie, David, 2023. "Accounting and auditing with blockchain technology and artificial Intelligence: A literature review," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 48(C).
    7. Zanele Matshona & Mabutho Sibanda & Masibulele Phesa, 2024. "Tax Knowledge and Tax Behaviour of Individual Taxpayers in South Africa: A Scoping Review," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 14(5), pages 299-316, September.
    8. Valentina Minutiello & Patrizia Tettamanzi, 2024. "A systematic literature network analysis of the development of behavioural accounting research," International Journal of Behavioural Accounting and Finance, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 7(2), pages 113-134.
    9. Philipp Jahn & Thomas Loy, 2023. "Audit in Europe – A Comparison of Access Requirements into the Audit Profession Across the European Union," Accounting in Europe, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(2), pages 244-271, May.
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