The Mediating Effect of Information Technology Usage on the Relationship of Internal Audit Processes and Internal Auditor Competence towards Internal Audit Effectiveness: Evidence from the Chinese Financial Sector

The effectiveness of internal auditing is determined by various factors, such as the independence of the internal audit function, auditors’ competence, effective audit planning, efficient audit processes, and support from senior management. The digitalization and informatization of modern enterprises have transformed the way companies are managed and have similarly impacted internal audit practices. Informatization not only alters traditional internal audit processes but also changes auditors’ ways of working and thinking. From the perspective of resource-based theory, the effective allocation and full utilization of human, technological and organizational resources can enhance the effectiveness of internal audit. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of internal audit processes (IAP) and internal auditor competence (IAC) on internal audit effectiveness (IAE), as well as the mediating effect of information technology usage (ITU) on the relationship between IAP and IAC and IAE. To test the proposed hypotheses, a questionnaire survey was conducted within Chinese financial enterprises, yielding a total of 133 valid responses. Statistical data analysis was performed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (SEM-PLS) method. The results indicate that both IAP and IAC have a significant impact on IAE and ITU. Furthermore, ITU serves as a mediating factor, enhancing the positive contributions of IAP and IAC to IAE.