The impact of compliance auditing on the quality of accounting information disclosed in the financial statements

Abstract

This study aimed to shed light on compliance auditing and the risks associated with non-compliance, while demonstrating the impact of compliance auditing on the quality of accounting information contained in the financial statements, applied to a sample of Iraqi banks listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange. The study also addressed the concept of compliance auditing as one of the branches of modern auditing that focuses on verifying institutions' compliance with laws, standards, and regulations, and its role in enhancing transparency, credibility, and improving the quality of accounting information. This study was based on the hypothesis that fulfilling compliance auditing requirements in the correct and proper manner by audit committees can result in a set of distinct benefits, including expressing a neutral professional opinion on ensuring the level of quality of accounting information for entities subject to auditing that meets the requirements of a wide range of investors. The study problem was embodied through a set of questions, including (Do economic units operating in the local environment seek to adopt compliance auditing practices for their financial statements and statements? Do economic units operating in the local environment realize the role that compliance auditing practices play in improving the image of the auditing profession for a wide range of investors? Does adherence to compliance auditing practices affect ensuring a certain level of quality of accounting information for entities subject to auditing, especially in an environment where the importance of transparency and financial accountability increases? In order to achieve the objectives of the study and examine and test its hypothesis, the study adopted the descriptive analytical approach. By constructing and formulating a questionnaire form that was distributed to the study sample consisting of a group of auditors, compliance monitors and financial accountants working in the banking sector, and then analyzing the study data through the use of a number of statistical means and methods.

The study reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which is that there is an important role for compliance auditing in enhancing the quality of accounting information, and there is a statistically significant moral effect of compliance auditing on the quality of accounting information in its dimensions.

The study also recommended the need for continuous assessment of the extent of banks' compliance with laws and standards, and the application of effective internal control systems that support compliance auditing tasks and ensure early detection of any violations, and the development of proactive plans to avoid financial and legal risks associated with non-compliance.