3 research outputs found
The relationship between non-executive directors and corporate performance.
We partake a 9-year study of selected listed companies in Singapore and investigate whether a more significant presence of non-executive directors on the board correlates with stronger performance growth. The study did not reveal significant correlation between the proportion of non-executive directors and growth of performance variables
Public confidence in the auditing profession
The auditing profession is facing increased number of litigation
recently due to corporate failures of their clients whom they audited and had
received "clean" reports. How do the users of audited financial information
perceive the profession and the work performed by the auditors with all the
happenings to the profession? Is the profession able to maintain its credibility
and usefulness now? This project serves to ascertain the level of public
confidence users have in the auditing profession, the factors contributing to
their confidence, and the recommendations deemed necessary to maintain or
enhance the profession's image.
Research was carried out in two ways: (1) A questionnaire survey
was designed to determine public's perception of auditors' competence,
integrity, independence, and the exercise of due audit care. It also ascertains
whether there is an expectation gap and how in addition to litigation of auditors
and high audit staff turnover impact users' confidence in the profession.
(2) Literature review based on local and foreign written articles was carried out
to supplement and compare findings from the survey.
Respondents indicated a more than indifference confidence level
of 3.67 (on a scale of 1 to 5) in the profession. Auditors' competence in
understanding the clients' businesses received a low rating among all other
factors and it is rather highly correlated to public confidence. Auditors'
independence and the training by CPA firms reflected fairly good ratings. All
these three factors had relatively higher correlations to the confidence level
than the other factors. Hence, there must be measures to improve auditors'
competence in understanding clients' business; and at a minimum, maintain
the current standard of independence and training by CPA firms, so as not to
decrease the level of confidence the public has in the profession.
The project concluded that users wanted more stringent auditing
standards. This would supposedly improve audit quality, thus maintaining or
even increase their confidence in the profession. Other favourable
recommendations included audit rotation by audit partners or CPA firms;
having an independent body to appoint and pay the CPA firms; make audit
committees compulsory for all companies; revise the current audit report; and peer review by other CPA firms.ACCOUNTANC