Olowookere Johnson Kolawole

Department of Accounting, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

[email protected]

Ige Jacob Ojewale

Westland University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
[email protected]

Ojuade Gideon Adedayo

Bursary Department Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
[email protected]

Adeagbo Kafayat Folasade

Osun State University Bursary Department, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
[email protected]

AUDIT ATTRIBUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING

QUALITY AMONG LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS
IN NIGERIA

Received: June 22, 2023

Accepted: July 27, 2023
https://doi.org/10.46458/27121097.2023.29.60

Preliminary communication

Abstract

This study is set up with the purpose of examining the effects of audit attributes on
financial reporting quality of quoted Nigeria non-financial firms. The study also
reviewed the moderating effect of external audit quality on the connection be-
tween internal audit characteristics and the quality of financial reporting (FRQ).
Longitudinal panel research design was used in this study. The population of
the study comprises of 112 non-financial firms quoted on the Nigeria Exchange
Group (NGX). The study make use of secondary data obtained from 72 listed
non-financial firms in Nigeria over the period covering 2013 - 2020. Analysis
of the data collected for the study was done using panel regression, correlation
analysis and descriptive statistics. The results revealed that AC meetings and
AC gender diversity has significant positive impact on the FRQ report while AC

60
 AUDIT ATTRIBUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY AMONG LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

independence and AC size have no significant influence. In addition, the study

found significant moderating effect of audit report lag on the link between AC
meeting and FRQ, as well as on the link between AC gender diversity and FRQ
implying that audit report timeliness strengthens the positive and significant im-
pact of AC meetings and gender diversity on FRQ. The study concluded that audit
quality attributes are significant in improving the FRQ of the listed non-finan-
cial firms in Nigeria. Hence, the study recommends that regulators and decision
makers of the firms should ensure higher female representation in the AC. Also,
AC of the firms in Nigerian non-financial sector should be encouraged to meet
regularly.

Keywords: Audit fees, Audit committee meeting, External Audit, Financial re-
port quality, Internal Audit

JEL: M42

1. INTRODUCTION

According to Heil (2002), ensuring high-quality financial reporting is a signif-

icant challenge in modern audit practice. This is because various internal and
external stakeholders have a vested interest in the precision and dependability
of financial information (Heil, 2012). Companies are now obligated to disclose
comprehensive financial and non-financial data, with investors being the prima-
ry beneficiaries of such transparency. Aliyu, Musa, and Zachariah (2015) argue
that a thorough audit can uncover material errors and misstatements in financial
reports. It is also believed that the reliability of the financial reporting procedure
depends on the performance of independent auditors (Dantas & Otavio, 2015).
As a result, the quality of audit services rendered by audit firms has garnered sig-
nificant attention from scholars and policymakers, particularly due to prevalent
monetary scandals that have been to some extent credited to the role of auditors
(Chersan, 2019). Theoretically, Jensen and Meckling (1976) suggest that the mis-
representation of accounting information stems from agency problems, which
rise from conflicts of interest amongst self-interested management (agents) and
shareholders (principals). In their pursuit of self-interest, agents often

However, several audit characteristics, including audit price, audit timeliness,

audit tenure and audit size significantly influence the timeliness and quality of
firms financial reporting (FR). There are differing viewpoints on the influence of
audit fees on FR timeliness, but it is still acknowledged that audit price plays a
crucial character in this aspect. When clients pay a higher price, auditors dedicate

61
 Olowookere Johnson Kolawole, Ige Jacob Ojewale, Ojuade Gideon Adedayo, Adeagbo Kafayat Folasade

more effort to complete the audit process promptly (Egbunike & Asuzu, 2020).
According to an empirical study by Alim, Trisni, and Lilik (2007), audit quality
is directly linked to auditor independence. There is also ongoing debate regarding
whether audit fees affect the quality of audit. Some studies recommend that great-
er audit fees incentivize audit firms to deliver better quality audits, while others
argue that higher fees enable audit firms to cover up misappropriation committed
by management in order to maintain their reputation. Consequently, there is no
consensus on how audit firm characteristics impact the quality of FR. Moreover,
in the Nigerian perspective, most studies examining the influence of audit attrib-
utes and FRQ have largely overlooked the interactive effect of audit quality and
audit report timeliness on FRQ.

1.1. Statement of the problem

Moreover, the challenges faced by modern businesses and companies are con-
tinuously increasing. This global trend has led to the abrupt collapse of various
businesses over the years, including Enron Corporation, Wordcom, and Parmalat.
Nigeria has also witnessed such failures, as demonstrated by the downfall of Cad-
bury Plc, resulting in a loss of N13 billion to N15 billion. Numerous other firms
in Nigeria have been delisted due to their inability to effectively manage internal
and external risks. Examples include the Ceramics Manufacturing Company Plc
in 2008, Lennards Nig Plc in 2015, UTC in 2017, Afrik Pharmaceutical Plc in
2018, Skye Bank Plc, and Fortis Micro Finance Bank in 2019, among others. In
a similar vein, in 2017, Stanbic IBTC Holding Ltd and Flour Mills Nigeria were
sanctioned by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for their failure to disclose
price-related risks in their annual reports and accounts (NSE, 2018). The under-
lying problem, for instance, is often attributed to various attributes of audit firms,
such as their short-term or long-term tenure, as well as three- or nine-year terms,
which remain subjects of debate among scholars.

According to Adelaja (2009), auditors must possess independence and objec-

tivity to effectively carry out their responsibilities. However, O’Connor (2006)
highlighted that ensuring the independence of external auditors has become an
extremely challenging issue in the financial world, given the recent corporate
scandals that have emerged globally. There has been an argument advocating for
increased incentives to auditors as a avenue to limit earnings misstatements and
enhance the quality of financial reporting. Audit committees (AC) play a crucial
role in overseeing and supervising the financial reports and disclosures of cor-
porate firms. They monitor the selection of accounting principles and policies,
as well as the internal control systems implemented by management. In Nigeria,
regulatory bodies have implemented various corporate governance reforms to

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 AUDIT ATTRIBUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY AMONG LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

bring stability to the auditing sector within the country’s corporate environment.
These reforms include mandatory audit rotation, minimum AC size, and mini-
mum meeting frequency for the AC, among others. Despite these regulatory in-
terventions, the Nigerian corporate environment still grapples with challenges of
financial misstatements and fraudulent management accounting practices, which
have led to the failure of certain firms in the country, as exemplified by the case
of Skye Bank (Shehu, 2011). Given that both theoretical and empirical literature
have highlighted the prominence of audit firms and AC in enhancing the credi-
bility of financial reporting, it is essential to empirically investigate the role of
internal and external audit attributes in promoting credible and fraud-free FR in
Nigeria. The outcomes of this research will be valuable to non-financial firms’
management, auditors, accountants, and shareholders in Nigeria. Furthermore, it
will provide quoted non-financial organizations in Nigeria with a clearer under-
standing of the effectiveness of internal audit committees in identifying oppor-
tunistic behavior by management.

Furthermore, numerous researchers in both developed and developing nations,

including Arowoshegbe et al. (2017), Abdillah (2019), Eghosa (2022), and Mu-
hammad (2020), have conducted studies on the impact of audit attributes on
FRQ. However, only a few of these studies have simultaneously examined both
internal and external audit attributes. This study aims to fill this gap by not only
investigating the influence of internal audit attributes on FRQ but also exploring
the interactive effect of external audit attributes on the connection between inter-
nal audit features and FRQ.

1.2. Objectives of the study

The broad objective of this study is to examine the effect of audit attributes on
financial reporting quality of quoted Nigeria non-financial firms. The specific
objectives are to:

♦♦ investigate the effects of internal audit attributes on the financial reporting

quality of quoted non-financial firms in Nigeria and
♦♦ evaluate the interactive effects of external audit attributes on the relation-
ship between internal audit attributes and financial reporting quality of
quoted non-financial firms in Nigeria?

1.3. The research hypotheses are as follows:

H01: Internal audit attributes has no significant effect on financial reporting qual-
ity of quoted non-financial firms in Nigeria.
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 Olowookere Johnson Kolawole, Ige Jacob Ojewale, Ojuade Gideon Adedayo, Adeagbo Kafayat Folasade

H02: External audit attributes do not affect the connection between internal audit
attributes and financial reporting quality of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Conceptual Review

Financial Reporting Quality

Financial reporting involves presenting an organization’s financial statements

in a manner that facilitates understanding for users of accounting information
(Nwanyanwu, 2013). Additionally, according to Obazee (2005), financial report-
ing serves as a means of communicating financial information and acts as an
identification tool for stewardship. Various measures of FRQ have been proposed
in the literature. Dechow, Myers, and Shakespeare (2010), as cited by Umaru
(2014), classified earnings quality or financial reporting quality into three cat-
egories: external indicators of earnings misstatements, earnings properties, and
investor reaction to earnings. Deschow et al. (2010) emphasized that earnings
features include aspects such as earnings persistence, smoothness, beating of
target expectations, discretionary accruals derived from accrual modeling, and
timely recognition of losses. In this study, FRQ is measured using discretionary
accruals. Other researchers who have also utilized discretionary accruals as a
measure of FRQ include Dijeh et al. (2022), Hussaini and Gugong (2015), and
Olthof (2017).

External Audit Attributes

There are various external audit attributes, including audit firm size, audit fees,
audit tenure, and audit report timeliness. Audit firm size is a characteristic that
has the potential to impact the quality FRQ (Dechow & Ge, 2006). Typically, a
firm’s size is determined by its asset base (Saheed, 2013). However, larger audit
firms face a higher risk of litigation compared to smaller firms, which may ne-
cessitate a greater level of independence and due diligence in conducting audit,
leading to delays in financial reporting (Abernathy et al., 2017). According to the
literature, larger corporations are assumed to have well-established internal con-
trol and accounting departments, as well as the financial resources to hire experts
who can boost the process of financial reporting (Chalaki, Didar & Riahnezhad,
2012). Audit fee refers to the payment made to an auditor for the audit services
rendered, which involves expressing an opinion on the financial reports prepared
by the management. Raigopal et al. (2021) highlighted in their study that higher
audit fees can potentially compromise the auditors’ independence and may also
influence the decision to continue the audit engagement beyond the agreed-upon
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 AUDIT ATTRIBUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY AMONG LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

five-year period. Higher audit fees can also impact audit switching and the audi-
tor’s judgement on the financial statements.

Also, audit tenure is the duration of the affiliation between an external auditor and
a firm as their client. A long tenure implies that the auditor has been associated
with the client for an extended period. In such cases, the audit process can be ac-
complished more efficiently and speedily because the auditor is already familiar
with the client’s operations and the nature of their business (Dao & Pham, 2014).

Furthermore, the promptness of audited annual financial reports is regarded as a

crucial factor in determining the value of information provided to several stake-
holders, including regulatory and professional authorities, as noted by Soltani
(2002). Abdillah et al. (2019) argue that the timeliness of audit reports is influ-
enced by both management and statutory auditors. It can be seen as a collabora-
tive effort involving the management, auditors, and regulatory bodies. Egbosa et
al. (2022) revealed in their study that financial reporting delays can be attributed
to higher audit fees, indicating potential challenges in completing the audit pro-
cess in a timely manner, possibly due to weak internal controls that increase the
audit workload. In this study, external audit traits are represented by audit firm
size, audit tenure, and audit report timeliness.

Internal Audit Attributes

There exist various characteristics associated with internal audits, including the
size, frequency, independence, and diversity of the AC. The audit committee
plays a crucial role in effectively supervision and evaluating the performance of
management. Adeyemi, Okpala, and Dabor (2012) suggest that frequent meetings
of the audit committee provide ample opportunities to discuss pertinent company
matters. Beasley et al. (2009) argue that these meetings are not mere formalities
but significant sessions that align with an agency perspective. Furthermore, a
larger audit committee is considered valuable as it enhances the quality of FR
by leveraging the diverse skills, expertise, and experience of its members. The
size of the AC is an essential factor in overseeing corporate disclosure practices
(Persons, 2009). A larger committee is more effective as it comprises members
with varied expertise and knowledge, permitting more unswerving monitoring of
financial practices (Hamdan & Mushtaha, 2011).

However, it is vital for the AC to maintain its independence in order to effectively

monitor the actions of firms. The independence of the AC is necessary for it to
fulfill its financial management responsibilities appropriately. Without independ-
ence, the actions of the audit committee may be compromised, hindering its abil-
ity to carry out its duties effectively. Therefore, the AC independence serves as a
proactive driving force for ensuring high-quality financial reporting. Moreover,
65
 Olowookere Johnson Kolawole, Ige Jacob Ojewale, Ojuade Gideon Adedayo, Adeagbo Kafayat Folasade

according to Hambrick, et al. (2008), the diversity of the AC has an influence on

the accuracy of a firm’s assertions. The application of agency theory suggests
that these differences in the qualities of the AC can influence the quality of a
firm’s financial reporting. The senior executives, who form the top management
team in an organization, play a significant role in establishing the organization’s
key objectives and outcomes. Hambrick, et al. (2008) have connected personal
characteristics of senior executives, such as their geographic location, tenure,
and gender, to the quality of FR. Gender diversity within an AC is an important
aspect to consider. Having a balanced representation of women on the committee
enhances the overall functioning of the organization, as it is believed that female
perspectives complement those of their male counterparts. While there is limited
evidence directly linking gender to fraud, it is argued that men generally exhibit
higher levels of overconfidence in management processes compared to wom-
en. Consequently, men are more prone to engaging in fraudulent activities than
their female counterparts (Schrand & Zechman, 2012). It is worth noting that
this study uses proxy variables, such as audit committee size, meeting frequency,
independence, and diversity, to represent internal audit attributes.

Audit Attributes and financial reporting quality

Saheed (2013) states that large audit firms have effective information systems
in place, enabling them to monitor and manage both financial and non-financial
data in order to achieve strategic, tactical, and operational objectives. In contrast,
the study conducted by Egbosa et al. (2022) reveals an inverse connection be-
tween audit firm size and FR timeliness. Their findings suggest that larger audit
firms, which prioritize independence and seek to curtail litigation risk, may be
liable for delays in FR. However, Daferighe and George (2020) discovered that
the size of the audit firm does not have a significant association with the quality
of financial reporting.

More so, although, Dao & Pham (2014) opined that a positive connection exists
between short term audit tenure and financial reports delay, yet no agreement
exist on the determinant of timeliness reporting. Past studies failed to provide
avenues to reduce delay in financial report presentation. According to a study by
Egbosa et al. (2022), it is suggested that a long tenure of the audit fail to have a
significant influence in reducing financial reporting delays or improving quality.
Additionally, Shakhatreh et al. (2020) found that delays in audit reports have
adverse and noteworthy impact on the quality of FR. Similarly, Aggreh (2019)
reported a negative and significant influence on FRQ.

In addition, Xie, et al. (2003) found an inverse connection between the frequency
of AC meetings and a firm’s discretionary accruals. While the literature suggests

66
 AUDIT ATTRIBUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY AMONG LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

that AC meetings can enhance the quality of FR, there is no consensus among
empirical studies regarding this matter. Furthermore, Anthony et al. (2017) sug-
gested a robust link between AC diversity and FRQ. Gender diversity within an
AC is also regarded as a significant characteristic. Additionally, the independence
of the AC is seen as a proactive driving force for ensuring high-quality FR (Gar-
cia et al., 2012).

2.2. Theoretical Framework

This particular study is anchored on agency theory. Proposed by Stephen Ross

and Barry Mitnick in 1973, agency theory aims to elucidate and address conflicts
that arise between business managers and owners, and how auditing can miti-
gate these conflicts. The theory suggests that both internal and external auditors,
through their monitoring capabilities, have the potential to curb opportunistic
behavior by corporate management. It assumes that auditors, as agents, possess
more information than the principals (management), resulting in a power imbal-
ance that makes it challenging for principals to observe the activities of agents
(Olagunju & Adenle, 2022). From the viewpoint of agency theory, several fac-
tors, including audit tenure as depicted in this study, have a significant influence
on FRQ. This implies that stakeholders should critically assess their actions and
influence on the perception of FRQ. Auditing provides assurance to sharehold-
ers, stakeholders, creditors and so on, thereby augmenting self-assurance in the
quality of FR.

2.3. Empirical Review

Internal Audit Attributes and Financial Reporting Quality

Sitienei (2022) reviewed the connection between AC traits and FRQ amongst
quoted firms in Kenya manufacturing sector. The study period covers 9 years’ pe-
riod from 2010-2018. Findings from the study revealed that AC expertise failed
to have a significant connection with FRQ. The FRQ is measured with accrual
quality and discretionary accruals. The size of the AC and FRQ using discre-
tionary accrual shows a positive likewise a significant influence. Whereas no
significant connection exists between AC size and accrual quality. AC independ-
ence is statistically significant to discretionary accrual and accrual quality. Also
AC meeting failed to have significant connection with discretionary accruals and
accruals quality.

Twaha et al. (2021) examined the influence of internal audit quality, corporate
governance on FRQ of financial firms. The sample size of the study is 62 financial
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 Olowookere Johnson Kolawole, Ige Jacob Ojewale, Ojuade Gideon Adedayo, Adeagbo Kafayat Folasade

institution Data were gathered utilising structured questionnaire. The outcome of

the study detect that in-house audit quality is significantly related with FRQ.

Huang, et al. (2011) studied market reactions to the gender of audit committee
directors using data from publicly traded foreign companies in the United States.
Owing to their ethical and conservative qualities, female members of the audit
committee, according to the study, can facilitate effective corporate governance.
The study discovered that appointing female audit committee members resulted
in significantly higher cumulative abnormal returns than appointing male audit
committee members. Anthony et al. (2017) submitted that audit committee diver-
sity has a strong link with financial reporting quality.

External Audit Attributes and Financial Reporting Quality

Egbosa et al. (2022) studied the effect of audit characteristics on FR timeliness

in Nigeria non-listed firms. The study used 450 firm-year observations from a
period ranging from 2011 to 2020. OLS Method of analysis was adopted in
this study. Their findings revealed that the price and size of audit are affected
positively by FR timeliness, meanwhile the tenure of audit has a negative and
insignificant connection with financial reporting timeliness.

Daferighe and George (2020) in their study reviewed the effect of audit attributes
on FRQ of Nigeria quoted firms in the manufacturing sector. The study popula-
tion encompass 22 quoted consumer goods firms was and 16 firms were sampled
from the 22 firms. The study period covers 2011-2015. Multiple regression was
adopted as the method of data analysis. Outcomes from the research revealed that
auditors’ fees have the tendency to significantly influence FRQ, whereas the size
of the audit firm and audit report timeliness failed to have a significant influence
on FRQ.

Kaklar, Kangarlouei and Motavassel (2012) failed to find evidence sensitivity of

quality of audit to audit firm rotation in study of firms quoted on Tehran Stock
Exchange. Ikpantan and Daferighe (2019) also failed to find significant influence
of audit tenure on FRQ in a study of ten Nigerian listed DMBs.

3. METHODOLOGY

The effect of audit attributes on the FRQ of non-financial firms quoted on the
Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX) was reviewed in this study. Longitudinal panel
research design was utilized for this study. The study utilized secondary data got-
ten from the annual report of the selected firms, the study population comprises
of 112 listed non-financial firms and 72 non-financial firms were purposively

68
 AUDIT ATTRIBUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY AMONG LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

from the population. The period of study ranges from 2013-2020. Panel Regres-
sion was utilized to analysed the data gathered for this study, Hausman specifica-
tion tests were adopted to arrive at the most efficient of the techniques of panel
regression.

Table 1. Measurement of Variables

Type Variable
Variables Measurement
of Variable Labels
Financial Dependent FRQ Inverse of Absolute Discretionary
Reporting Accrual (DAC) from modified jones
Quality model
Audit Firm Independent ATN Measured as a Dichotomous Variable
Tenure which equals 1 when audit firm spend
3 years or below and 0 if a single audit
firm is consistently retained for more
than three years
Audit firm Independent AFSZ This is set to be equal to one (1) if
Size companies auditor shows that it is
audited by one of the “Big Four” audit
firms. otherwise zero (0)
Audit Independent ART The extent of time from a firm’s
Report fiscal year end to the date of the auditor
Timeliness report
Audit Independent ACS The number of members sitting in the
Committee firm AC
size
Audit Independent ACIN The proportion of AC members outside
committee the board
independent
Audit Independent ACD Proportion of female on the a AC
committee
Gender
Diversity
Audit Independent AMET The no. of times AC meet in a
committee accounting year
meeting
Age of the Control FA No. of years since a firm was listed on
firm the Nigeria Stock Exchange
Firm size Control FSZ Natural log of market capitalization
Authors Compilation (2023)

69
 Diversity
audit committee meeting independent aMet the no. of times aC meet in a accounting y
age of the firm Control Fa No. of years since a firm was listed o
Nigeria Stock exchange
Olowookere
Firm size Johnson Kolawole, Ige Jacob Ojewale, Ojuade
Control FSZ Gideon Adedayo, Adeagbo
Natural log ofKafayat
market Folasade
capitalization
authors Compilation (2023)
3.2. Model specification

Objective
3.2. Model 1 (Internal Audit attributes and FRQ)
specification

This model
Objective is in lineAudit
1 (Internal with attributes
extant literature
and FRQ) that focused on similar issue (Tanko
& Shiyanbola, 2019), the model for achieving objective 1 of the study are stated
this
as model is in line with extant literature that focused on similar issue (tanko & Shiyanbola, 2019), t
follows:
model for achieving objective 1 of the study are stated as follows:
(3.1)

(3.2)

Objective 2 (Interactive Effect of External Audit7 Attributes on the Connec-

Objective 2 (Interactive Effect of External Audit
tion between Internal Audit Attributes and FRQ) Attributes on the Connection between Internal
Audit Attributes and FRQ)
This model take insight from the study of Alrassas and Kamardin (2015), the
this model take insight from the study of alrassas and Kamardin (2015), the model to achieve objective 2
model to achieve objective 2 of the study is specified as follows:
of the study is specified as follows:

(3.3)
Where:
= the vector of audit committee attributes
Where:
= vector of audit firm attributes
ACAit = the vector of audit committee attributes
4. RESULTS ANDofDISCUSSION
AFA = vector audit firm attributes
it

4.1. Result of the Findings

the4.descriptive
RESULTS AND
statistics DISCUSSION
tables revealed that mean of discretionary accrual (FrQ) for the period covered
is 0.075 with a standard deviation of 0.102. auDF (audit fees) and BiG4 has a standard dev. and mean
4.1.ofResult
values (0.588,of the Findings
4.091) and (0.495, 0.576) responsively. arl and atN has mean and standard dev.
values of (11.22.469, 83.449) and (0.76, 0.427) respectively. However, the internal audit characteristics
The descriptive
revealed that aCiN, aCS statistics tablesandrevealed
(, aCMet aCD hasthat
meanmean of discretionary
and standard dev, valuesaccrual
of (46.259, 12.696),
(5.497, 1.013), (3.922, 0.838) and (11.27, 13.963) respectively. the control
(FRQ) for the period covered is 0.075 with a standard deviation of 0.102. AUDF variables also show the Fa
and(audit
FS mean and median values of (27.361, 13.434) and (7.127, 0.845) correspondingly.
fees) and BIG4 has a standard dev. and mean values of (0.588, 4.091)
and (0.495, 0.576) responsively. ARL and ATN has mean and standard dev. val-
table 2. Summary of Descriptive Statistics
ues of (11.22.469,
variable 83.449) andMean
obs. (0.76, 0.427)
Std.respectively.
Dev. However,
Min. the internal
Max.
audit characteristics revealed that ACIN, ACS (, ACMET and ACD has mean
FrQP 576 -.075 .102 -1.109 0
and standard dev, values of (46.259, 12.696), (5.497, 1.013), (3.922, 0.838) and
auDF 576 4.091 .588 2.602 5.795
(11.27, 13.963) respectively. The control variables also show the FA and FS mean
BiG4
and median values576 .576 and (7.127,
of (27.361, 13.434) .495 0.845) correspondingly.
0 1
arl 576 112.469 83.449 28 934
70
atN 576 .76 .427 0 1
aCiN 576 46.259 12.696 0 100
aCS 576 5.497 1.013 2 9
 AUDIT ATTRIBUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY AMONG LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Table 2. Summary of Descriptive Statistics

Variable Obs. Mean Std. Dev. Min. Max.

FRQP 576 -.075 .102 -1.109 0
AUDF 576 4.091 .588 2.602 5.795
BIG4 576 .576 .495 0 1
ARL 576 112.469 83.449 28 934
ATN 576 .76 .427 0 1
ACIN 576 46.259 12.696 0 100
ACS 576 5.497 1.013 2 9
AMET 576 3.922 .838 1 10
ACD 576 11.271 13.963 0 66.667
FA 576 27.361 13.434 3 55
FS 576 7.127 .845 5.239 9.241
Source: Author’s Computation, 2023

The findings presented in Table 3 indicate several relationships between different

variables and financial reporting quality (FRQ). A positive connection of 0.030
is observed between FRQ and AUDF. Similarly, there is a weak positive associ-
ation between AUDF and FRQ. Alternatively, a weak negative connection-0.034
was found between ATN and FRQ. Furthermore, a weak negative connection of
-0.197 is observed between FRQ and Audit Report Lag (ARL). Moving on to
other variables, the correlation analysis in Table 4.2 reveals a positive connection
of 0.002 between FRQ and ACS. In addition, weak negative association of -0.067
exists between ACMET and FRQ. The presence of weak inverse relationship of
0.045 exist between ACD and FRQ. While a weak positive connection of 0.001
exists between FRQ and ACIN. A weak direct relationship of 0.84 exist between
FA and FRQ while the correlation coefficient of 0.084 implies that weak positive
association exists between FS and FRQ of quoted non-financial organisations in
Nigeria.

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 Olowookere Johnson Kolawole, Ige Jacob Ojewale, Ojuade Gideon Adedayo, Adeagbo Kafayat Folasade

Table 3. Estimated Correlation Coefficients among the Variables

Variables (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)
(1) 1.000
FRQ
(2) 0.048 1.000
AUDF
(3) 0.030 0.568 1.000
BIG4
(4) -0.197 -0.151 -0.077 1.000
ARL
(5) -0.034 -0.038 0.013 0.044 1.000
ATN
(6) 0.000 0.086 0.072 -0.076 0.013 1.000
ACIN
(7) 0.002 0.584 0.299 -0.079 -0.018 0.020 1.000
ACS
(8) -0.067 0.317 0.134 -0.124 -0.062 0.011 0.247 1.000
ACMET
(9) -0.045 0.096 0.150 0.015 -0.082 -0.021 0.088 0.043 1.000
ACD
(10) 0.084 0.205 0.150 -0.086 -0.072 0.023 0.190 0.096 0.070 1.000
FA
(11) 0.084 0.869 0.395 -0.137 -0.041 0.074 0.566 0.308 0.105 0.096 1.000
FS
Source: Author’s Computation, 2023

Table 4. Summary of Diagnostic Tests

Test Results Remarks

Chi2 = 482.86
Breusch-Pagan Existence of
Prob > Chi2 = 0.000 Heteroscedasticity at 10
per cent
F stat = 0.208
Wooldridge test for serial Prob > Chi2 = 0.0546 No serial correlation
correlation
Source: Author’s Computation, 2023

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 AUDIT ATTRIBUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY AMONG LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Presentation and Analysis of Panel Regression Results

Internal audit attributes and FRQ

Based on the outcomes in column 1 of table 5, it was discovered that AC size

has a positive effect on FRQ, as indicated by the coeff. of 0.00154. However, the
corresponding P-value of 0.733 suggests that this positive impact is not signifi-
cant at conventional levels. Similarly, when using the full model (column 5), the
outcomes indicate that AC size has a positive but non-significant influence on
FRQ, with a coeff. and P-value of 0.00314.

The results in column 2, demonstrate the estimated influence of AC meeting and

control variables on FRQ. The estimated coefficient of 0.0106, accompanied by a
P-value of 0.0521, specifies that AC meeting has a significant positive influence
on FRQ. This finding is further supported by the full model results in column 5,
where the estimated coeff. of 0.0120 and P-value of 0.0253 show a noteworthy
positive impact of AC meeting on FRQ. In other words, a higher frequency of AC
meetings is connected with higher quality FR produced by the firm.

The study also discovered that there is an insignificant positive influence of AC

gender diversity on FRQ, as indicated by the estimated coeff. and P-value of
0.000546 and 0.116, respectively, in column 3 of Table 4.4 (where 0.116 > 0.1).
However, the estimated coefficient of 0.00059 and P-value of 0.0480 affirm that
AC gender diversity has a significant positive influence on FRQ. This suggests
that as the representation of females on the AC increases, FRQ also improves.

Furthermore, the estimated results reveal that AC independence, with coeff. and
P-value of -0.00024 and 0.332, respectively, in column 4 of Table 4.4, has a neg-
ative but non-significant effect on FRQ. Similar findings were observed for AC
independence in column 5 of Table 4.4, where it had a coeff. of -0.00034 and a
p-value of 0.178. Therefore, the existence of autonomous members on the AC fail
to affect the quality of the audit significantly.

Regarding the control variables, the estimated coeff. of 0.0773 and associated
P-value of 0.0469 indicate that FS has a positive and significant effect on the
FRQ of Nigerian quoted non-financial firms. On the contrary, in column 5 of Ta-
ble 4.4, the estimated coeff. of 0.0002 and consistent p-value of 0.909 reveal that
FA has a positive but non-significant effect on the FRQ.

73
 Olowookere Johnson Kolawole, Ige Jacob Ojewale, Ojuade Gideon Adedayo, Adeagbo Kafayat Folasade

Table 5. Estimated Panel Regression Results for Model 1 (Objective 1)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Audit
Audit Audit Audit
Commi-
VARIABLS Committ Committ Committee Full Model
ttee Inde-
Size Meeting Diversity
pendence

ACS 0.00154 0.00314

(0.733) (0.526)
ACMET 0.0106* 0.0120**
(0.0521) (0.0253)
ACD 0.000456 0.000589**
(0.116) (0.0480)
ACID -0.000238 -0.000338
(0.332) (0.178)
FS 0.0703* 0.0778* 0.0156* 0.0151* 0.0773**
(0.0845) (0.0519) (0.0586) (0.0663) (0.0469)
FA -0.000635 -0.000185 0.000613 0.000589 0.000211
(0.737) (0.918) (0.246) (0.255) (0.909)
Constant -0.567** -0.583** -0.198*** -0.188*** -0.580**
(0.0278) (0.0190) (0.00410) (0.00668) (0.0173)
Observations 576 576 576 576 576
Numb. of 72 72 72 72 72
PID
Firm Effect YES YES YES YES YES
Hausman P 0.1329 0.1454 0.2249 0.1990 0.2997
value
Robust pvalue enclosed in brackets * p<0.1; ** p<0.05; *** p<0.01,

Source: Author’s Computation 2023

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 AUDIT ATTRIBUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY AMONG LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Presentation and Analysis of Panel Regression Results for Objective 2

The second objective of the study is to examine the moderating effect of exter-
nal audit attributes on the connection between the AC traits and FRQ of quoted
non-financial firms in Nigeria. The results obtained using are summarized in
Table 6 Examining the results in column 1 of Table 6, the coefficient of the inter-
active effect between audit report timeliness and AC independence is 0.0000017,
representing a positive moderating effect of audit report timeliness on FRQ.
However, the supplementary p-value of 0.730 reveals that this positive impact is
not significant. Therefore, the outcomes revealed that audit report timeliness, as
an important external audit attribute, does not moderate the connection between
AC independence and FRQ significantly.

The column 2 of Table 6 shows the estimated interactive coefficient of 0.00039

indicates the interactive influence of audit report timeliness on the connection
between AC meetings and FRQ. The corresponding P-value of 0.000 suggests
that this positive moderating effect of audit report timeliness is significant at a
1 percent level (0.000 < 0.01). Therefore, the study provides evidence that audit
report lag strongly moderates the influence of AC meetings on FRQ. Overall,
the results highlight the varying moderating effects of external audit attributes,
specifically audit report timeliness, on the connection between AC characteristics
and FRQ in quoted non-financial firms in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the estimated coeff. of -0.0000899 with a P-value of 0.0610 indi-

cates that audit report timeliness has a negative and significant interactive effect
on the connection between AC size and FRQ. This suggests that audit report
timeliness cannot reverse the negative influence of AC size on the FRQ of quoted
non-financial firms in Nigeria.

Regarding the moderating effect of audit report timeliness on the association be-
tween AC gender diversity and FRQ, the results reveal an estimated coeff. of
0.000016 with a p-value of 0.0000. This infers that there is significant positive
moderating effect of audit report timeliness on the relationship between AC gen-
der diversity and FRQ at a 1 percent level of significance. Specifically, the find-
ings demonstrate that audit report timeliness strengthens the positive effect of AC
gender diversity on the FRQ of quoted non-financial firms in Nigeria.

75
 Olowookere Johnson Kolawole, Ige Jacob Ojewale, Ojuade Gideon Adedayo, Adeagbo Kafayat Folasade

Table 6. Estimated Panel Regression Results for Model 2

(1) (2) (3) (4)

VARIABLES

ARTL 0.000110 -0.00118*** 0.000628*** -3.76e-06

(0.644) (7.07e-10) (0.00892) (0.952)
ACID -0.000141
(0.818)
ATLACID 1.73e-06
(0.730)
AMET 0.0306***
(4.82e-05)
ATLAAMET 0.000390***
(0.000)
ADCS -0.0115
(0.129)
ATLADCS -8.99e-05*
(0.0610)
ACD 0.00137***
(0.00487)
ATLACD 1.62e-05***
(1.76e-06)
FA 0.000454 0.000310 0.000534 0.000260
(0.424) (0.528) (0.348) (0.640)
FS 0.0125 0.0145* 0.0133 0.0127
(0.174) (0.0703) (0.175) (0.156)
Constant -0.149** -0.271*** -0.106 -0.168***
(0.0416) (9.14e-06) (0.129) (0.00969)
Observations 576 576 576 576
Firm Effect YES YES YES YES
Hausman P 0.2737 0.2736 0.3741 0.3757
value
Robust pvalue enclosed in brackets * p<0.1; ** p<0.05; *** p<0.01,

Source: Author’s Computation 2023

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 AUDIT ATTRIBUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY AMONG LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

4.2. Discussion of Findings on Audit Committee (AC) Attributes

(Internal audit attributes) and Financial Reporting Quality (FRQ)

The outcomes from the panel regression analysis presented in the preceding sec-
tion indicate that the size of the AC failed to have a significant influence on FRQ.
This finding contradicts both the initial expectation and the proposition put forth
by the resource-dependent theory, which proposes that a larger AC size should
result in the availability of more valuable resources and enhanced monitoring
capabilities for the audit committee. This discovery is contrary to the results re-
ported in several studies, such as Ahmad-Zaluki and Wan-Hussin (2010); Garcia,
Barbadillo, and Perez (2010) conducted in Spain, as well as Tanko and Shiyanbo-
la (2019) conducted in Nigeria, which revealed a significant positive connection
between AC size and FRQ. However, this finding aligns with the conclusions
reached in other studies, including Moses, Ofurum, and Egbe (2016) and Twaha
et al. (2021) in their investigations of Nigerian banks, as well as Toh (2013) in
their study.

The study did not find a significant effect of AC independence on FRQ. This find-
ing contradicts the expectation based on the framework of agency theory, which
proposes that a more independent committee should lead to effective monitor-
ing of management activities and result in higher quality FR. This finding goes
against the results reported in several other empirical studies, such as Eriebel and
Izemol (2016), Garcia et al. (2012), and Yunos (2011), which found a significant
positive effect of AC independence on FRQ. However, this finding is in line with
the conclusions of Garcia et al. (2010), and Sitienei (2022), who also fail to find
a significant influence of AC independence on FRQ.

More so, the study found a noteworthy positive impact of AC meetings on FRQ,
indicating that more regular meetings of the AC lead to higher FRQ. This may
be attributed to the fact that increased meeting activity allows the committee to
thoroughly scrutinize the financial statements of the firm, thereby improving the
quality of the financial report. This finding aligns with the initial expectation of
the study and is consistent with the results of previous empirical literature, such
as Eriebel and Izemol (2016), Garcia et al. (2010), Saleh et al. (2007), and Yusof
(2010), which reported a positive and significant influence of AC meetings on
FRQ. However, it does not align with other studies that found a significant nega-
tive impact of the AC on FRQ (Saleh et al., 2007; Yusof, 2010).

Moreover, the outcomes of the study indicate that AC gender diversity has a sig-
nificant positive influence on the FRQ of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria.
This result aligns with the initial expectation of the study and is in line with the
findings of previous research, including Sun, Liu, and Lan (2011) and Anthony et

77
 Olowookere Johnson Kolawole, Ige Jacob Ojewale, Ojuade Gideon Adedayo, Adeagbo Kafayat Folasade

al. (2017). However, it opposes the outcomes of Salleh, Hashim, and Mohamad
(2012) in Malaysia, who did not find a significant impact of AC gender diversity
on FRQ.

4.3. Discussion of Findings on the Moderating Effect of Audit Firm

Attributes on the Relationship between Audit Committee
Attributes and FRQ

The results pertaining to the moderating effect of audit firm attributes are cen-
tered around the influence of audit report timeliness, which has been identified as
a crucial attribute impacting financial reporting quality. The findings indicate that
audit report timeliness does not have a significant moderating influence on the
connection between AC size and FRQ. Similarly, no significant moderating effect
is observed for AC independence when considering the impact of audit report
timeliness. In contrast, positive and significant moderating effects of audit report
timeliness are identified in the relationship between AC meeting and FRQ, as
well as between AC gender diversity and FRQ. These results imply that the time-
ly issuance of audit reports helps reinforce the positive impact of audit committee
meetings and AC gender diversity on the FRQ of Nigerian listed non-financial
firms. These findings align with the research conducted by Masmoudi (2021),
who reported a similar moderating role of audit quality in the link between AC
traits and FRQ among firms quoted on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.

5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

This study investigates the effects of various audit attributes on the financial
reporting quality (FRQ) of non-financial companies quoted in Nigeria. The re-
searchers utilized modified Jones accruals models to measure FRQ. The results
of the study specified that the time taken for the audit report to be issued had a
significant influence on FRQ. Nevertheless, no substantial evidence was found to
support the influence of audit firm size and audit tenure on FRQ. On the contrary,
audit fees were found to have a negative and significant influence. Overall, the
study concluded that the attributes related to audit quality play a significant role
in enhancing the FRQ of non-financial companies listed in Nigeria during the
study period. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the occurrence of AC
meetings and gender diversity within the AC had a significantly positive impact
on FRQ. However, there was no significant evidence to suggest that AC size and
AC independence had an influence on FRQ. These findings conclude that specif-
ic attributes of the AC can contribute to shaping the quality of financial reports
among non-financial corporations operating in Nigeria. Consequently, the study

78
 AUDIT ATTRIBUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY AMONG LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

recommends several actions based on these conclusions. Regulators and author-

ities should strive for greater representation of women in ACs, and they should
also enforce a deadline for submitting audited financial statements. Additionally,
regulators of companies are advised to closely monitor the fees paid to auditors
to ensure that the independence of the audit firm is not compromised. Finally, it
is recommended that audit committees in the Nigerian non-financial sector be
encouraged to hold regular meetings.

6. LIMITATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR FUTURE

RESEARCH

Every studies are characterized with one limitations or the other though such
should affect the generalization of the study. One of the limitations of this study
has to do with the measure of financial reporting quality. There are several accru-
als based models for measuring financial reporting quality out of which the study
used the model of Kothari et el. (2005). Using any of the other proxies may pro-
duce results different from that attributed to the Kothari et al. accrual model in the
study. In addition, the study is based on static panel regression with the assump-
tion of no persistency in the behaviour of the financial reporting quality. Intro-
ducing dynamics may have produced results different from the reported findings
in this study. In spite of the existence of the limitation however, the conclusion
derived from the study are valid as the results passed various diagnostic tests.
Following from the limitations of the study highlighted in the preceding section,
it is recommended that further studies should make use of other accrual models as
measure of financial reporting quality while attempting to study the relationship
between audit attributes and financial reporting quality. Equally, further studies
can extend the scope of the study by not only relying on the static panel regres-
sion method but also introduce dynamic into the analysis by using panel system
generalized method of moment (GMM) technique.

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Olowookere Johnson Kolawole

Department of Accounting, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
[email protected]

Ige Jacob Ojewale

Westland University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
[email protected]

Ojuade Gideon Adedayo

Bursary Department Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
[email protected]

Adeagbo Kafayat Folasade

Osun State University Bursary Department, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
[email protected]

KARAKTERISTIKE REVIZIJE I KVALITETA

FINANCIJSKOG IZVJEŠTAVANJA MEĐU LISTANIM
NEFINANCIJSKIM TVRTKAMA U NIGERIJI

Primljen: 22. lipnja 2023.

Prihvaćen: 27. srpnja 2023.
https://doi.org/10.46458/27121097.2023.29.60

Prethodno priopćenje

Sažetak

Ovaj rad ima za cilj ispitivanje učinaka karakteristika revizije na kvalitetu finan-
cijskog izvještavanja listanih nigerijskih nefinancijskih tvrtki. U radu se provje-
rava učinak moderiranja kvalitete vanjske revizije na vezu između značajki unu-
tarnje revizije i kvalitete financijskog izvješćivanja (FRQ). U ovom istraživanju
korišten je longitudinalni panel istraživanja. Uzorak se sastoji od 112 nefinancij-
skih tvrtki listanih nigerijskoj burzi (Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX)). U radu se
koriste sekundarni podaci dobiveni od 72 navedene nefinancijske tvrtke u Nige-
riji tijekom razdoblja od 2013. do 2020. godine. Analiza podataka prikupljenih
za istraživanje provedena je pomoću panel regresije, korelacijske analize i de-
skriptivne statistike. Rezultati su pokazali kako sastanci AC-a i rodna raznolikost
AC-a imaju značajan pozitivan učinak na kvalitetu financijskog izvještavanja,

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 Olowookere Johnson Kolawole, Ige Jacob Ojewale, Ojuade Gideon Adedayo, Adeagbo Kafayat Folasade

dok neovisnost AC-a i veličina nemaju značajan utjecaj. Osim toga, u radu je
utvrđen moderirajući učinak zaostajanja u revizijskom izvješću na vezu između
sastanka AC-a i kvalitete financijskog izvještavanja, kao i na vezu između rodne
raznolikosti AC-a i kvalitete financijskog izvještavanja, što upućuje na to kako
pravovremenost revizijskog izvještavanja jača pozitivan i znatan učinak sastana-
ka AC-a i rodne raznolikosti na kvalitetu financijskog izvještavanja.. U radu je
zaključeno kako su karakteristike kvalitete revizije značajne za poboljšanje kva-
litete financijskog izvještavanja listanih nefinancijskih društava u Nigeriji. Stoga
se u radu preporučuje da regulatori i donositelji odluka poduzeća osiguraju veću
zastupljenost žena u AC-u. Također, AC tvrtki u nigerijskom nefinancijskom sek-
toru treba poticati na redovite sastanke.

Ključne riječi: naknade za reviziju, sjednica odbora za reviziju, vanjska revizija,

kvaliteta financijskog izvješća, unutarnja revizija

JEL: M42

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