Dutch Journal of Finance and Management

Factors affecting the quality of relationships between internal auditors and auditees in Iranian companies
Ali Mohammad Gorgani 1 * , Seyyed Hossein Sajjadi 2, Mohammad Hossein Safarzadeh Bandari 3
More Detail
1 Master's Degree in audit, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2 Full Professor of accounting, Department of Management and Accounting, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor of accounting, Department of Management and Accounting, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
* Corresponding Author
Research Article

Dutch Journal of Finance and Management, 2024 - Volume 7 Issue 2, Article No: 28286
https://doi.org/10.55267/djfm/14976

Published Online: 19 Aug 2024

Views: 165 | Downloads: 107

How to cite this article
APA 6th edition
In-text citation: (Gorgani et al., 2024)
Reference: Gorgani, A. M., Sajjadi, S. H., & Bandari, M. H. S. (2024). Factors affecting the quality of relationships between internal auditors and auditees in Iranian companies. Dutch Journal of Finance and Management, 7(2), 28286. https://doi.org/10.55267/djfm/14976
Vancouver
In-text citation: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Reference: Gorgani AM, Sajjadi SH, Bandari MHS. Factors affecting the quality of relationships between internal auditors and auditees in Iranian companies. DUTCH J FINANCE MANA. 2024;7(2):28286. https://doi.org/10.55267/djfm/14976
AMA 10th edition
In-text citation: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Reference: Gorgani AM, Sajjadi SH, Bandari MHS. Factors affecting the quality of relationships between internal auditors and auditees in Iranian companies. DUTCH J FINANCE MANA. 2024;7(2), 28286. https://doi.org/10.55267/djfm/14976
Chicago
In-text citation: (Gorgani et al., 2024)
Reference: Gorgani, Ali Mohammad, Seyyed Hossein Sajjadi, and Mohammad Hossein Safarzadeh Bandari. "Factors affecting the quality of relationships between internal auditors and auditees in Iranian companies". Dutch Journal of Finance and Management 2024 7 no. 2 (2024): 28286. https://doi.org/10.55267/djfm/14976
Harvard
In-text citation: (Gorgani et al., 2024)
Reference: Gorgani, A. M., Sajjadi, S. H., and Bandari, M. H. S. (2024). Factors affecting the quality of relationships between internal auditors and auditees in Iranian companies. Dutch Journal of Finance and Management, 7(2), 28286. https://doi.org/10.55267/djfm/14976
MLA
In-text citation: (Gorgani et al., 2024)
Reference: Gorgani, Ali Mohammad et al. "Factors affecting the quality of relationships between internal auditors and auditees in Iranian companies". Dutch Journal of Finance and Management, vol. 7, no. 2, 2024, 28286. https://doi.org/10.55267/djfm/14976
ABSTRACT
Despite the importance of constructive relationships for internal auditors, there is limited research on the factors affecting the quality of relationships between internal auditors and auditees. This study examines the impact of identifying the most important addressee and stakeholder, taking account of senior management's expectations, the diversity of internal audit activities, the application of information technology, the expertise and experience of internal auditors on the quality of relationships between internal auditors and auditees in Iranian companies. This article is quantitative in terms of methodology and a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis is based on the answers obtained from 262 internal auditors, certified public accountants, and other practitioners who answered the questionnaire in 2022. The results show that the identification of the most important addressee and stakeholder and the application of information technology in internal audit process have a positive and significant impact on the relationship between internal auditors and auditees, and these factors will improve the acceptability of internal auditors' recommendations in the organization, which will increase the effectiveness of internal audit function and reduce arguments and disagreements between internal auditors and auditees.
KEYWORDS
REFERENCES
  • Abbott, L. J., Parker, S., Peters, G. F. (2010). “Serving Two Masters: The Association Between Audit Committee Internal Audit Oversight and Internal Audit Activities.” Accounting Horizons, 24(1): 1–24.
  • Al-Twaijry, A., Brierley, J., Gwilliam, D. (2004). “An Examination of the Relationship Between Internal and External Audit in the Saudi Arabian Corporate Sector.” Managerial Auditing Journal, 19(7): 929-944.
  • Álvarez-Foronda, R. & De Pablos-Heredero, C. & Rodríguez-Sánchez, J. (2023). Implementation model of data analytics as a tool for improving internal audit processes. Frontiers in Psychology. 14. 1-10. 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1140972.
  • Alzeban, A., Gwilliam, D. (2014). “Factors Affecting the Internal Audit Effectiveness: A Survey of the Saudi Public Sector.” Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, 23, 74-86.
  • Anderson, R. J., Svare, J. C. (2011). “Imperatives for Change: the IIA's global internal auditing survey in action: A component of the CBOK study.” Altamonte Springs, FL: The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation.
  • Anderson, U.L., Head, M.J., Ramamoorti, S., Riddle, C., Salamasick, M., Sobel, P.J. (2017).”Internal Auditing: Assurance & Advisory Services (4th ed. ).” Published by Internal Audit Foundation.
  • Araj, G.(2015). “Responding to Fraud Risk: Exploring Where Internal Auditing Stands.” The Global Internal Audit Common Body of Knowledge.
  • Arena, M., Azzone, G. (2009). “Identifying Organizational Drivers of Internal Audit Effectiveness.” International Journal of Auditing, 13(1):43-60.
  • Bhattacharjya, J., Chang, V. (2007). “Evolving IT Governance Practices for Aligning IT with Business—A Case Study in an Australian Institution of Higher Education.” Journal of Information Science & Technology, 4(1): 24-46.
  • Bishop, T. (2004). “Preventing, Deterring, and Detecting Fraud: What Works and What Doesn’t.” Journal of Investment Compliance, 5(2): 120-127.
  • Braun, R. L., Davis, H. E. (2003). “Computer‐Assisted Audit Tools and Techniques: Analysis and Perspectives.” Managerial Auditing Journal, 18(9): 725–731.
  • Brender, N., Yzeiraj, B., Fragnière, E. (2015). “The Management Audit as a Tool to Foster Corporate Governance: an Inquiry in Switzerland.” Managerial Auditing Journal, 30 (8/9):785-811.
  • Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA). (2010). “IT Strategic Planning for SMEs.” Toronto, Canada: CICA.
  • Carpenter, T., Durtschi, C.,Gaynor, L. M. (2002). “The Role of Experience in Professional Skepticism, Knowledge Acquisition, and Fraud Detection.” SSRN Electronic Journal. 10.2139/ssrn.346921.
  • Cardoso, M., Carvalho, J.V., Ramos, I. (2009). Open Innovation Communities…or should it be “Networks”. In: Lytras, M., Damiani, E., Ordóñez de Pablos, P. (eds) Web 2.0. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-85895-1_4
  • Chambers, R. (2017). “Trusted Advisors: Key Attributes of Outstanding Internal Auditors.” Published by Internal Audit Foundations.
  • Chambers, R. (2018). “Stakeholders Have Last Word on Whether Internal Audit Adds Value.” Available at:https://www.richardchambers.com/stakeholders-have-last-word-on-whether-internal-audit-adds-value/(Accessed: September 22, 2022)
  • Chambers, R. (2019). “The Speed of Risk: Lessons Learned on the Audit Trail.” Published by Institute of Internal Auditors.
  • Chambers, R. (2021). “Whose Risk Is It, Anyway? When Management Says “No” to Internal Audit” Available at: https://www.richardchambers.com/whose-risk-is-it-anyway-when-management-says-no-to-internal-audit-2/ (Accessed: September 22, 2022).
  • Chambers, R. and McDonald, P. (2013), “Succeeding as a 21st Century Internal Auditor: 7 Attributes of Highly Effective Internal Auditors.” Robert Half International and The Institute of Internal Auditors.
  • Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors. (2020). Working with Stakeholders. Available at: https://www.iia.org.uk/resources/managing-internal-audit/working-with stakeholders/?downloadPdf=true(Accessed: September 22, 2022).
  • Coetzee, P., Erasmus, L. (2017). “What Drives and Measures Public Sector Internal Audit Effectiveness? Dependent and Independent Variables.” International Journal of Auditing, 21(3): 237-248.
  • Cohen, A., Sayag, G. (2010). “The Effectiveness of Internal Auditing.” Australian Accounting Review, 54 (20): 296-307.
  • Coleman, G. (2021). Stakeholder Engagement and Management. Available at: https://www. accaglobal. com/gb/en/member/discover/cpd-articles/audit-assurance/stakeholder-engagement-and-management. html(Accessed: September 22, 2022).
  • Coleman, P. and Kasahara, S. (2019), “A blended approach.” Internal Auditor, August, pp. 50-55.
  • Cowan, M., Camfield, H., English, S. and Hammond, S. (2014). “State of Internal Audit Survey 2014 – Adapting to Complex Challenges?” Thomson Reuters Accelus, Toronto.
  • Craig-Cooper, M. and De Backer, P. D. (1993). “Management Audit Methodology, The Management Audit: How to Create an Effective Management Team.” Financial Times Pitman Publishing, London, pp. 67-97.
  • David, T. (2021). “6 Tips to Build Stronger Relationships with Auditees.” Available at: https://www.auditboard.com/blog/6-tips-build-stronger-relationships-auditees/ (Accessed: Sep 22, 2022).
  • De Haes, S., Van Grembergen, W. (2009). “An Exploratory Study into IT Governance Implementations and its Impact on Business/IT Alignment.” Information System Management. 26(2):123-137.
  • De Haes, S., Grembergen,W.V., Debreceny, R. (2013). “COBIT 5 and Enterprise Governance of Information Technology: Building Blocks and Research Opportunities.” Journal of Information Systems, 27(1): 307–324.
  • Deloitte (2017). “Nine Ways to Strengthen Internal Audit’s Impact and Influence in the Organization.” Available at: https://www2. deloitte. com/global/en/pages/audit/articles/gx-nine-ways-to-strengthen-internal-audit-impact-influence-in-organization. html(Accessed: September 22, 2022).
  • D'Onza, G., Sarens, G. (2017). “Factors that Enhance the Quality of the Relationships Between Internal Auditors and Auditees: Evidence from Italian Companies.” International Journal of Auditing, 22(1): 1-12.
  • Emett, S. A. and Eulerich, M., Pickerd, J. S. and Wood, D. A. (2024). Reassessing Assurance in an Automated World: Insights from Board Members, Executives, and Internal Auditors (March 1, 2024). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4744611 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4744611
  • Endaya, K.A. and Hanefah, M.M. (2013) Internal Audit Effectiveness: An Approach Proposition to Develop the Theoretical Framework. Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, 4, 92-102.
  • Flesher, D.L., Zanzig, J.S. (2000), “Management Accountants Express a Desire for Change in the Functioning of Internal Auditing”, Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 15, No. 7, pp. 331-337.
  • Fountain, L. (2016).” Leading the Internal Audit Function.” Published by CRC Press.
  • Gaballa, A. S. M, Ning, Z. (2011). “An Analytical Study of the Effects of Experience on the Performance of the External Auditor.” International Conference on Business and Economics Research, 1, 169 -173.
  • Garyn, H, McCafferty, J. (2021). “The Six Biggest Relationship Mistakes Internal Auditors Make.” Available at: https://internalaudit360.com/the-six-biggest-relationship-mistakes-internal-auditors-make/ (Acc: Sep 22, 2022)
  • Garyn,H. (2021). “Assurance vs. Advisory Work: Is It Time to Rebalance?” Available at: https://internalaudit360.com/assurance-vs-advisory-work-is-it-time-to-rebalance/(Accessed: Sep 22, 2022)
  • Griffiths, P. (1999). "Understanding the Expectations of Finance Directors Towards Internal Audit and Its Future.” Managerial Auditing Journal, 14, 489–496.
  • Guner, M. F. (2008). Stakeholders’ Perceptions and Expectations and the Evolving Role of Internal Audit.” Internal Auditing, 23(5), 21-33.
  • Hadden, L. B. (2002). "An Investigation of the Audit Committee and Its Role in Monitoring Information Technology Risks." Nova Southeastern University.
  • Institute of Internal Auditors (2009). “International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) (2009th ed.).” Altamonte Springs: The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation.
  • Institute of Internal Auditors. (2017). International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).
  • Institute of Internal Auditors. (2019). “Relationships of Trust: Building Better Connections Between the Audit Committee and Internal Audit.” Available at: https://www.theiia.org/globalassets/documents/resources/relationships-of-trust--building-better-connections-between-the-audit-committee-and-internal-audit-june-2019/relationships-of-trust.pdf
  • Intakhan, P. , Ussahawanitchakit, P. (2010). “ Roles of Audit Experience and Ethical Reasoning in Audit Professionalism and Audit Effectiveness through a Moderator of Stakeholder Pressure: An Empirical Study of Tax Auditors in Thailand.” Journal of Academy of Business and Economics, 10(5): 1-15.
  • Jacka, J.M. (2018), “How’s Your EQ?” Internal Auditor, February, pp. 36-41.
  • Jackson, R.A. (2015), “The Search for Top Talent.” Internal Auditor, February, pp. 48-53.
  • Kagermann, H., Kinney, W., Küting, K., Weber, C.-P., Boecker, C. (2008). “Internal Audit Handbook: Management with the SAP®-Audit Roadmap.“ Published by Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
  • KPMG (2016).” Internal Audit and Audit Committee: Effectively Managing the Expectations of the Audit Committee From an Internal Audit Perspective.” Available at: https://assets. kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/pdf/2016/06/ch-ac-news-54-article-02-en. pdf(Accessed: September 22, 2022).
  • Lehmann, C. M, Norman, C. S. (2006). “The Effects of Experience on Complex Problem Representa-tion and Judgment in Auditing: An Experimental Investigation.” Behavioral Research in Accounting, 18(1): 65–83.
  • Lenz, R. , Hahn, U. (2015). “A Synthesis of Empirical Internal Audit Effectiveness Literature Pointing to New Research Opportunities.” Managerial Auditing Journal, 30(1): 5–33.
  • Lewington, D. (1991). "Auditing Top Management.” Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 6 No. 4.
  • McCafferty, J. (2021). “The Characteristics of Highly Successful Internal Auditors.” Available at: https://internalaudit360.com/the-characteristics-of-highly-successful-internal-auditors/(Accessed: Sep22, 2022).
  • Mihret, D. G., Yismaw, A. W. (2007). “Internal Audit Effectiveness: An Ethiopian Public Sector Case Study.” Managerial Auditing Journal, 22, 470-484.
  • Moeller, R. (2009). “Brink’s Modern Internal Auditing: A Common Body of Knowledge.” Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. , Hoboken, New Jersey.
  • Murdock, H. (2016). “Operational Auditing: Principles and Techniques for a Changing World.” Published by CRC Press.
  • Nzechukwu, P. O. (2017). “Internal Audit Practice from A to Z.” Published by Auerbach Publications.
  • Pickett, K. H.. (2004). “The Internal Auditor at Work.” Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. , Hoboken, New Jersey.
  • Pitt, S. A. (2014). “Internal Audit Quality: Developing a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program.” Internal Audit Quality: Developing a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program.
  • Plant, K., Slippers, J. (2015). “Improving the Business Communication Skills of Postgraduate Internal Audit Students: A South African Teaching Innovation.” Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 52(3): 310-321.
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers. (2016). “State of the Internal Audit Profession Study.” Available at: http://www. pwc. com/us/en/risk‐assurance/sotp/pwc‐2016‐state‐of‐the‐internal‐audit‐profession report.pdf (Acc: Sep 22, 2022).
  • Quainoo, D. (2020). “Nine Strategies to Ease Tension with Internal Audit Clients.” Available at: https://internalaudit360.com/nine-strategies-to-ease-tension-with-internal-audit-clients/(Acc: Sep22, 2022).
  • Rittenberg, L. E., Anderson, R. (2006). “A Strategic Player, Hiring and inspiring a Chief Audit Executive.” Journal of Accountancy, July 2006, pp. 51-54, 2006.
  • Roth, J. (2000). “Best Practices: Value‐Added Approaches of four Innovative Auditing Departments.” Altamonte Springs, FL: The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation.
  • Roussy, M. (2015). “Welcome to the Day‐to‐Day of Internal Auditors: How do They Cope with Conflict?” Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory, 34(2): 237–264.
  • Sakka, A., Manita,R. (2011). “Les comportements de l’audité affectant la qualité de l’audit : Une étude exploratoire sur le marché Français.” Comptabilités, économie et société, May 2011, Montpellier, France. pp. cd-rom.
  • Salehi, M., Husini, R. (2011). “A Study of the Effect of Information Technology on Internal Auditing: Some Iranian Evidence” African Journal of Business Management, 5(15): 6169-6179
  • Sarens, G., De Beelde, I. (2007). “The Relationship Between Internal Audit and Senior Management: A Qualitative Analysis of Expectations and Perceptions.” International Journal of Auditing, 10(3):219-241.
  • Sarens, G., Allegrini, M., D'Onza, G., Melville, R. (2011). “Are Internal Auditing Practices Related to the Age of the Internal Audit Function? Exploratory Evidence and Directions for Future Research.” Managerial Auditing Journal, 26(1): 51–64.
  • Seol, I., Sarkis, J., Lefley, F. (2011). “Factor Structure of the Competency Framework for Internal Auditing (CFIA) Skills for Entering Level Internal Auditors.” International Journal of Auditing, 15(3): 1–13.
  • Shamki, D., Alhajri, T. A. (2017). “Factors Influencing Internal Audit Effectiveness.” International Journal of Business and Management, 12(10).
  • Sheppard, N. (2021). “It’s All About Managing Relationships.” Available at: https://internalauditor. theiia.org/en/voices/2021/on-the-frontlines-its-all-about-managing-relationships/(Accessed: Sep 22, 2022).
  • Smith, G. (2005). “Communication Skills are Critical for Internal Auditors.” Managerial Auditing Journal, 20(5): 513-519.
  • Soh, D. S. B., Martinov‐Bennie, N. (2011). “The Internal Audit Function, Perceptions of Internal Audit Roles, Effectiveness and Evaluation.” Managerial Auditing Journal, 26(7): 605–622.
  • Spira, L. F., Page, M. (2003). “Risk Management: The Reinvention of Internal Control and the Changing Role of Internal Audit.” Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 16(4): 640–661.
  • Steyn, B., Barac, K., Motubatse, K.N. and Plant, K. (2013), “Views on the Applicability of the Internal Audit Standards and Competencies for Internal Auditors: an African Perspective.” Southern African Journal of Accountability and Auditing Research, Vol. 15, pp. 3-16.
  • Swanson, D. (2010). “Swanson on Internal Auditing—Raising the Bar.” Published by IT Governance Publishing.
  • The Securities and Exchange Organization of Iran (2022). Corporate Governance Framework.
  • Turetken, O., Jethefer, S., Özkan, B. (2019). “Internal Audit Effectiveness: Operationalization and Influencing Factors.” Managerial Auditing Journal. ahead-of-print.
  • Tysiac, K. (2015). “How Internal Audit Can Help Manage 10 Top Technology Risks.”. Available at: https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2015/aug/internal-audit-technology-risks201512911.html (Accessed: September 22, 2022).
  • Vafaei, E. & Singh, H., Scully, G., Gilchrist, D., Agrawal, P. (2023). Relational contracting theory and internal audit: Chief audit executives' perspectives on creating and strengthening trust by building credibility and clarity. International Journal of Auditing. 28. 10.1111/ijau.12314.
  • Van Peursem, K. (2004). “Internal Auditors' Role and Authority: New Zealand Evidence.” Managerial Auditing Journal, 19, 378–393.
  • Vonya Global (2022). ‘Internal Audit Checklist: Client Relationship Management.” Available at: https://vonyaglobal. com/insights/internal-audit-checklist-client-relationship-management/)Accessed: September 22, 2022).
  • Weill P., Ross J. W. (2004). “Governança de tecnologia da informação: Como as empresas com melhor desempenho administram os direitos decisórios de TI na busca por resultados superiores.’ São Paulo: M. Books do Brasil.
  • Witzany, A., Harrington, L. (2016). “Voice of the Customer: Stakeholder’s Message for Internal Audit.” The Global Internal Audit Common Body of Knowledge.
  • Zupan, L. (2018). “20 Key Risks to Consider By Internal Audit Before 2020: Are you Aware of the Risks concerning Internal Audit Today and in the Near Future?” Available at: https://assets. kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/ch/pdf/key-risks-internal-audit-2018. pdf)Accessed: September 22, 2022).
LICENSE
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.