During the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, every sector had to navigate rapid changes, not least the world of accounting. A recent study by Emilio Boulianne, Annie Lecompte, and Mélissa Fortin, published in „Accounting and the Public Interest,“ explores how pivotal actors within the […]
Recent research by Bidisha Chakrabarty, Michael Hyman, and Gopal V. Krishnan has shed light on how auditors react to non-financial misconduct within corporations. Their study, published in the International Journal of Auditing, utilizes a novel database to track penalties from federal, state, and local agencies […]
In a world where data proliferates at an unprecedented rate, understanding and managing alternative data, or ‚altdata‘, is becoming increasingly critical for organizations. Altdata encompasses information that exists outside of traditional financial and regulatory reporting channels—ranging from social media insights to geolocation data and beyond. […]
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has finalized a settlement with California-based footwear giant, Skechers U.S.A. Inc., concerning undisclosed payments to family members of executives and undisclosed loans to its executives. Skechers has agreed to pay a $1.25 million civil penalty to resolve these charges. […]
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is reshaping how academic institutions operate and interact with students and faculty. A standout example of this integration is ChatGPT, a generative AI developed by OpenAI. Based on the GPT-3.5 model, ChatGPT offers a conversational interface […]
In the realm of accounting and finance, the choice of auditor and its impact on the transparency and quality of financial reporting is a pivotal concern for both academics and practitioners. The study by Karel Hrazdil, Dan A. Simunic, and Nattavut Suwanyangyuan, published in the […]
A recent study by Annika Bonrath and Marc Eulerich, published in the International Journal of Auditing, embarks on an insightful exploration into the integral role of Internal Audit Functions (IAF) in the domain of fraud prevention and detection. This research is timely, given the increasing […]
As the corporate world increasingly recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, boardroom gender diversity has emerged as a critical area for reform and institutional monitoring. In their groundbreaking study published in the „Review of Accounting Studies,“ Larry Fauver, Mingyi Hung, Alvaro G. Taboada, and […]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken a front seat, steering innovation and operational efficiencies across industries. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and the rapid adoption of generative AI (GenAI) is no exception. A recent survey conducted by Gartner, Inc. reveals a significant shift in […]
A new study conducted by Mara Cameran, Domenico Campa, and Angela Pettinicchio published in the Journal of Accounting, Auditing & Finance delves into an important but less explored aspect of workplace diversity in the accounting profession, particularly focusing on the Australian audit market. Their research […]
In the digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a futuristic vision to a core component of business strategy. This transition, especially with the advent of Generative AI, places AI at the heart of business technology, compelling businesses to reassess its potential impact critically. […]
In a revealing study that illuminates the shadowy depths of corporate fraud, Alexander Dyck, Adair Morse, and Luigi Zingales explore the real magnitude of corporate misconduct and its financial implications on a global scale. Published in the „Review of Accounting Studies,“ their research employs a […]
In an era where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns are becoming increasingly paramount, the role of internal audit teams in ensuring the integrity and reliability of ESG reporting cannot be overstated. With over 60 jurisdictions around the world considering new sustainability reporting requirements, the […]
In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the question of moral responsibility in the face of harm caused by AI systems becomes increasingly pertinent. As AI continues to permeate various sectors—marketing, healthcare, finance, and beyond—its autonomy and decision-making capabilities raise significant ethical concerns. Yulia W. […]
In a significant move that could reshape the landscape of corporate reporting, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adopted new rules aimed at enhancing and standardizing climate-related disclosures for investors. Announced on March 6, 2024, these rules mark a pivotal step in the SEC’s […]
As the business environment continues to evolve in 2024, internal auditors are at the forefront of navigating through a labyrinth of challenges and opportunities presented by globalisation, climate change, geopolitical tensions, and rapid digital transformation. The KPMG Internal Audit Topics 2024 report shines a light […]
The field of nonprofit accounting research has seen remarkable growth and diversification over the past two decades, fueled by the advent of accessible, digitized data sources. Julie M. Mercado, Linda M. Parsons, and Kyle A. Smith’s paper, „The Growing Field of Nonprofit Accounting Research: 21st […]
In the dynamic landscape of organizational management, the strategies employed to motivate employees and enhance performance have always been a subject of extensive research and debate. A recent study conducted by D. Kip Holderness, Kari Joseph Olsen, and Todd A. Thornock, and published in Behavioral […]
In an era where the complexity and pace of change are unparalleled, the PwC Global Internal Audit Study 2023 provides a beacon for internal auditors navigating through the intricate landscape of risks and opportunities. This extensive study, drawing insights from a broad spectrum of 4,680 […]
In the intricate world of auditing, the stakes are high when it comes to detecting fraud. Auditors, tasked with ensuring the financial integrity of organizations, must navigate a landscape where the mere mention of „fraud“ can tighten lips and close doors. Recent research led by […]
In the realm of social sciences, the echo of a replication crisis has been reverberating, casting shadows of doubt over the reliability of research findings. This crisis suggests that many studies might not hold up under the scrutiny of replication attempts, a cornerstone of scientific […]
In an age where the velocity of information can significantly impact financial markets, a recent study by Jenna D’Adduzio of The University of British Columbia, David S. Koo of George Mason University, Santhosh Ramalingegowda of the University of Georgia, and Yong Yu of The University […]
In the fast-paced world of business, the speed at which companies fill job vacancies might seem like a trivial detail. However, a recent study published in the Review of Accounting Studies sheds light on the significant implications this detail holds for future firm profitability, particularly […]
In the ever-evolving landscape of the auditing profession, ethical conflicts (ECs) emerge as formidable challenges that auditors grapple with daily. These conflicts arise when auditors find themselves at a crossroads, torn between their personal values, professional obligations, and the actions they are compelled to take. […]
In a recent development, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken action against Brian Sewell and his company, Rockwell Capital Management, in connection with a fraudulent scheme that targeted students enrolled in Sewell’s online crypto trading course, the American Bitcoin Academy. This scheme […]
In a world grappling with climate change, resource depletion, poverty, and injustice, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. Yet, the question remains: how can innovation be harnessed to address these pressing challenges responsibly? Enter the realm of „Responsible Design Thinking for […]
On January 25, 2024, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler delivered a speech highlighting the significance of shortening the settlement cycle in financial markets. In his address, Chair Gensler emphasized the impact of this move on market efficiency, risk reduction, and investor benefits. […]
In the realm of corporate finance and reputation management, the question of how to effectively repair a company’s image after a financial restatement is a critical one. Lei Dong and Y. Ken Wang address this issue in their study, „Reputation Repair after a Restatement: The […]
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of accounting is rapidly changing the dynamics of the profession. A recent workshop, hosted by the Journal of Information Systems, brought together industry experts and academics to discuss the implications of AI for accounting. The key […]
In the intricate world of occupational fraud, the decisions victim organizations make about punishing perpetrators are as varied as they are complex. A recent study published in the Journal of Forensic Accounting Research by Erlina Papakroni, Marie Rice, and Lisa M. Dilks delves deep into […]
In the picturesque town of Davos, Switzerland, the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum recently convened, bringing together a diverse array of global leaders against a backdrop of mounting geo-political tensions and emerging global challenges. Davos, known for its serene landscapes, transformed into […]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a paradoxical nature. It’s a powerful tool, yet its current capabilities are still quite limited. AI holds the potential to significantly enhance human life but also poses risks such as exacerbating social inequalities and causing widespread job displacement. Despite its complex, […]
In the ever-evolving landscape of financial reporting, the role of internal controls has become increasingly pivotal, particularly in the context of audit completeness and the reliability of earnings announcements. A recent study by Michelle A. Draeger and Eric R. Lohwasser, published in Accounting Horizons, sheds […]
Garry D. Carnegie’s reflective piece in the Accounting Historians Journal, marking the 50th anniversary of The Academy of Accounting Historians, offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the accounting profession over five decades. Established in 1973, under the leadership of Gary John Previts, the […]
In a rapidly changing financial landscape, controllers play a crucial role in maintaining an organization’s financial health. A recent research article, „Current Issues Faced by Controllers“ by Anthony C. Bucaro, T. Jeffrey Wilks, and Christopher G. Yust, delves into the current challenges encountered by controllers, […]
In the digital age, the shift towards online education has been accelerated, particularly in disciplines like accounting. However, this shift brings with it a new set of challenges, primarily concerning academic integrity. Jenelle K. Conaway and Taylor Wiesen dive into this issue in their article, […]
In the rapidly evolving world of accounting, a recent study sheds light on two crucial factors influencing accounting students‘ commitment to the profession: the sense of belonging and the impact of stereotype threat. Cristina Bailey, Serena Loftus, and Sarah Shonka McCoy delve into this topic […]
In a world where diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important in the workplace, a recent research article titled „Perceived Organizational Inclusion: Evidence from Neurodivergent Accountants in the U.S.“ by Loreal Jiles, Qi Duong (Susie), and Roopa Venkatesh explores the intersection of neurodiversity and the […]
Drawing on organizational legitimacy theories, a recent research paper suggests that managers may adopt similar accounting practices as industry leaders to gain credibility and legitimacy. Especially for newly appointed CEOs, mirroring the accounting behaviors of industry leaders can serve as a signal of trustworthiness in […]
In their recent study, Yueqi Li, Sanjay Goel, and Kevin Williams delve into the profound impact of remote auditing on the audit profession. First published in February 2023, their research provides a comprehensive analysis of how the shift from traditional on-site audits to remote audits […]
In their recent research article, Stefan Simic, Le Luo, and Rina Datt provide intriguing insights into how compensation strategies within companies influence their decision to engage in carbon assurance. Published in September 2023, their study, titled „Compensation and carbon assurance: Evidence from the United Kingdom,“ […]
Tracie Frost, Liwei Shan, Albert Tsang, and Miao Yu’s research, published in July 2022, examines the relationship between media coverage of corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) and audit fees on a global scale. Their study, using data from 35 countries, found a significant positive correlation between […]
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has emerged as a popular tool among auditors and corporate accountants, aiding in various accounting tasks. While the benefits of RPA are often highlighted, its potential risks and challenges are less frequently discussed. In a revealing article by Marc Eulerich, Nathan […]
In the realm of corporate finance and accounting, the impact of internal control weaknesses (MWs) on shareholder trust and perceptions is a topic of ongoing interest and importance. A recent article by Hambisa Belina, K. Raghunandan, and Dasaratha V. Rama, titled „Do Shareholders Care about […]
In 2022, the UK witnessed a significant increase in the value of fraud cases, as reported by KPMG UK’s latest Fraud Barometer. This year has seen a startling rise to £1.12 billion in fraud value, marking a 151% increase compared to the previous year. This […]
The article „Attracting the Next Generation of Accountants“ delves into the intersection of career choice and personal values in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a spotlight on Gen Z’s entry into the workforce and their affinity for sustainability, the study presents an intriguing […]
In their recent study published in „AUDITING: A Journal of Practice & Theory,“ Ghio, Moulang, and Gendron delve into the experiences of women auditors during the COVID-19 pandemic. They identify that the pandemic, far from leveling the playing field, instead further highlighted and intensified existing […]
In the world of accounting, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changer. By automating operations, analyzing data, identifying fraud, enabling predictive analytics, and offering personalized financial advice, AI brings accuracy and efficiency to accounting processes. This transformative technology empowers organizations to make informed and […]
In the rapidly evolving landscape of finance and accounting, the potential of Audit Analytics (AA) stands out, promising to transform the Internal Audit Function (IAF). However, despite its potential, its adoption remains limited. A recent study in the „Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting“ delved […]
The internal Audit Foundation in collaboration with Grant Thornton recently released a report in which over 200 chief audit executives (CAEs) and directors shared their perspectives on leveraging data analytics to generate and elevate value. The majority of internal auditing teams are already prioritizing data […]
A new article in the IIA’s publication “Internal Auditor” discusses a report released by the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) regarding the consumer account and cross-selling failures at Wells Fargo Bank. The report recommends fines for three former internal audit and […]
The world of financial reporting has seen significant transformations in the past few decades, with evolving regulatory standards and changing business environments. Amid these changes, one area that has continually held significance is the internal audit function (IAF). Despite its importance, the IAF has remained […]
Recent developments in the accounting industry have led to increased collaboration between professionals from different accounting firms. This collaboration involves firms providing various services, such as audit and tax, to client organizations. While this trend offers many benefits, it also raises questions about how information […]
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has made two significant announcements recently, indicating its ongoing commitment to a transparent and accountable financial market. Registration Fee Rate Hike for Fiscal Year 2024 The SEC unveiled the fee rates for fiscal year 2024. Effective from October 1, […]
Earnings management has long been a concern in the corporate world, with companies striving to meet or beat analysts‘ earnings forecasts through various accounting tactics. External auditors play a critical role in curbing opportunistic earnings management behavior and providing financial statement reliability. However, recent research […]
Generative AI, a technology with the capability to drive vast economic transformation, is on the brink of reshaping our future. McKinsey’s recent research underlines the sheer magnitude of this shift, suggesting generative AI could add a staggering $2.6 to $4.4 trillion annually across numerous use […]
In the era of remote work, public accounting firms grapple with a vital concern: how to effectively socialize new employees. This process, known as Organizational Socialization (OS), is pivotal for new professionals to assimilate the attitudes, values, social skills, and technical expertise vital to their […]
In today’s fast-paced financial markets, the timely and accurate disclosure of material information is crucial for investors to make informed decisions. However, some managers may seek to exploit investors‘ cognitive constraints and processing capacity to strategically hide negative news. In this blog post, we explore […]
Whistleblower programs have undoubtedly made their mark in the corporate sector, acting as a formidable tool in the fight against unethical behavior. Yet, when we pivot our attention to the academic realm, especially where student policies for reporting peer misconduct are concerned, a glaring gap […]
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has recently issued its inaugural global sustainability disclosure standards, marking a significant development in the field of sustainability reporting. The standards, IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, aim to provide a common language for disclosing sustainability-related risks, opportunities, and climate-related […]
Artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making systems have become an integral part of our daily lives, impacting various aspects, from e-commerce and entertainment to medical diagnosis and financial domains. While these algorithms offer efficiency and scalability, users often struggle to trust these systems due to the […]
Audit regulation is primarily focused on enhancing the quality of external financial reporting and protecting the interests of external stakeholders. However, there is growing recognition that such regulation can also have spillover effects on the internal information environment of organizations, benefiting managers in their decision-making […]
To assist organizations in understanding and benchmarking their own processes, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and Thomson Reuters collaborated on a report. This report aims to explore the risks and controls associated with business-to-business transactions and relationships. The findings are compiled in: “Combatting […]
The adoption of advanced language models, such as ChatGPT, in the accounting field has sparked considerable interest and discussion in recent times. In this blog post, we dive into a recent paper that talks about how Uniper, a multinational energy company, has harnessed ChatGPT to […]
There is a rapid shift in auditing practice with the integration of audit data analytics (ADA) tools. As the audit landscape changes, the question arises: How can educators effectively integrate ADA into the existing auditing curriculum to better equip students for the future of auditing? […]
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has introduced critical audit matters (CAMs) to expand audit reports to provide external users with more information regarding potential risks of material misstatements. While the intention of CAM disclosures is to highlight the risk of material misstatement and […]
A newly published paper in Accounting Horizons highlights the implications of frequent auditor switching for the audit quality. The paper is particularly significant for regulators, practitioners, and academics to inform policy discussions, audit committee disclosure requirements, risk models, investment decisions, and future research on auditor […]
In a press release published on May 18, 2023 the Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) presented their report: “Building a Best-in-Class Whistleblower Hotline Program”. The report includes benchmarking data, evaluates the factors contributing to program effectiveness, […]
It is not an uncommon occurrence for companies to face operational and accounting failures at some point in their journey. When such events occur, these companies often find themselves seeking ways to salvage their reputations and regain the trust of their stakeholders. According to a […]
In 2022, several risk areas put organizations in a state of permanent crisis: the ongoing pandemic, supply chain issues, climate change along with natural disasters, persistent inflation and rising energy prices driven by the war in Ukraine. For this reason, 14 Institutes of Internal Auditors […]
The eighth market scan conducted by the IAASB’s Disruptive Technology team explores the Internet of Things (IoT), focusing on Networks for Asset Monitoring and Data Generation. This technology enables real time tracking, management, and monitoring of business processes and assets. The article provides an overview […]
A new research article in Accounting Horizons shows the efficacy of Center for Internal Auditing Excellence (CIAE) programs in raising the quality of Internal Audit Functions (IAFs) of nearby companies. A lack of domain knowledge in internal auditing could lead to lower-quality and less effective […]
A newly released paper emphasizes the significance of risk governance in organizations and its susceptibility to internal and external influences. It underscores the importance of executives and boards in setting a strong tone at the top regarding risk governance in their organizations. This tone should […]
The Auditing Standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (PCAOB) provide authoritative guidance to auditors of U.S. public companies during their audits. However, these standards predominantly employ masculine generic pronouns instead of gender-specific or gender-neutral pronouns. Reflecting the audit profession’s and the PCAOB’s emphasis […]
In the fast-paced digital era, technological proficiency has become increasingly vital across various industries. To bridge the gap between technology and the accounting profession, a group of dedicated students and faculty from Brigham Young University (BYU) has established TechHub.training. The mission is to provide a […]
The “ Fraud Risk Management Guide – second edition “ article from the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is an updated guidance for organizations to follow in addressing the specific fraud risk. This […]
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has recently issued its first Request for Information (RFI) on May 4, 2023. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather input and shape the ISSB’s work plan for the next two years. The ISSB is […]
ESG factors have rapidly become as important as financial metrics for corporations, leading to increased pressure and potential for exploitation. Organizations must evaluate their ESG programs, update reporting standards, strengthen controls, and address fraud risks. However, the lack of consistent standards in the regulatory and […]
The increasing interconnectivity of our world creates new opportunities as well as new risks. Deployment of digital technologies, exponential growth in data volumes, and changing business needs are expanding targets for cyber threats, making effective collaboration between cyber and risk management a strategic priority. Deloitte’s […]
ChatGPT, an advanced language model, has been making waves in the media, with many speculating about its potential for massive disruption, particularly in the fields of accounting and auditing. However, prior research has raised concerns about ChatGPT’s performance on student assessment questions. In order to […]
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued thelargest-ever whistleblower award of nearly $279 million. The award was granted to a whistleblower whose information and assistance led to successful enforcement actions by the SEC. This award surpasses the previous record of $114 million given in […]
As of December 15th, 2022, the IDW has introduced ISA [DE] 315 (Revised 2019), an auditing standard that has been fundamentally revised by the IAASB to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement. Due to the changing audit scope resulting from ongoing digitization, the […]
The global economy has consistently been subject to a variety of financial risks and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges that require careful consideration. In a recent article, The Wall Street Journal highlighted twelve areas of financial risk in the current economic landscape. The […]
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires all firms to include a risk factor section in their periodic filings, but doubts remain about the informativeness of these disclosures. Cybersecurity risk disclosures are particularly important due to the increasing number of data breaches, and firms […]
Recent changes in regulations in Germany about the Financial Market Integrity Strengthening Act (FISG) highlight the importance of audit committee effectiveness in ensuring the reliability and transparency of financial reporting. The FISG was enacted in response to high-profile accounting scandals and corporate failures, including the […]
Sustainability reporting is becoming an increasingly important topic in the business world, and for good reason. It is a way for companies to communicate to stakeholders how they are addressing sustainability issues, such as climate change, social responsibility, and environmental impact. By providing transparency and […]
The audit expectation gap describes the difference between what auditors do and what the public thinks they do. It has been a problem for the audit profession for decades, particularly with regard to auditors’ responsibilities for preventing and detecting fraud and maintaining internal controls. However, […]
Algorithms are becoming increasingly prevalent in our lives, from the ads we see on social media to the decisions made by banks and other institutions. However, as algorithms become more widespread, it is crucial to ensure they are not biased or discriminatory through appropriate auditing […]
COSO has released additional guidance „Achieving Effective Internal Control of Sustainability Reporting“ using the globally recognized COSO Internal Control-Integrated Framework as its basis. The guidance includes references to the role of internal audit function in sustainability reporting and key themes to consider while establishing and […]
The Pulse of Internal Audit report is a primary data source for leaders in internal audit. It offers valuable information on various topics such as internal audit budgets, staff, audit plans, risks, and more important topics. The 2023 edition includes timely data on audit frequency […]
The use of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) language model from OpenAI, is currently causing „office drama“ with large debates over its appropriate use, productivity hacks, and the evaluation of human performance. While some workers embrace it to create professional-sounding emails and automate tasks, others […]
The expenses for both companies and their investors due to cybersecurity incidents are increasing, and the rate of increase is also going up. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is suggesting changes to its rules to make public companies provide better information about their cybersecurity […]
The International Internal Audit Standards Board just announced the next stage in the IPPF evolution (IIA, 2023): Public comment on the proposed Standards is now open! The IIA started its IPPF Evolution project in 2020, with the goal of modernizing and transforming the IIA Standards […]
It has now been almost three years since the IIASB acknowledged the need for re-organizing and -presenting the Standards, and thus began to update the internal audit profession’s governing documents. After a throughout revision phase that took into account the input of a broad range […]
The Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA) position paper Relationship of Trust – Building Better Connections Between the Audit Committee and Internal Audit stresses the importance of a trusting and dynamic partnership between internal audit and the audit committee. The IIA calls the relationship between both […]
With the onset of and hype around ChatGPT, companies increasingly start experimenting with tools that involve artificial intelligence (AI). However, guidance and frameworks on how internal auditing can deal with AI remain scarce. Back in 2017, the IIA outlined in their white paper Artificial Intelligence […]
Disclosing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) information is crucial in today’s business environment because it allows investors, stakeholders, and consumers to make informed decisions about a company’s impact on the environment, society, and governance practices. Furthermore, ESG information has been linked to better long-term financial […]
The Public Sector differs significantly from profit organizations in terms of its objectives and purpose. Thus, the work and structure of internal audit functions (IAFs) differ fundamentally between these types of organizations as well. To address the special needs of IAFs within the public sector […]
In the last report “Redefining the Resilient Organization” of a three-part series on “Internal Audit in a Post-COVID World” by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the authors give internal auditors guidance on how to prepare organizations for potentially arising business transformations and disruptions. Part […]