Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Reda Elazab Author-X-Name-First: Reda Author-X-Name-Last: Elazab Author-Name: Ismail Gomaa Author-X-Name-First: Ismail Author-X-Name-Last: Gomaa Title: Assurance and consultancy internal audit roles in information technology risk management and investment decisions Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the disclosure of assurance and consultancy internal auditing roles in information technology (IT) risk management on investment decisions. The methodology used is an experiment where the disclosure of assurance and consultancy internal auditing roles in IT risk management and judgments about investments are made for three internal auditing disclosure in IT risk management scenarios. The results indicate that the disclosure of internal auditing roles in IT risk management has a positive impact on either investment decisions or stock market expectations. These results provide evidence that the disclosure of assurance and consultancy internal auditing roles in IT risk management provides signals to the stock markets. This is the first paper to examine whether intentions to invest and stock price expectations might be affected by the disclosure of assurance and consultancy internal auditing roles in IT risk management. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 115-142 Issue: 2 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: internal audit; risk management; investment decisions. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=144624 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:115-142 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Newman Amaning Author-X-Name-First: Newman Author-X-Name-Last: Amaning Author-Name: Edward Quansah Author-X-Name-First: Edward Author-X-Name-Last: Quansah Author-Name: Tahir Ahmed Andzie Author-X-Name-First: Tahir Ahmed Author-X-Name-Last: Andzie Author-Name: Leticia Sam Author-X-Name-First: Leticia Author-X-Name-Last: Sam Author-Name: Paschal Kpimekuu Boruzie Author-X-Name-First: Paschal Kpimekuu Author-X-Name-Last: Boruzie Title: Factors influencing the perception of non-accounting students in introductory accounting taught in universities in Ghana Abstract: Stereotyping of the accounting profession by the public dates back over half a century ago when O'Dowd and Beardslee in 1960 first reported evidence of prejudiced perceptions about the accounting profession. This issue has since attracted attention of accounting education. This study, thus, aimed to examine the factors influencing the perception of undergraduate non-accounting students in introductory accounting taught in Ghana. We used both purposive and convenient sampling methods to collect data from a cross section of undergraduate non-accounting students pursuing introductory accounting in universities in Ghana. The study employed PLS SEM and process models in analysing the data collected from 333 respondents. Our findings indicated that occupational choice factors, the accounting curriculum, media representation, and teachers and career advisors have significant influence on the perception of undergraduate non-accounting students in introductory accounting taught in Ghana. However, it was found that both workplace tension and ignorance do not have such influence. Besides, when the gender of the undergraduate students is controlled, their perception in the subject is improved. The outcomes of this study have policy and practical implications to enhance effective teaching and learning of introductory accounting taught in Ghana and are, thus, discussed. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 143-168 Issue: 2 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: perception; undergraduate non-accounting students; introductory accounting; Ghana. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=144627 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:143-168 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Niels van Nieuw Amerongen Author-X-Name-First: Niels van Nieuw Author-X-Name-Last: Amerongen Author-Name: Patrick Nieuwenhuizen Author-X-Name-First: Patrick Author-X-Name-Last: Nieuwenhuizen Title: Contingent perspective on the auditor-client relationship: a new determinant of audit quality Abstract: Agency theory, which emphasises the importance of auditor independence, has dominated auditing research for many decades. Under this theory, the dyadic contractual relationship between auditor and client is perceived as undesirable because it is seen as biasing the auditor towards their clients. We call for a re-evaluation of the impact on audit quality of the auditor-client relationship, based on important insights from sociology, in particular drawing on the literature on social exchange theory. We suggest that, while agency theory remains applicable in the domain of public interest entities (and other settings that include separation of management and ownership), social exchange theory is more closely applicable to small and medium-sized entities (in non-PIE settings) that value a relational approach over a transactional approach. Therefore, we argue that a contingent perspective should be applied. Subsequently, the contribution of a high-quality auditor-client relationship towards audit quality requires audit firms and individual auditors to implement both individual and organisational controls to maintain objectivity. Our analysis suggests that the benefits for audit quality of a good auditor-client relationship may have been underrated by auditors as well as audit clients. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 169-186 Issue: 2 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: agency theory; social exchange theory; SET; auditor-client relationship; sociological controls; audit quality. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=144629 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:169-186 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mahi Uddin Author-X-Name-First: Mahi Author-X-Name-Last: Uddin Author-Name: Md. Iftekhar Arif Author-X-Name-First: Md. Iftekhar Author-X-Name-Last: Arif Author-Name: Nazamul Hoque Author-X-Name-First: Nazamul Author-X-Name-Last: Hoque Author-Name: Afzal Ahmad Author-X-Name-First: Afzal Author-X-Name-Last: Ahmad Title: Understanding compliance management practices of ready-made garment industries in Bangladesh: revisiting the challenges and pathways Abstract: This study examines the challenges faced by ready-made garment (RMG) suppliers regarding social compliance and strategies to overcome those challenges. Based on a structured questionnaire, a survey was conducted among 187 compliance/HR managers of RMG suppliers. The study identified 21 challenges under five key challenges such as organisational capability, economic and financial issues, socio-cultural barriers, and labour management issues. Out of 21 challenges, 17 were statistically significant. Besides, this study explored 11 statistically significant strategies to address these challenges. RMG suppliers, buyers, policymakers, and other stakeholder having a stake on the assurance of social compliance should design policies and regulations that facilitate and promote safe and secure workplace environment. Concerted efforts from the buyers, owners, managers, and regulators are needed to eliminate challenges by adopting the strategies. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 187-202 Issue: 2 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: challenges; strategies; social compliance; RMG suppliers; Bangladesh. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=144634 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:187-202 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ellen Bartley Author-X-Name-First: Ellen Author-X-Name-Last: Bartley Title: Crisis in the global accounting pipeline: a clarion call to accounting educators Abstract: Fewer students are majoring in accounting; the number of graduates pursuing licensure is declining; firms struggle to recruit and retain qualified talent; retirements further deplete the ranks; Generation Z prioritises work-life balance; other fields offer more competitive salaries. The convergence of these factors has created a global 'pipeline crisis' in the profession, which has the potential to disrupt global financial markets. The AICPA and CIMA, in collaboration with many constituencies, issued a proposal to address numerous, systemic issues contributing to the crisis. A noticeably excluded stakeholder is the American Accounting Association (AAA), the largest organisation of accounting educators. As the link between accounting education and the profession has been historically strong, the exclusion of the AAA is of grave concern. This paper critically reviews the literature about the crisis, and provides recommendations for educator contributions in solving the crisis. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 203-220 Issue: 3 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: accounting education; high school accounting; accounting majors; accounting pipeline crisis; first course in accounting. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=146431 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:203-220 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nikolaos Giovanis Author-X-Name-First: Nikolaos Author-X-Name-Last: Giovanis Author-Name: Aikaterini Chasiotou Author-X-Name-First: Aikaterini Author-X-Name-Last: Chasiotou Title: Governance and mergers in higher education with public accounting's use: a survey of recent evidence and future paths Abstract: This study analyses the structural elements of mergers and their connection to new governance principles in higher education institutions in relation to public accounting. The use of public accounting is crucial for proper functioning of state universities, but also critical for making important decisions, such as a decision to merge. More specifically, this study explores mergers in higher education worldwide, their types, causes and trends, financial and operational benefits, challenges and risks. The present study provides evidence that public accounting must be used throughout a merger process because public universities must maintain their viability and the presence of a level of profitability that enables them to carry on with their operations without experiencing difficulties due to financial considerations. This study tries to close theoretically the knowledge gap in the university mergers with the use of public accounting and offers a framework for further research on a fruitful area. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 266-289 Issue: 3 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: HEI governance; merger; higher education institution; HEI; public accounting; literature review. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=146432 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:266-289 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Mohammed Riaz Azam Author-X-Name-First: Mohammed Riaz Author-X-Name-Last: Azam Author-Name: Sonia Singh Author-X-Name-First: Sonia Author-X-Name-Last: Singh Author-Name: Liteshni Devi Author-X-Name-First: Liteshni Author-X-Name-Last: Devi Author-Name: Krishan Dayal Author-X-Name-First: Krishan Author-X-Name-Last: Dayal Author-Name: Nagma Naicker Author-X-Name-First: Nagma Author-X-Name-Last: Naicker Title: The impact of COVID-19 on professional scepticism during audit engagement in Fiji: a social theory perspective Abstract: This paper aims to highlight the impact of COVID-19 on professional scepticism during audit engagements in Fiji. Using a phenomenological research design and social theory as the study's theoretical foundation, we examine the views of a sample of Fijian auditors. We found that the pandemic has caused a shift in audit work patterns, with a greater emphasis on the use of technology. Additionally, in the remote audit environment, auditors exercise a high level of professional scepticism in audit risk areas. This study attempts to contribute to the limited literature on the impact of COVID-19 on professional scepticism, particularly from the viewpoint of developing nations, while also providing a good initial impression of how Fijian auditors perceive this impact during audit engagement. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 247-265 Issue: 3 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: COVID-19; auditor; professional scepticism; remote; virtual; uncertainty; audit opinion; evidence; procedures; audit quality; misstatement; audit risk; stakeholders; engagement; Fiji. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=146433 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:247-265 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jacques Hendieh Author-X-Name-First: Jacques Author-X-Name-Last: Hendieh Title: The new auditor: what does the future hold? Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and automation, and big data analytics are rapidly transforming the external audit profession. This exploratory study investigates how these emerging technologies are currently utilised by external auditors in Lebanon, assessing their advantages, challenges, and auditors' perceptions. Through a comprehensive literature review and a survey conducted among Lebanese external auditors between September and October 2024, the study reveals that 82% of auditors believe these technologies could significantly improve audit quality, particularly in terms of accuracy and efficiency. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of technology adoption in auditing by developing a framework that links technological integration to perceived audit risk and quality enhancement. From a managerial perspective, the findings suggest that auditing firms should prioritise training on the use of these technologies and address security concerns to foster greater acceptance. Policymakers are encouraged to consider regulatory reforms that ensure the secure use of technologies. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 290-311 Issue: 3 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: external audit; accounting; technology; audit quality. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=146435 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:290-311 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Drogalas George Author-X-Name-First: Drogalas Author-X-Name-Last: George Author-Name: Karagiorgos Alkiviadis Author-X-Name-First: Karagiorgos Author-X-Name-Last: Alkiviadis Author-Name: Panagiotis Pantelidis Author-X-Name-First: Panagiotis Author-X-Name-Last: Pantelidis Author-Name: Vratskidou Anthoula Author-X-Name-First: Vratskidou Author-X-Name-Last: Anthoula Title: COVID-19's effect on the accounting of SMEs and the role of information technology as a mitigation measure Abstract: The purpose of this article is to study the effects of COVID-19 on the profession of accountant as well as the role of smart technologies. A mixed method approach was used for the analysis with interviews from experts and questionnaires sent to accounting departments of small and medium enterprises. Factor analysis was employed to study these hypotheses. COVID-19 affected the profession of accountant especially through under the pressure of the workload. Most SMEs believe that smart technologies can help address the effects of COVID-19 on the accounting profession. There is a significant difference between accountants and the state, intensified due to their different goals and roles in a pandemic. There is a great need for training and support in the informational technology transition. The unprecedented situation and stress levels indicate that states could devise long-term development strategies, showing care in pursuing or rejecting immediate and short-term goals. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 221-246 Issue: 3 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: electronic bookkeeping; smart technologies; COVID-19; economic consequences of COVID; support measures. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=146438 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:221-246 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sandhiya Roy Author-X-Name-First: Sandhiya Author-X-Name-Last: Roy Title: Instructional strategies to promote critical thinking skills development among accounting undergraduates – a literature review Abstract: Accounting educators are continuously urged to implement appropriate instructional tools that encourage the development of critical thinking skills among undergraduates. This research contributes to sharing the usefulness of diverse teaching approaches, along with the limitations, to better understand which instructional tools are viewed as beneficial in encouraging accounting students to cultivate critical thinking skills. A systematic review of prior studies was undertaken at the undergraduate level within the accounting discipline. A thematic analysis of the literature revealed five instructional tools, and these include class dialogues, research engagements, field trips, case studies, and educational games. The associated challenges suggest that educators require institutional-level training and support to help them appropriately integrate the tools within their curricula. The study outlined five instructional tools however this is not an indication that the approaches to support undergraduates to hone critical thinking capabilities are restricted to these five tools. The labour market continues to become competitive and complex, and research into exploring innovative instructional tools must continue to better prepare the next generation of graduates, translating into a skilled workforce and reducing the skills gap. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 336-353 Issue: 4 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: accounting education; critical thinking; class dialogues; research engagements; field trips; case studies; educational games; transferrable skill; active learning; experiential learning; skills gap. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=149484 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:336-353 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Arbia Chatmi Author-X-Name-First: Arbia Author-X-Name-Last: Chatmi Author-Name: Karim Elasri Author-X-Name-First: Karim Author-X-Name-Last: Elasri Author-Name: Jorjia Ronquillo Author-X-Name-First: Jorjia Author-X-Name-Last: Ronquillo Title: Enhancing audit quality: the critical role of trust in AI adoption among auditors Abstract: This study investigates the factors influencing auditors' adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on trust. Using a questionnaire-based methodology, responses from auditors in prominent French firms were analysed to explore motivations and barriers to AI integration. Gender and experience shape perspectives: women emphasise AI's impact on audit quality, while men focus on its technological aspects. Less experienced auditors need training on AI risks, while more experienced auditors benefit from continuous education to enhance results. Young auditors should develop critical awareness of AI limitations, and older auditors should focus on improving AI-generated outcomes. Findings reveal trust as a key factor in AI adoption, driven by concerns over errors, reliability, and confidentiality. Managerial recommendations include tailored training, enhancing AI reliability, and fostering innovation. Establishing trust through transparent communication is essential for integrating AI into auditing, ultimately improving efficiency and audit quality. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 313-335 Issue: 4 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: auditors; artificial intelligence; AI adoption; trust in AI; gender; experience; auditing practices. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=149489 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:313-335 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Niels van Nieuw Amerongen Author-X-Name-First: Niels van Nieuw Author-X-Name-Last: Amerongen Title: LCE auditor's management override-oversight dilemma: a descriptive analysis Abstract: Many small and medium-sized entities (SMEs) are governed by a dominant owner-manager, implying an increased level of the risk of management override of controls. At the same time, a closely involved owner-manager with day-to-day operations of the entity offers opportunities to the auditor to rely on supervisory controls. Given the absence of a rigorous analysis of this override-oversight dilemma, this article aims to provide a descriptive analysis of relevant parts of the auditing standards and available practical guidance. This offers substance to practicing auditors in the SME audit domain when relying on these controls. The insights of this paper may also be useful for the international standard setter (IAASB) when developing further guidance for less complex entities' audits. This article follows a structured approach of reviewing international standards on auditing, prior literature and practical guidance in the area of owner-manager's supervisory controls. Applying an (owner-manager's supervisory) control reliance approach requires having gained substantial knowledge and experience of the audited entity and more importantly extensive experience with the owner manager, resulting in a low integrity risk assessment. Application of this approach depends on various context-specific characteristics. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 412-433 Issue: 4 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: supervisory controls; management oversight; management override; less complex entities; LCEs; owner-management's integrity; small and medium-sized entities; SMEs. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=149497 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:412-433 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: James Odero Author-X-Name-First: James Author-X-Name-Last: Odero Author-Name: David Karungu Wang'ombe Author-X-Name-First: David Karungu Author-X-Name-Last: Wang'ombe Author-Name: Farida Abdul Author-X-Name-First: Farida Author-X-Name-Last: Abdul Title: Evaluating the levels of internal audit effectiveness among commercial and manufacturing state corporations in Kenya Abstract: No organisation can refute the benefits of an effective internal audit. Organisations worldwide are making efforts to strengthen their internal auditing functions. These efforts aim to fully realise the benefits associated with effective internal audits. One such effort involves developing a scientifically validated measurement index to evaluate internal audit effectiveness. However, previous studies have demonstrated some shortcomings in this area. Previous researchers have executed existing measurement scales inadequately, failed to identify priority measures linked to internal audit stakeholders, and did not validate them. To address these gaps, we constructed an internal audit effectiveness scale. This study used fuzzy-AHP and principal component analysis (PCA) methods. Internal audit effectiveness is used as the primary measurement target. This study evaluates four dimensions: resources, organisational structures, processes, and organisational relationships. These four dimensions were used to build seven components and thirty indicators. The fuzzy-AHP and PCA methods provided important insights. For instance, among the four dimensions, internal audit processes are the least prioritised. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 354-384 Issue: 4 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: internal audit effectiveness evaluation index; internal audit effectiveness indicators; fuzzy-analytical hierarchy process; FAHP; principal component analysis; PCA; internal audit levels; Kenya. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=149509 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:354-384 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Lakshmi Murthy Author-X-Name-First: Lakshmi Author-X-Name-Last: Murthy Author-Name: Poornima Tapas Author-X-Name-First: Poornima Author-X-Name-Last: Tapas Title: Journey of a woman independent director – a case from India Abstract: The study examines the personal narrative and trajectory of women independent directors at board-level positions, focusing on Roma Balwani. Data was collected through a two-hour exploratory interview and a combination of text analysis and content analysis techniques. The research reveals that women with an internal locus of control can achieve sustained career advancement for 25–30 years while maintaining a healthy balance between professional and familial responsibilities. This internal locus of control develops during early life and has lasting effects on women's educational attainment, family dynamics, and professional advancement. This study will enable women leaders to aspire for board positions and learn to balance between career and aspirations. Women can identify support systems, which will facilitate their career aspirations. In turn, it reduces the pipeline-related issues associated with the availability of women directors. This study suggests that mentoring and establishing a support system at the workplace can increase the availability of aspirational women for board positions. Organisations can implement tools like locus of control to identify potential women leaders and groom them for leadership positions. Journal: Int. J. of Critical Accounting Pages: 385-411 Issue: 4 Volume: 14 Year: 2025 Keywords: women board directors; internal locus of control; ILOC; India; career development; challenges; corporate governance. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=149510 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijcrac:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:385-411