Explaining the Structural Changes in Audit Firms, Maintaining a Professional Ethics Approach, and Quality Control in Auditing

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explain the structural changes in audit firms, maintain a professional ethics approach, and ensure quality control in auditing. This study is applied in terms of its objective and descriptive-survey in terms of its methodology. The qualitative population of the study consists of certified public accountants in the country. For interviews, only individuals with adequate knowledge, experience, and understanding of the topic were selected. A total of 11 experts with sufficient education and experience related to the subject were interviewed. In the quantitative section, the components obtained from the interviews with experts were categorized into a questionnaire and subsequently sent to the statistical population of certified public accountants. A total of 342 respondents completed the questionnaires used for data collection in this study. In the open coding stage, 138 initial concepts were identified. The results of structural equation modeling analysis showed that standardizing the structure of audit firms, environmental legal requirements, unified organizational structures, auditor appointments and rewards, and technical and developmental advancements positively and significantly influence the operational policies of audit firms, the skills and expertise of their members, and the needs and demands of their structure. To bring about changes in audit firms, it is necessary to adopt policies and regulations that consider professional, organizational, and ethical principles. Accordingly, policymakers and law developers are advised to prioritize behavioral and ethical standards in efforts to reform audit firms and to involve experienced and specialized auditors in this process.