Mapping the Factors Associated with the Similarity of Key Audit Matters in Listed Brazilian Companies

• Autor(a) principal: Carvalho, Otávio Araújo de
• Data de Publicação: 2024
• Outros Autores: Pinheiro, Laura Edith Taboada, Marques, Vagner Antônio, Takamatsu, Renata Turola
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng; por
• Título da fonte: Contabilidade, Gestão e Governança
• Texto Completo: https://revistacgg.org/index.php/contabil/article/view/3165
• topic: Similaridade; Principais Assuntos de Auditoria; Relatório de Auditoria; Similarity; Key Audit Matters; Audit Report

Objective: This study aims to identify the characteristics of audit firms and audited Brazilian listed companies that influence the similarity of key audit matters (KAM). Method: Mean and panel data regression tests were conducted using a sample of 1,375 observations of companies traded on the Brazilian stock exchange B3 in the period from 2016 to 2021. Results: The results demonstrate an average similarity of (KAM) of 72.91% in the analyzed period. Furthermore, it was observed that the number of KAM reported, company size, change of auditor, presence of an audit committee, pre-COVID period, and being audited by KPMG are negatively associated with the similarity rate. On the other hand, being audited by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Ernst Young, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and operating in the industrial goods sector showed a positive association with similarity. Originality/relevance: Previous research has indicated that KAM similarity could occur over the years, but no comprehensive studies have explored the characteristics of audit firms and audited companies that influence the similarity of these matters. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions: The evidence obtained contributes to the literature by establishing a connection between the characteristics of audit firms and companies that influence KAM similarity. This benefits the capital market, enabling audit professionals to assess factors that influence KAM similarity and reflect on its effects, thereby improving the quality of disclosed information. It also helps accounting regulatory bodies verify whether the objectives of establishing KAM in the audit report are achieved.