FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICE: EVIDENCE FROM PRIVATE AUDIT FIRMS OF ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This research delves into the determinants influencing external audit quality in Ethiopian private audit firms, concentrating on five pivotal dimensions of auditors' professional ethics :independence, competence, objectivity, integrity, and confidentiality of information. The study ,encompassing 120 private audit firms, adopts a mixed research methodology and employs ordinal logistic regression to analyze the intricate relationships between these ethical dimensions and the perceived Quality The researcher was employed a quantitative research method which allows gathering numerical data, measuring variables, predicting and using statistical procedures. To determine the relationship among the variables and to test the research hypothesis correlation and regression analysis method was used by meeting the ordinary least square (OLS) assumptions of the linear regression. The correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between auditor competence, integrity, objectivity, confidentiality of information, and the overall external audit quality. The model's robust fit, within 88.4% explanation of variability in external audit quality, underscored the effectiveness of the selected determinants in predicting audit outcomes. Multiple linear regression analysis identifies competence and integrity as substantial predictors of external audit quality, supported by robust methodology as indicated by high R-square values and adherence to assumptions. In conclusion, this research highlights the crucial roles of auditor competence and integrity in external audit quality in Ethiopian private audit firms. While auditor independence showed no significant correlation, the study emphasizes context-specific factors. It offers valuable insights and practical recommendations for improving audit practices. Implementing these can enhance audit quality and the integrity of the profession in Ethiopia. The study recommended targeted improvements in auditor competence and integrity to enhance overall external audit quality in Ethiopia. Acknowledging limitations such as a focused scope and methodological constraints,6the research underscores the need for cautious interpretation of results while offering valuable sights for the improvement of auditing practices in the Ethiopian private sector. Keywords :Audit, Quality, Factor, Private firms