Nonprofit organizations’ choice in favor of a sector expert auditor: a study of behavioral choice criteria
Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management
ISSN: 1096-3367
Article publication date: 1 March 2015
Abstract
From 2006 onwards very large Belgian nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are legally required to appoint an external auditor. In this context we investigate whether auditor choice in favor of a sector expert, being a higher quality auditor, is associated with NPOs’ expectations regarding several auditor attributes. We find that NPOs are more likely to choose a sector expert if they attach higher importance to an auditor’s client focus and relationship with management. NPOs are less likely to choose a sector expert if they care more about the practical execution of the audit. We provide recommendations for increasing the appeal of sector expertise as valuable auditor attribute. The resulting quality increase of NPOs’ financial statements and audit reports could benefit various stakeholders.
Citation
Reheul, A.-M., Van Caneghem, T. and Verbruggen, S. (2015), "Nonprofit organizations’ choice in favor of a sector expert auditor: a study of behavioral choice criteria", Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 179-224. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPBAFM-27-02-2015-B003
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015 by PrAcademics Press