신외감법 시행 후, 감사투입시간과 이익조정성향의 관계

초록

This study investigates the relationship between audit hours and earnings management tendencies following the implementation of the New External Audit Act. The Act introduced measures to enhance the fairness and transparency of external audits, including the Standard Audit Hours System, the Internal Control System with elevated certification requirements, and the Designated Auditor System. These changes aimed to increase audit hours, improve audit quality, and suppress earnings management. While previous studies indicate that extended audit hours can mitigate earnings management and improve the reliability of financial reporting, this research finds mixed results. Overall, audit hours under the New External Audit Act did not show a statistically significant relationship with earnings management tendencies. However, a detailed analysis of specific systems revealed varying outcomes. For instance, certain conditions in the Standard Audit Hours System were associated with reduced earnings management. Conversely, other systems, such as the Designated Auditor System, showed limited or contradictory effects, possibly due to strategic adjustments by auditors or incomplete regulatory measures. These findings raise questions about the effectiveness of the New External Audit Act in achieving its intended goals. The results suggest that some systems require further refinement to maximize their impact on audit quality and financial reporting reliability. By critically evaluating the Act’s impact, this study provides empirical evidence to guide improvements in regulatory frameworks and offers insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to enhance audit practices and strengthen financial transparency.

키워드