Johan Ingemar Lorentzon, Lazarus Elad Fotoh and Tatenda Mugwira
This paper aims to explore the impacts of remote auditing on auditors’ work and work-life balance.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the impacts of remote auditing on auditors’ work and work-life balance.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopted a qualitative online survey approach using open-ended reflections from 98 highly experienced auditors. The survey design aligns with a “Big Q” approach to qualitative data. The reflections were interpreted through the theoretical lens of the social presence theory.
Findings
Auditors underscore that remote auditing has improved their work-life balance since it offers flexibility, greater autonomy and efficient use of time. However, they believe less social contact due to remote auditing can hurt their work.
Research limitations/implications
This study aimed to holistically comprehend the concept of work-life balance in a remote auditing setting. Therefore, the study refrained from making comparisons based on demographic information (e.g. gender, experience and type of audit firm).
Practical implications
The findings highlight the need for adopting flexible work arrangements that prioritise auditors’ well-being. This is critical for making the audit profession attractive and enhancing overall audit quality. Updated regulatory guidance and controls are needed concerning the use of technologies in remote auditing to ensure high-quality audits.
Social implications
The findings of this study can positively reshape public perception of the audit profession. Firstly, enhanced work-life balance can improve audit quality. Secondly, incorporating emerging technologies in auditing can result in society perceiving auditors as adaptive to innovation and technological advancement that has been touted for their potential for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of audit and audit quality, potentially enhancing societal trust in auditing.
Originality/value
The findings of this study complement the auditing literature that has mainly focused on the traditional work paradigm, requiring in-person presence. The authors identify potential challenges emanating from auditors’ remote work and propose solutions for audit firms to improve work-life balance in a remote work setting.
Details
Keywords
This study examines whether digital streaming and observation technologies can serve as an alternative approach for collecting inventory audit evidence, the challenges faced in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines whether digital streaming and observation technologies can serve as an alternative approach for collecting inventory audit evidence, the challenges faced in their adoption and the factors contributing to their non-adoption.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a two-stage, mixed-method approach, beginning with pilot study interviews that informed the comprehensive survey with qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, while qualitative data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Findings
Our findings revealed a positive perspective concerning the effectiveness and reliability of these technologies for inventory audits and the efficiency of internal controls within them, despite challenges such as obtaining a holistic view of the warehouse, observing obsolescence, ensuring inventory completeness and general reliability concerns. Additionally, preferences for physical inventory audits and skepticism about these technologies’ potential to enhance audit quality were identified as factors contributing to their non-adoption.
Research limitations/implications
These findings have important implications for cost-conscious firms because they reveal that carefully adopting intermediate technologies can enhance the audit process. Our findings are relevant to audit regulators and firms interested in determining whether such technologies enhance audit efficiency and quality. This study highlights the need for updated auditing standards and directives and technologies that meet auditing requirements.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by uncovering whether less advanced technologies can be used as an alternative approach to collect audit evidence. Consequently, the finding adds to the growing body of literature underscoring the potential of technologies, even less sophisticated ones, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of audits, despite their challenges. Additionally, it underscores the need for clear regulatory standards, suggests that auditors embrace emerging technologies and acquire relevant skills and offers insights for technology developers on audit firms’ concerns regarding digital technologies.