Accounting information: perceptions of European and non-European auditors
Résumé
Purpose – The main objective of this study was to put in evidence
the perceptions of auditors on the disclosure of accounting information across
European and non-European countries. Methodology – By means of a survey,
we have investigated whether auditors in different countries share the same
views on the usefulness and goals of the financial reporting process, using
descriptive statistics and bivariate correlation tests to analyse the responses to
multiple-choice questions. Findings – There were some differences in the
auditors’ perceptions on the disclosure of accounting information in different
countries or with different demographic characteristics. In general, creditors
and institutional investors were the most important stakeholders. Furthermore,
auditors believe that managers can disclose mandatory and voluntary
information for their own benefits. Originality – This study explains the
differences and similarities in the auditors’ perceptions on the accounting
disclosure from a European and non-European perspective.