The Relationship Between Audit Documentation Quality and Auditor Accountability in Regulatory Environments

Posted: May 26, 2022

• Damien Bell
• Alana Walsh
• Carter Logan

Abstract

The quality of audit documentation represents a fundamental component of professional auditing practice, serving as both a record of work performed and a foundation for accountability mechanisms. In contemporary regulatory environments characterized by increasing complexity and scrutiny, understanding the precise relationship between documentation quality and auditor accountability has become paramount. This research addresses a significant gap in the literature by examining how variations in documentation quality influence accountability outcomes across different regulatory contexts. Audit documentation serves multiple critical functions within the auditing ecosystem. It provides evidence that the audit was planned and performed in accordance with applicable standards, demonstrates that the evidence obtained was sufficient and appropriate to support the auditor's opinion, and facilitates the review and inspection of work by regulatory bodies. Despite its recognized importance, the empirical evidence linking specific dimensions of documentation quality to accountability outcomes remains limited and fragmented. This study introduces a novel conceptual framework that integrates documentation quality assessment with accountability measurement through a multi-dimensional approach.