nep-acc New Economics Papers
on Accounting and Auditing
Issue of 2024‒10‒28
fifteen papers chosen by
Alexander Harin


  1. Proposal for a Conceptual Model on the Role of Digitalization in Improving External Audit Quality By Mahouat Nacer; Lemsieh Hafsa; Ouissale El Gharbaoui; Benlakouiri Abderrahim; Abarar Ibtissam
  2. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Accounting: Enhancing the Quality of Financial Information through Financial Forecasting and Risk Management. By Azhari Amine
  3. Exploring the Influence of Non-Financial Reporting Practices and Double Materiality Adoption on ESG Ratings: Evidence from European Companies By Anis Shami
  4. Does better sustainability reporting assurance lead to better reporting? Evidence from the EURO STOXX 600 By Chiara Mio; Francesco Scarpa; Elisa Trevisani
  5. Stata and accounting research: Capital market openness and financial report robustness By Liang Shangkun
  6. Sustainability Accounting and Reporting: Searching for a Viable Framework in Public Healthcare Organizations By Salvatore Russo
  7. Tackling the regressivity of the Italian tax system: An optimal taxation framework with heterogeneous returns to capital By Matteo Dalle Luche; Demetrio Guzzardi; Elisa Palagi; Andrea Roventini; Alessandro Santoro
  8. Balance Sheet Normalization: Monitoring Reserve Conditions and Understanding Repo Market Pressures By Roberto Perli
  9. Wait no more: how the administration of VAT refunds impacts firm behaviour By Giacomo Brusco; Marlies Piek; Tejaswi Velayudhan
  10. Does Ownership Structure Matter? A Case Study on Business Performance of Two Accounting Companies By Reetta Ghezzi; Sanni Marjam\"aki; Teemu Laine; Tatu Virta; Hannu Vilpponen; Tommi Mikkonen
  11. Economic policy uncertainty and corporate social responsibility disclosure similarity: Evidence from China By Xingnan Xue; Liwen Wang; Nan Hu
  12. Comment rompre avec le culte de l'innovation ? By Franck Aggeri
  13. Institutional Possession, Supervisory Board Size, External Auditor Quality, and Profit Quality By Erna, Erna; Murwaningsari, Etty; Murtanto, Murtanto
  14. Compound V3 Economic Audit Report By Rik Ghosh; Samrat Gupta; Arka Datta; Abhimanyu Nag; Sudipan Sinha
  15. Avoiding harm or creating benefit? How a risk focus sidelines social considerations in early decisions for Australian infrastructure projects By O'Connor, Ruth; Sanchez, Emerson; Bice, Sara; Jones, Kirsty; Henderson, Hayley

  1. By: Mahouat Nacer (ESTC - Ecole Supérieure de Technologie de Casablanca); Lemsieh Hafsa (ESTC - Ecole Supérieure de Technologie de Casablanca); Ouissale El Gharbaoui (FSJES-Fès - Faculté des Sciences Juridiques, Economiques et Sociales de Fès); Benlakouiri Abderrahim (ESTC - Ecole Supérieure de Technologie de Casablanca); Abarar Ibtissam (ESTC - Ecole Supérieure de Technologie de Casablanca)
    Abstract: In the current context, external audit firms are confronted with a range of managerial and organizational dysfunctions that hamper the achievement of their objectives, which have a negative impact on the quality of external audit. In this context, this quality is only improved when external audit firms adopt an efficient digitalization of their external audit processes that promotes the achievement of their objectives while ensuring a very strong competitive position in the market. Indeed, for it to really participate in the creation of value, the digitalization of external audit quality requires the introduction of mechanisms such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Business Intelligence for the achievement of these objectives. These mechanisms allow audit firms to provide assurance on the degree of risk control, the responsibility of external auditors, the fight against fraud and the creation of value, as well as an independent and continuous assessment of the external audit process. In this context, the objective of this study is to analyze the role of digitalization in improving the quality of external auditors, in particular with regard to the dimension of competence and independence of external auditors in external audit firms. On the basis of an in-depth analysis of the literature review and the proposal of the conceptual framework for research on the subject, we can consider that digitalization, in particular artificial intelligence, is considered as a fundamental lever capable of improving the quality of external audit within audit firms. It is an important tool to strengthen the resilience of external auditors. In this context, AI is able to improve the quality of external audit in audit firms and maintain their trust in its stakeholders while fostering value creation.
    Keywords: Digitalization Artificial, Intelligence, External Audit Quality Audit Firm
    Date: 2024–09–01
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04695125
  2. By: Azhari Amine (FSJES Agadir)
    Abstract: Résumé Cette étude explore l'impact de l'intégration de l'intelligence artificielle sur la qualité de l'information comptable. En s'appuyant sur un échantillon de 86 observations auprès de professionnels du domaine de la comptabilité, et en utilisant des modèles d'équations structurelles, nous avons analysé comment l'IA améliore la prévision financière et la gestion des risques, contribuant ainsi à la précision et à la fiabilité des informations comptables. Les résultats montrent que la prévision financière assistée par l'IA permet une anticipation plus précise des flux de trésorerie et des besoins en financement, tout en optimisant la planification stratégique. De plus, la gestion des risques optimisée par l'IA améliore la détection des anomalies et l'évaluation proactive des risques, renforçant la stabilité financière des entreprises. Ces découvertes soulignent l'importance stratégique de l'IA dans la comptabilité moderne, tout en mettant en évidence les défis liés à son adoption, tels que la formation continue et la sécurité des données. Nos conclusions fournissent des recommandations pratiques pour les entreprises souhaitant intégrer ces technologies et ouvrent la voie à de futures recherches sur l'impact de l'IA en comptabilité. Mots clés : Intelligence artificielle, Prévision financière, Gestion des risques, Modèles d'équations structurelles, Qualité de l'information comptable Abstract This study explores the impact of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) on the quality of accounting information. Based on a sample of 86 observations from professionals in the accounting field, and using structural equation modeling (SEM), we analyzed how AI enhances financial forecasting and risk management, contributing to the accuracy and reliability of accounting information. The results show that AI-assisted financial forecasting allows for more precise anticipation of cash flows and financing needs, while optimizing strategic planning. Additionally, AI-optimized risk management improves anomaly detection and proactive risk assessment, strengthening companies' financial stability. These findings highlight the strategic importance of AI in modern accounting, while also addressing challenges related to its adoption, such as continuous training and data security. Our conclusions provide practical recommendations for companies looking to integrate these technologies and pave the way for future research on AI's impact on accounting. Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Financial forecasting, Risk management, Structural equation modeling, Quality of accounting information
    Abstract: Résumé Cette étude explore l'impact de l'intégration de l'intelligence artificielle sur la qualité de l'information comptable. En s'appuyant sur un échantillon de 86 observations auprès de professionnels du domaine de la comptabilité, et en utilisant des modèles d'équations structurelles, nous avons analysé comment l'IA améliore la prévision financière et la gestion des risques, contribuant ainsi à la précision et à la fiabilité des informations comptables. Les résultats montrent que la prévision financière assistée par l'IA permet une anticipation plus précise des flux de trésorerie et des besoins en financement, tout en optimisant la planification stratégique. De plus, la gestion des risques optimisée par l'IA améliore la détection des anomalies et l'évaluation proactive des risques, renforçant la stabilité financière des entreprises. Ces découvertes soulignent l'importance stratégique de l'IA dans la comptabilité moderne, tout en mettant en évidence les défis liés à son adoption, tels que la formation continue et la sécurité des données. Nos conclusions fournissent des recommandations pratiques pour les entreprises souhaitant intégrer ces technologies et ouvrent la voie à de futures recherches sur l'impact de l'IA en comptabilité. Mots clés : Intelligence artificielle, Prévision financière, Gestion des risques, Modèles d'équations structurelles, Qualité de l'information comptable Abstract This study explores the impact of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) on the quality of accounting information. Based on a sample of 86 observations from professionals in the accounting field, and using structural equation modeling (SEM), we analyzed how AI enhances financial forecasting and risk management, contributing to the accuracy and reliability of accounting information. The results show that AI-assisted financial forecasting allows for more precise anticipation of cash flows and financing needs, while optimizing strategic planning. Additionally, AI-optimized risk management improves anomaly detection and proactive risk assessment, strengthening companies' financial stability. These findings highlight the strategic importance of AI in modern accounting, while also addressing challenges related to its adoption, such as continuous training and data security. Our conclusions provide practical recommendations for companies looking to integrate these technologies and pave the way for future research on AI's impact on accounting. Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Financial forecasting, Risk management, Structural equation modeling, Quality of accounting information
    Keywords: Intelligence artificielle, Prévision financière, Gestion des risques, Modèles d'équations structurelles, Qualité de l'information comptable, African Scientific Journal, Intelligence artificielle Prévision financière Gestion des risques Modèles d'équations structurelles Qualité de l Artificial intelligence Financial forecasting Risk management Structural equation modeling Quality of accounting information, Qualité de l Artificial intelligence, Financial forecasting, Risk management, Structural equation modeling, Quality of accounting information
    Date: 2024
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04694939
  3. By: Anis Shami (Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France)
    Keywords: Non-financial Reporting Double Materiality Corporate Reporting External Sustainability Performance Assessment Ratings, Non-financial Reporting, Double Materiality, Corporate Reporting, External Sustainability Performance Assessment, Ratings
    Date: 2024–09–19
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04704651
  4. By: Chiara Mio (Dept. of Management, Venice School of Management, Università Ca' Foscari Venice); Francesco Scarpa (Dept. of Management, Venice School of Management, Università Ca' Foscari Venice); Elisa Trevisani (Dept. of Management, Venice School of Management, Università Ca' Foscari Venice)
    Abstract: Given recent debate on the quality of sustainability disclosure and its determinants, this study examines the role of sustainability reporting assurance in improving the quality of sustainability reporting. Drawing from a sample of 111 companies listed in the EURO STOXX 600 and located in Italy, France and Spain - where sustainability reporting assurance is mandatory - we find that the quality of the sustainability assurance process generally enhances the quality of assured reports. In essence, a well-executed assurance process positively impacts on sustainability reports’ readability, completeness and standardization, thereby enhancing their overall quality. Our study has important implications for the literature on the quality of sustainability disclosure and the role of mandatory assurance, offering important insights for policy makers in light of the forthcoming implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires assurance of mandatory sustainability reports throughout Europe.
    Keywords: Sustainability reporting, Assurance, Quality, Non-financial disclosure.
    JEL: M14 M41 Q56
    Date: 2024–04
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:vnm:wpdman:212
  5. By: Liang Shangkun (Central University of Finance and Economics)
    Abstract: Based on the exogenous policy changes implemented by the “Shanghai–Hong Kong Stock Connect”, this presentation explores the impact and mechanism of the opening of the capital market on the accounting conservatism of enterprises. The research found that the implementation of the Shanghai–Hong Kong Stock Connect has signi
    Date: 2024–10–02
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:boc:chin23:06
  6. By: Salvatore Russo (Dept. of Management, Venice School of Management, Università Ca' Foscari Venice)
    Abstract: Context. Public healthcare organizations (PHOs) have recently been involved in measures to promote sustainability and bear witness to their work. Hence, accounting has become a handy tool for reporting and informing stakeholders. Aims. From a theoretical perspective, the paper focuses on the analysis of sustainability factors in public healthcare organizations. Considering the current gap in the literature on the application of sustainability measures in the health sector, the paper aims to offer an advancement in this field and to put forward a proposal for the construction of a possible sustainability reporting model capable of reporting on the public value created. In particular, it investigates how sustainability practices can influence the accounting aspects and are declined through actions aimed at balancing different levels ranging from governance to social and environmental factors. Methodology. The paper consists of two parts, one on a theoretical basis and the other on an empirical basis. The theoretical basis includes a literature review for constructing a framework related to sustainability advancement in healthcare. The second part is devoted to a case study of building a sustainability report in a public hospital. Results. A sustainability report, with its stakeholder-centred approach and materiality analysis, can help to understand the needs and improve communication with patients, their families, employees, society and institutions. This is even more accurate for the hospitals that integrate research and teaching into the assistance activity and, consequently, must also interface with the needs of prominent stakeholders such as universities. Sustainability reporting also allows for better management of environmental, social, and governance risks, granting a deeper understanding of the impact of its internal processes and strategies and creating a corporate culture intended as a “real” emancipatory change in thinking and performing activities.
    Keywords: Sustainability Reporting, Healthcare, Accountability
    JEL: M41 H75 H83
    Date: 2023–12
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:vnm:wpdman:209
  7. By: Matteo Dalle Luche; Demetrio Guzzardi; Elisa Palagi; Andrea Roventini; Alessandro Santoro
    Abstract: In this paper, we exploit the new data available from the European Central Bank's Distributional Wealth Accounts (DWA) to reconstruct the distribution of capital income in Italy by accounting for heterogeneous returns to capital. With respect to previous estimates, we find that capital income is more concentrated along the income distribution and the Italian tax system is more regressive with lower tax rates hinging on the top 7%. We show that such rates are remarkably lower than those suggested by an optimal taxation approach and we provide estimates for revenues and inequality reductions that could be attained by applying (higher) optimal rates either to capital income or wealth while controlling for various degrees of behavioral responses. These results provide a direction for revenue-increasing and inequality-reducing tax reforms in Italy.
    Keywords: Optimal tax; Inequality; Capital Income; Wealth tax
    Date: 2024–10–02
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ssa:lemwps:2024/26
  8. By: Roberto Perli
    Abstract: Remarks at 2024 U.S. Treasury Market Conference, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, New York City.
    Keywords: Treasury market; federal funds rate; federal funds market; repo market; reserves
    Date: 2024–09–26
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fip:fednsp:98942
  9. By: Giacomo Brusco; Marlies Piek; Tejaswi Velayudhan
    Abstract: Refunds are an essential feature of well-functioning VAT systems and take up a sizeable portion of government spending. In South Africa, refunds amount to 50 percent of gross VAT collection, representing a substantial transfer from the government to taxpayers that has to occur at relatively high frequency, often monthly. We show that delays in these refund payments reduce domestic investment, especially by small firms. We use administrative data to provide extensive evidence that firms respond to incentives created by delays and denials of refunds.
    Keywords: Value-added tax, event study, Firm behaviour
    Date: 2024
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2024-58
  10. By: Reetta Ghezzi; Sanni Marjam\"aki; Teemu Laine; Tatu Virta; Hannu Vilpponen; Tommi Mikkonen
    Abstract: Many public organisations procure a substantial amount of goods and services from in-house companies. When providing their goods and services, those companies are supposed to fulfil objectives set for them and for the wider entity, including in particular cost-effectiveness. This paper examines the performance of selected in-house companies both by analyzing the externally reported financial performance (top-down) and analyzing the internal operations and related performance (bottom-up). Based on the analysis, it is discussed, 1) how the in-house companies fulfil their assigned tasks as publicly owned entities and 2) how these in-house companies and their performance should be controlled by public bodies. Methodologically the paper takes advantage of two cases of accounting companies: one publicly owned in-house company and another private company. As a conclusion, in this case top-down analysis reveals inefficiencies which are further explored via bottom-up analysis. In this case, privatization leads to enhanced business performance.
    Date: 2024–09
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2409.12551
  11. By: Xingnan Xue; Liwen Wang (SAFTI - Shenzhen Audencia Financial Technology Institute); Nan Hu
    Abstract: This study investigates how economic policy uncertainty affects within-firm corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure over time. Based on the institutional perspective, we propose that facing higher economic policy uncertainty, firms likely issue CSR reports that are similar to their own past reports (i.e. CSR time-series disclosure similarity), reflecting symbolic actions in corporate CSR disclosure. Further, this effect weakens for firms with state ownership but strengthens when those with financial constraints or experience net losses. Empirical results derived from a sample of Chinese listed firms from 2009 to 2021 offer strong support for our hypotheses. Overall, our study contributes to the literature on CSR disclosure and research on the consequences of economic policy uncertainty.
    Keywords: Economic policy uncertainty, Corporate social responsibility, Disclosure similarity, China
    Date: 2024–09
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04699217
  12. By: Franck Aggeri (CGS i3 - Centre de Gestion Scientifique i3 - Mines Paris - PSL (École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris) - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - I3 - Institut interdisciplinaire de l’innovation - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)
    Abstract: Google has seen its CO2 emissions jump by 48% in 5 years with its development of AI. While innovation is constantly celebrated, and the illusion of "green" growth based on high-tech perpetuates economic dogma, how can we innovate differently? Two avenues can be explored: projective responsibility, such as integrating ecological and human capital into financial accounting; and, at the same time, deepening the path of sufficiency.
    Abstract: Google a vu ses émissions de CO2 bondir de 48 % en 5 ans avec son développement de l'IA. Alors que l'innovation est constamment célébrée, que l'illusion de croissance « verte » fondée sur le high-tech perpétue le dogme économique, comment innover autrement ? Deux pistes : responsabilisation projective, comme intégrer les capitaux écologiques et humains dans la comptabilité financière ; et parallèlement approfondir la voie de la sobriété.
    Keywords: Innovation, Innovation responsable, innovation projective, croissance verte, sobriété
    Date: 2024–08–30
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04703009
  13. By: Erna, Erna; Murwaningsari, Etty; Murtanto, Murtanto
    Abstract: This study aims to reveal the determinants of profit quality based on governance factors. Specifically, the proposed factors are institutional possession (IP), supervisory board size (SBS), and an external reputable auditor. Besides, this study intends to examine the IP to moderate the relationship between SBS and profit quality. By employing 12 agricultural companies in the Indonesian capital market for ten years, from 2013 to 2022, this study obtains 120 observations and analyzes the data by regression model with polling data. After that, this study demonstrates that IP, the supervisory board size, and reputable external auditor quality positively affect profit quality. The negative interaction effect between IP and supervisory board size (IP*SBS) on profit quality is available: The smaller the SBS, the higher the profit quality, and this tendency happens when institutional possession decreases. In other words, the IP and SBS have substitution roles to crate profit quality.
    Date: 2024–08–29
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:vxaud
  14. By: Rik Ghosh (Chainrisk); Samrat Gupta (Chainrisk); Arka Datta (Chainrisk); Abhimanyu Nag (Chainrisk); Sudipan Sinha (Chainrisk)
    Abstract: Compound Finance is a decentralized lending protocol that enables the secure and efficient borrowing and lending of cryptocurrencies, utilizing smart contracts and dynamic interest rates based on supply and demand to facilitate transactions. The protocol enables users to supply different crypto assets and accrue interest, while borrowers can avail themselves of loans secured by collateralized assets. Our collaboration with Compound Finance focuses on harnessing the power of the Chainrisk simulation engine to optimize risk parameters of the Compound V3 (Comet) protocol. This report delineates a comprehensive methodology aimed at calculating key risk metrics of the protocol. This optimization framework is pivotal for mitigating systemic risks and enhancing the overall stability of the protocol. By leveraging Chainrisk's Cloud Platform, we conduct millions of simulations to evaluate the protocol's Value at Risk (VaR) and Liquidations at Risk (LaR), ultimately providing recommendations for parameter adjustments.
    Date: 2024–10
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2410.04085
  15. By: O'Connor, Ruth; Sanchez, Emerson; Bice, Sara; Jones, Kirsty; Henderson, Hayley
    Abstract: There is a growing need to maximise the social benefits achieved from public investment in infrastructure, particularly with the transition to net zero economies. Project Delivery Models (PDMs)—the contractual agreements that set out roles and responsibilities for infrastructure project partners—can underpin the delivery of social benefits, yet the processes involving their selection are largely opaque. In this paper we explore how social considerations inform PDM selection and how this is facilitated by policy. We interviewed highly experienced procurement professionals from the sector about how social benefits and risks are considered. We also examined how the associated regulatory environment supports social considerations through documentary analysis of auditing guidance documents. We found that not only are social benefits sidelined in early project decisions, but social risks are inadequately considered. An entrenched gap in social expertise contributes to this situation while project compartmentalisation presents challenges for inclusion and transparency in decision-making. Current auditing processes provide little incentive for social benefit consideration and reinforce both risk framing and compartmentalisation of major infrastructure projects. The paper offers new and important insights into this early project stage and distils five recommendations for improving social benefit creation from infrastructure investments, particularly in developed economies.
    Date: 2024–09–29
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:6n9qy

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