How Can Small International Accounting Firms Improve Audit Quality? The Role of Accounting Associations and Networks
研究了小型国际会计师事务所加入会计协会或网络后审计质量的变化，发现加入后审计质量提升，且在竞争激烈、审计定价与美国相似的国家提升更明显，对监管者和投资者有参考价值。
SUMMARY Small (non-Big 4) accounting firms hold a substantial share of audit markets outside of the U.S., but few studies address factors that influence the quality of audits provided by these firms. We examine whether membership in an accounting association or network (AAN) allows small international accounting firms to provide higher audit quality. Using data from 24 countries, we find that audit quality improves after small international accounting firms join an AAN. Moreover, the improvement is more pronounced in countries with greater incentives for high audit quality, more competition, and higher audit pricing similarity to the U.S. These findings have important implications for regulators, managers, investors, accounting firms, and audit committees in international markets. Data Availability: The data used are publicly available from the sources cited in the text. JEL Classifications: M41; M42.