Auditor Independence and Mandatory Auditor Rotation in Jordan

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to test the relationship between auditor rotation and the level of auditor independency, and to investigate, the impact of auditor rotation, audit fees, audit tenure and the relationship with client on the auditor independency in Jordanian audit firms. Furthermore, to identify the reasons behind rotating the auditor and the advantages/disadvantages of auditor rotation. Design/methodology/approach: The study has been carried out through a questionnaire survey that aimed to collect data about the auditor independency in Jordan, and through a developed model to test the mandatory auditor rotation in the Jordanian audit firms. Findings: After defining the four independent main variables of the auditor independency (auditor-client relationship, audit tenure, audit fees, and mandatory auditor rotation). The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between the auditor independency and auditor-client relationship and mandatory rotation. A negative one with the audit fees and there is no relationship with audit tenure. Research limitations/implications: This paper has some limitations such as, some audit firms refused to allow researchers to distribute the questionnaire which is not familiar in Jordan. Originality Value: This paper contributes to the understandings of the nature and characteristics of the auditor independency by empirically exploring the nature and characteristics of mandatory auditor rotation in Jordan