by Lau Tze Yiu, Peter. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 352-365). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web.

This research is motivated by interest in recent changes in the audit approaches of audit firms. The business risk audit approach has been adopted based on assertions about its benefits by administrators of large audit firms and academics linked with these firms and, more recently, has been legitimised by the issuance of international auditing standards that give recognition to this approach. Studies investigating the business risk audit approach have relied on the content of audit manuals of large audit firms and pointed to claimed benefits, such as providing consistency of worldwide audit practice, broadening auditors’ awareness of risks, increasing audit effectiveness and efficiency, and creating more value for audit clients. In investigating this recent change in audit approaches, this thesis is concerned with the application of the business risk audit approach within the non-Big-4 audit firms, with a focus on three countries: the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. The research focuses on the motivation for adopting this approach for non-Big-4 audit firms in the three countries, and the advantages, disadvantages and aftermath of applying this method. These issues are addressed through research methods comprising semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey. These methods are deemed appropriate to provide consideration of the contextual factors affecting the non-Big-4 audit firms and audit practice in the three countries examined. The findings show that non-Big-4 audit firms in the three countries adopted the business risk audit; their motivation was primarily to follow the standards in each country and to follow the general trend in the industry. The advantages were consistent with previous research; there was direct benefit to audit effectiveness and risk management. One major disadvantage of applying this method was the cost burden to both the audit firm and their clients. Some of the interviewees claimed that this method is better suited to large firms and large audits. Overall evidence from this research shows that this method helped auditors better understand their clients and assess the risk associated with the audit process. Auditors from non-Big-4 firms expressed their interest that the business risk audit should remain in use with some modification to fit small and medium audits. This study also contributes to the literature on the internationalisation of audit practice and the audit practice of small- and medium-sized audit firms, which is lacking in existing research related to this group.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Commerce, 14 September 2017 / Risk management is an important part of business as some risks can threaten the continuity of the business. As part of risk management, organisations need to manage tax risks as tax errors have the potential to cause significant financial loss and also carry reputational and other business risks which can threaten the continuity of the business. When considering tax risks in general, it can be said that taxpayers have a risk that they are not paying the correct amount of tax. This could be could be the result of applying the law incorrectly or configuring the system incorrectly to determine the tax results of the business activities and operations. Tax professionals have the expertise to identify tax risks and recommend corrective measures from a tax technical / legal point of view, which can address both past and future risks. Internal auditors on the other hand, have the expertise to detect tax risks and recommend corrective measures from a procedure and systems point of view, which may often only address future risks. The aim of this research is to gain a better understanding of the concepts of tax risks, tax risk management, as well as the process of designing, implementing and testing internal controls to manage those risks. This will specifically include an analysis of the role of the tax function and internal audit function in effectively managing tax risks, particularly through integration. Key words: Tax, internal audit, tax risks, controls, internal controls, tax risk management / GR2018

<p>Despite the vital role that statutory auditing plays in enhancing trust or credibility over the financial statements of business entities, most member states in the European Union community have decided to grant a waiver or exempt small companies from the service in order to reduce administrative burden and cost for these companies. In Sweden this is still a proposal that will be in effect by 2010. Since accounting has become the way firms measure their performance, auditing has also become an increasing need for users of accounting information such as stakeholders. This paper presents an investigation on the banks opinion and reactions about the new proposal or legislation concerning small companies in Sweden that will be exempted from statutory auditing. The study is focused on the banks perspective since banks are key players in providing funds to small companies and enabling their survival. In granting loans to companies, banks always require them to provide audited financial statements for assurance and credibility purpose. Thus our empirical findings have been carried out through the inductive research method based on three interviews undertaken with some personnel of the management of three major banking institutions in the city of Umea and Skelleftea. From this study we found that though statutory audit will be removed for small companies by government, banks will still require these companies to provide them with audited financial statements when it comes to granting loans to companies. Unfortunately, this policy may backfire as it opens the floodgates for companies to manipulate by keeping low figures to avoid tax or high to increase credibility.</p>

Despite the vital role that statutory auditing plays in enhancing trust or credibility over the financial statements of business entities, most member states in the European Union community have decided to grant a waiver or exempt small companies from the service in order to reduce administrative burden and cost for these companies. In Sweden this is still a proposal that will be in effect by 2010. Since accounting has become the way firms measure their performance, auditing has also become an increasing need for users of accounting information such as stakeholders. This paper presents an investigation on the banks opinion and reactions about the new proposal or legislation concerning small companies in Sweden that will be exempted from statutory auditing. The study is focused on the banks perspective since banks are key players in providing funds to small companies and enabling their survival. In granting loans to companies, banks always require them to provide audited financial statements for assurance and credibility purpose. Thus our empirical findings have been carried out through the inductive research method based on three interviews undertaken with some personnel of the management of three major banking institutions in the city of Umea and Skelleftea. From this study we found that though statutory audit will be removed for small companies by government, banks will still require these companies to provide them with audited financial statements when it comes to granting loans to companies. Unfortunately, this policy may backfire as it opens the floodgates for companies to manipulate by keeping low figures to avoid tax or high to increase credibility.

M. Tech. Business Administration / The purpose of this study was to investigate IA and external audit (EA) roles in improving good corporate governance and which plays the significant role. The study further explores the factors considered important for IA effectiveness within the regulatory body.

Thesis (MCom (Hons)) -- Bond University, 2008. / "A thesis submitted in total fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Commerce (Honours)"-- t.p. Bibliography: leaves 100-104.

Thesis (PhD) -- AUT University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (xiv, 213 leaves ; 30 cm.) in the Archive at the City Campus (T 657.45 CHI)

Zugl.: Hamburg, Helmut-Schmidt-Universiẗat, Univ. der Bundeswehr, Diss., 2007.

Thesis (MBus) -- AUT University, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (iv, 78 leaves ; 30 cm.) in the Archive at the City Campus (T 657.02181767 AHM)