Abstract The only observable outcome of the audit process is normally the issued audit report, which, at least in its standard form, does not contain much information about audit quality (Balsam et al. 2003). Auditor quality is multidimensional and inherently unobservable, and there is no single auditor characteristic that can be used as a proxy for it. In the absence of direct measures for quality, audit consumers must assess the quality by using quality surrogates, or the overall reputation of an auditor (e.g. Shapiro 1983, Riley 2001). The purpose of this dissertation is to enhance our understanding of the determinants and implications of quality-differentiated audits through four inter-related essays. The findings of the essays shed light on the various ways in which client firms strive to signal high audit and consequent earnings quality. From the supply-side perspective, the essays of this dissertation provide evidence how some (individual) auditors have been able to establish a reputation higher than the generic reputation. Importantly, this dissertation adds to the ongoing debate about the regulator changes and initiatives in the European Union and the U.S.A. requiring disclosure of engagement partner identity. The rationale behind such a requirement is that it could bring within investors’ reach greater transparency and accountability in the auditing process thereby helping to restore investor confidence in the capital markets. Consistent with this rationale, the results of this dissertation support the view that audit markets (and/or firm insiders) infer audit quality, at least to some extent, from the characteristics of the individual audit partner in charge.

This master thesis deals with legal and ethical aspects of financial audit. The aim of this thesis is to assess whether the financial audit fulfils its main goal in these days. This aim should be reached by answering questions emerged from author's research connected with the thesis theme. Except for technical literature and rules relevant for audit profession, the significant sources of information are interviews with auditors, consultants and academics. Another important information source is author's personal experience with working for the large audit firm. Considering the growing economical globalization, the thesis deals with questions of audit in the Czech Republic as well as contemporary regulation development on the European Union level. Furthermore, there will be an analysis of the fall of the international audit firm Arthur Andersen and some linked accounting scandals, too.