Audit Quality and Financial Performance of Quoted Cement Firms in Nigeria

Abstract

The financial statement audit is an important tool for reducing information asymmetries and maintaining an efficient market environment. However, if the audit is to improve financial performance, there must be credibility and reliability as regards audited financial information. This research work was designed to examine the impact of audit quality on financial performance of quoted firms in Nigeria. The study is descriptive in nature and the correlational and ex-post facto designs were adopted in carrying out this research. Data were obtained basically from the published annual reports and accounts, and notes to the financial statements of the four firms that represent the sample of the study. The data collected were quantified and presented in tables. Multiple regression analysis using the SPSS Version 15.0 was employed in analyzing the data and testing the stated hypotheses. The results of the findings shows that auditor size and auditor independence have significant impacts on the financial performance of quoted cement firms in Nigeria. However, auditor independence has more influence than auditor size on financial performance. The study recommends that the management of quoted cement firms in Nigeria increase the remuneration of auditors in order to improve their financial performance. The study further recommends that management should employ the services of audit firms whose character and integrity is beyond question.