Incessant Financial Scandals in the Corporate Organizations in Nigeria: Auditors’ Culpability

Abstract

A reliable audit report is imperative in corporate organizations where the retention of public confidence remains of utmost importance.  In this regard, the statutory auditors are the essential fulcrum upon which the concepts of objectivity, fairness coupled with independence and integrity of financial reporting rest.  This assertion, notwithstanding, it suffices to say that reports from statutory auditors are still challenged.  Against this backdrop, this study seeks to investigate the circumstances capable of compromising the integrity and independence of statutory auditors. A descriptive statistical analysis was used to evaluate the users’ perception of the audit report in Nigeria. One hundred and fifty questionnaires were administered on one hundred and fifty staff of three selected firms as respondents. The data collected were analyzed using chi-square statistical technique. The result revealed that firm of auditors had been indicted of deliberate falsification and overstating the profit of organisations.  The study hereby recommended that greater diligence; professional sensitivity and utmost care should be displayed in the course of audit engagements.

Keywords: Financial Scandals; Auditors’ culpability; Corporate Organisation; Auditors’ Relationship and Auditors’ Report