AUDITING CHALLENGES IN ADDRESSING AGGRESSIVE ACCOUNTING PRACTICES IN NIGERIA
Abstract
The collapse of companies despite audited accounts raises questions about accountability – is it the auditors, management, or those who engage in questionable practices? This study investigates the challenges auditors face in addressing accounting practices that blur the line between legitimate flexibility and fraudulent activity, exploring the nuances of aggressive accounting practices. A questionnaire was administered to gather data on auditors’ understanding of aggressive accounting practices and the difficulties they encounter in evaluating financial statement disclosures. The findings reveal that while auditors are aware of aggressive accounting practices, even trained professionals express limited confidence in their ability to effectively identify and address these practices. The research also explores how creative accounting escalates into aggressive accounting, examining challenges auditors face and the need for enhanced accountability and expertise. This study contributes to existing literature by highlighting gaps between training and practical application, providing insights into the complexities of auditing aggressive accounting practices.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.