Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/43170
Title: The audit expectation gap in Maltese central government : an analysis
Authors: Scicluna, Alison
Keywords: Finance, Public -- Accounting
Auditors' reports -- Malta
Malta -- Politics and government
Issue Date: 2018
Citation: Scicluna, A. (2018). The audit expectation gap in Maltese central government : an analysis (Master’s dissertation).
Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse the existence of an audit expectation gap in Maltese Central Government and determine the factors contributing to the gap. Recommendations on improving the gap and removing any misunderstandings which might arise between the NAO auditors and the users of the audit reports were elicited leading to enhance the NAO’s function thus providing the public with a better service. Design: The objectives of this study were achieved by conducting a mixed-methods research design which comprised interviews addressed to NAO auditors and users of the audit reports, mainly PAC members, and questionnaires administered to additional NAO auditors and Members of Parliament. Findings: The findings from this study indicate that an audit expectation gap has prevailed between the NAO auditors and the users of the audit reports. It exists in several fundamental audit concepts particularly in Auditor’s Responsibility, Materiality, Fraud Detection, Audit Reports and Audit Judgement. Nevertheless, no audit expectation gap was found to be present on audit concepts such as True and Fair View, Audit Standards, Audit Independence and Audit Evidence. Conclusions: The results show that apart from providing an exemplary service to the public, the NAO’s function in the Maltese Central Government is improving by time. Despite this, both the NAO and the PAC still have several issues which need to be addressed to ensure that misunderstandings are minimised as much as possible. Value: This study has brought up to date limited information on a vital function in the Maltese public sector. It has also assessed the NAO’s strengths and weaknesses of providing such a service. Efforts to improve the audit function in the public sector must persist to ensure that the NAO provides an efficient and effective service.
Description: M.ACCTY.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/43170
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacEma - 2018
Dissertations - FacEMAAcc - 2018

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