Layers of Auditor Industry Specialization: Evidence from Client Firms’ Investment Efficiency

ABSTRACT We examine the influence of different layers of auditor industry specialization on client firms’ investment efficiency. We differentiate between industry specialization at the firm and partner levels, and joint specialization (i.e., at both firm and partner levels combined). Using observations from Taiwan between 1998 and 2017, we observe a positive association between joint specialization and client investment efficiency. Specialization at the firm or partner levels alone does not improve investment efficiency. In addition, client firm performance is positively associated with joint specialization. Auditors charge a premium for the firm- and joint-level specialization. Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text. JEL Classifications: M40; M42.