A Bibliometric Analysis of Audit Delays: Implications for Financial Transparency and Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on audit delays, with a focus on identifying trends and factors that influence audit timeliness. The study seeks to assess the implications of these delays on financial reporting efficiency and institutional transparency, aligning with the goals of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in the literature on audit timeliness and its impact on corporate governance, financial transparency, and accountability. The study also incorporates sustainability frameworks, particularly SDG 16, which emphasizes the need for transparent and accountable institutions to foster trust and contribute to sustainable development. Method: This study utilizes a bibliometric analysis to explore global trends in audit delay research from 2020 to 2023. Data were collected using Google Scholar and analyzed using VOSviewer software to map co-authorship, citation networks, and keyword co-occurrence. A total of 999 relevant publications were identified and analyzed. Results and Discussion: The analysis identified five key clusters of research related to audit delays: company characteristics, auditor tenure, regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and industry-specific challenges. The findings highlight that larger companies, higher profitability, and complex audit processes often lead to delays. Regulatory requirements such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and local regulations in Indonesia were shown to lengthen audit times. Technological innovations such as AI and blockchain have the potential to reduce delays but face uneven adoption. Addressing these delays is crucial for achieving SDG 16 by improving transparency and strengthening institutional governance. Research Implications: The study underscores the need for tailored solutions to mitigate audit delays in different regions and industries. It calls for increased adoption of technological innovations, improved regulatory frameworks, and context-specific approaches to enhance audit timeliness and institutional accountability, contributing to the broader goals of SDG 16. Originality/Value: This research provides a novel bibliometric analysis of audit delay literature, highlighting the intersection of financial reporting timeliness with sustainability goals. It offers valuable insights into how addressing audit delays can support the creation of transparent and accountable institutions, which is crucial for achieving SDG 16.