The moderating effect of the effectiveness of the internal audit function on the relationship between CAATS and corporate governance and the quality of financial reports in commercial banks: Evidence from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This study sought to determine how CAATS, corporate governance (CG), and EIAF positively and directly influence the quality of financial reports (QFR). In addition to identifying the moderating effect of EIAF on the links between CAATS, CG and QFR in Saudi commercial banks. To this end, data was collected from 293 participants, including administrative managers, board members, internal auditors, certified public accountants, and staff members from the audit and internal audit departments as well as the accounting departments. Using structural equation modelling (SEM) via SmartPls, data was analyzed. The study showed that QFR is positively and significantly affected by CAATS, CG, and EIAF. Moreover, EIAF does not moderate the effect of CAATS and CG on QFR. Hence, this study enriches accounting literature and has implications for both practitioners and policymakers.