Auditors' role in valuation practices during corporate restructuring in Vietnam: A qualitative insight

This study addresses the question of how auditors contribute to the valuation process during corporate restructuring in Vietnam, by exploring their roles and challenges in emerging market contexts. The study was conducted to investigate the significant responsibilities of auditors, the difficulties they face, and how auditors' contributions to the valuation process affect the outcome of the restructuring of firms, with the aim of highlighting their importance in ensuring transparency, compliance, and fairness. Qualitative research methodology was used, including semistructured interviews with 15 senior auditors from Big 4 and Non-Big 4 companies, as well as a literature analysis on financial reporting and valuation. The study focuses on actual valuation cases during the 2019-2024 period to understand current activities and challenges. The results of the study show that auditors play an important role in validating financial data, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing independent valuation but face unique challenges such as unreliable financial records, regulatory inconsistencies, market volatility, and cultural pressures. However, their contributions have an enormous influence on the negotiation process, transaction prices, and stakeholder confidence. These results are important because they demonstrate the need for stricter regulatory enforcement, improved corporate governance, and appropriate valuation practices in Viet Nam. These findings underscore the importance of auditors in facilitating successful restructuring processes and providing insights to other emerging markets facing similar challenges.