AUDIT FIRM CHARACTERISTICS, CLIENT COMPLEXITY, AND THE ADOPTION OF THE BUSINESS RISK AUDIT APPROACH

The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of certain fundamental characteristics of audit firms and their clients on the application of the business risk audit approach in Yemen, as well as to identify the responses implemented by these firms and companies to these characteristics. The study uses a descriptive-analytical approach, where the data collected through the questionnaire are described and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. The study sample included 60 auditors from 42 audit firms and 8 individual offices, with a focus on larger offices and those associated with international audit offices, as they are more likely to apply the business risk-based audit approach. Data was sourced from the Ministry of Industry and Trade's publications on licensed audit offices. Out of 50 electronic and 10 paper questionnaires distributed, 38 responses were received, representing a response rate of 63.33%. The results showed that the characteristics related to the audit firm have a varying impact on the application of the business risk audit approach and that the specialization of the audit firm in the client's business is the most influential factor in this regard. The results also showed that the characteristics related to audit clients do not affect the application of the business risk audit approach, indicating the existence of other factors that may affect this approach. This study is one of the few studies that address the application of the business risk audit approach in the Yemeni context, highlighting the factors affecting this application and its challenges. The study also provides some recommendations to improve audit quality and deal with business risks.