6. Conclusion
In this paper we empirically examine whether the accounting quality has been improved after the adoption of IFRS and investigate whether audit committees are more effective in promoting accounting quality under IFRS than previous Australian GAAP. We use 1200 annual reports of 200 listed companies on the ASX over a 6-year period (2003–2008) and employ both univariate and multivariate testing.
Our univariate results provide evidence that accounting quality is not significantly enhanced subsequent to the adoption of IFRS in Australia. Most notably, we find that both measures of accounting quality are reported to be stable under AGAAP and IFRS. The likely reason for this is that Australia is a mandatory adopter of IFRS and previously utilised principles-based accounting standards. Countries considering adopting IFRS that are in a similar position to Australia can use this study to contribute to their decision-making. The insignificant effect IFRS adoption has had on accounting quality in Australia can be seen by possible future adopters such as the U.S. and Japan as they weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of IFRS.
In addition, we find that audit committees are generally more effective in promoting accounting quality under IFRS than previous Australian GAAP. In particular, both proxies generally reported a more significant negative association with audit committee variables in the post-IFRS adoption period (2006–2008). Therefore, we can infer that audit committees with accounting expertise, more members and meeting more regularly are better able constrain earnings management and ensure accruals quality under IFRS.
The findings of this study will help regulators in jurisdictions considering future adoption of IFRS and the impact of audit committees on earnings quality. Past research has found that accounting quality is not merely based on the adequacy of reporting standards but also the effectiveness of laws and business incentives. Future research may consider law enforcement and its links with accounting quality. This will provide useful insights for policymakers and regulators which could help drive true accounting quality.