This study aims to investigate whether and how audit fee
determinants examined in prior studies influence audit fees
and costs in the Japanese audit market, and to examine whether
audit pricing and cost strategies differ among Japanese Big 3
firms. Prior studies have not fully examined audit costs and
differences in audit pricing and cost strategies among large
audit firms. Based on data pertaining to the 2006 audits of
publicly listed companies conducted by Japanese Big 3 firms,
the present study reveals that many audit fee determinants,
such as client size, complexity, risk, whether the client is an
SEC registrant, the audit firm’s market share in the industry,
and client bargaining power, influence audit costs. Other
variables, such as the client’s location, fiscal year end, and the
audit firm’s differentiation, influence only either audit fees or
costs, or affect both audit fees and costs in opposite directions.
Furthermore, the relationships between audit fees/costs and
the determinants vary among Big 3 firms.