Finally, we look at the role of auditors in identifying and reporting material weaknesses in internal control. Large audit firms tend to have larger clients than smaller audit firms, and thus, to the extent that material weaknesses are associated with size, large audit firms might encounter fewer internal control problems. Moreover, larger audit firms are expected to have more auditing expertise and a higher exposure to legal liability than smaller audit firms. Thus, if larger audit firms historically imposed stronger internal control standards for their clients, we would expect to see fewer weaknesses disclosed under Sections 302 and 404. Therefore, we examine the association between auditor size (large versus small) and material weakness disclosures by firms.