The challenges of Section 404
compliance for foreign operations are multiplied
because of language and cultural barriers, local
regulations, and individualized systems and
procedures (Hussain, 2006). As a result, the
auditing costs of Section 404 compliance for
European companies with a US listing has risen 35
percent since the passage of the SOA (Cohen, 2005).
A recent survey of 88 companies in 13 European
countries by Mazars, an accountancy firm, finds
that nearly one-fifth of the surveyed companies are
contemplating leaving the US markets in order to
escape the costly demands of the SOA (Financial
Times, 2006). Clearly, the SOA effect on the
perceived professionalism and value of the internal
audit function is an international issue.