Role of effectiveness of audit committees and financial reporting quality in selected companies in Ghana

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the role effectiveness of Audit Committees and financial reporting quality in selected companies in Ghana. The study adopted the case study research design. A total of fifty-four respondents participated in the study. The convenience sampling method was used in selecting the respondents for the study. Data was collected using questionnaire. Spearman Rank Order (rho) correlation, frequencies and percentages, pie charts, and mean and standard deviation were employed in analysing the data gathered. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was the software that was used for the data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the Audit Committees (ACs) in the companies studied were generally not effective in the performance of their duties. Additionally, the study found out that the effectiveness of ACs is affected principally by poor management support; low level of management interest in the activities of the audit committee; poor commitment of management toward the implementation of audit committee’s findings; lack/inadequate resources for the audit committee to effectively perform its function, among others. Last but not least, the study found out that the quality of the companies’ financial reporting did not have any significant relationship with Audit Committees’ frequency of meetings, size, degree of independence, and financial expertise. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among other things that management of the companies should provide the needed support to the Audit Committee and should be more committed in implementing the recommendations by the committee.