A model for detecting the effects of significant distortions in audit reports

The validity of the audit depends on the correct judgment and diagnosis of the auditors. Recognizing matters of universal importance has an impact on auditors' comments and ultimately improving the decision-making of the key stakeholders of the unit under review. The main goal of the current research is to provide a model for detecting widespread significant distortions in audit reports. The current research is exploratory and the main research tool is Delphi questionnaire and analytical hierarchy process (AHP). For this purpose, first the factors (criteria) affecting the detection of widespread significant distortions in audit reports were identified by studying the research literature and asking the opinions of 10 experts in the audit field. These factors include 4 main axes (1) factors related to the unit under consideration (with five sub-factors); (2) factors related to the auditing firm (with seven sub-factors); (3) auditor-related factors (with three sub-factors); (4) environmental factors (with eight sub-factors). The findings of the matrix calculations of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) questionnaire showed that the factors related to the unit under consideration are the most effective factors in detecting significant distortions in the audit reports. The characteristics of the financial team, standards and rules and regulations, the auditor's qualification and the level of accountability were also the most important sub-factors. This research has value in better recognizing the widespread important distortions in the audit reports in order to increase the credibility of the profession and improve the decisions of the key stakeholders of the units under review.