The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Rajiv D Banker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
productivity change technical progress and relative efficiency change in the Public Accounting industry
Management Science, 2005Co-Authors: Rajiv D Banker, Hsihui Chang, Ram NatarajanAbstract:We present evidence on components of productivity change in the Public Accounting industry toward the end of the 20th century. Using revenue and human resource data from 64 of the 100 largest Public Accounting firms in the United States for the 1995-1999 period, we analyze productivity change, technical progress, and relative efficiency change over time. The average Public Accounting firm experienced a productivity growth of 9.5% between 1995 and 1999. We find support for the hypothesis that technical progress rather than an improvement in relative efficiency was the reason for this productivity growth. Firms that were early movers into management advisory services (MAS) and those that emphasized growth in MAS over growth in the traditional audit and tax services enjoyed significantly higher productivity growth than their peers. These firms also contributed significantly more to the industry's technical progress.
-
the Public Accounting industry production function
Journal of Accounting and Economics, 2003Co-Authors: Rajiv D Banker, Hsihui Chang, Reba CunninghamAbstract:Abstract A translog function is specified to represent the relation between revenue and human resource inputs in Public Accounting firms. Estimation of the model using a balanced panel of annual data for 64 large CPA firms for the period 1995–1999 indicates that increasing returns to scale prevail in the Public Accounting industry, justifying recent merger and acquisition activities among Accounting firms. Average marginal revenue product of partners increased monotonically from 1995 to 1998, decreased slightly in 1999, and was about nine times that of other professionals during 1995–1999. The Public Accounting industry exhibited continuing improvement in productivity over the 5 years.
-
the Public Accounting industry production function
Social Science Research Network, 2003Co-Authors: Rajiv D Banker, Hsihui Chang, Reba CunninghamAbstract:A translog function is specified to represent the relation between revenue and human resource inputs in Public Accounting firms. Estimation of the model using a balanced panel of annual data for 64 large CPA firms for the period 1995-1999 indicates that increasing returns to scale prevail in the Public Accounting industry, justifying recent merger and acquisition activities among Accounting firms. Average marginal revenue product of partners increased monotonically from 1995 to 1998, decreased slightly in 1999, and was about nine times that of other professionals during 1995-1999. The Public Accounting industry exhibited continuing improvement in productivity over the five years.
-
impact of information technology on Public Accounting firm productivity
Journal of Information Systems, 2002Co-Authors: Rajiv D Banker, Hsihui Chang, Yiching KaoAbstract:In recent years, information technology (IT) has played a critical role in the services provided by the Public Accounting industry. However, no empirical research has evaluated the impact of IT on Public Accounting firms. This study focuses on five offices of an international Public Accounting firm that recently made large IT investments, primarily in audit software and knowledge‐sharing applications. Both qualitative and quantitative information from the research site are analyzed to estimate the change in productivity following the implementation of IT. The results from both regression analysis and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) indicate significant productivity gains following IT implementation, documenting the value impact of IT in a Public Accounting firm.
Hsihui Chang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
productivity growth in the Public Accounting industry the roles of information technology and human capital
Ear and Hearing, 2011Co-Authors: Hsihui Chang, Jengfang Chen, Shuhsing LiAbstract:SUMMARY: In this paper we decompose productivity growth into four components: efficiency change, technical progress, information technology (IT) capital accumulation, and human capital accumulation. We analyze data on the operations of 51 Public Accounting firms in Taiwan for the years 1993 and 2003, and find that productivity growth was driven primarily by the accumulation of IT capital and human capital. We also find that the difference in productivity growth between Big 4 and non-Big 4 Accounting firms is attributable to technical progress and, especially, IT capital accumulation. Further, our multiple regression results indicate that Accounting firms that had high growth in non-audit services (NAS) during the 11-year period enjoyed significantly higher productivity growth through greater IT capital and human capital accumulation than firms that remained focused on traditional audit services.
-
productivity change technical progress and relative efficiency change in the Public Accounting industry
Management Science, 2005Co-Authors: Rajiv D Banker, Hsihui Chang, Ram NatarajanAbstract:We present evidence on components of productivity change in the Public Accounting industry toward the end of the 20th century. Using revenue and human resource data from 64 of the 100 largest Public Accounting firms in the United States for the 1995-1999 period, we analyze productivity change, technical progress, and relative efficiency change over time. The average Public Accounting firm experienced a productivity growth of 9.5% between 1995 and 1999. We find support for the hypothesis that technical progress rather than an improvement in relative efficiency was the reason for this productivity growth. Firms that were early movers into management advisory services (MAS) and those that emphasized growth in MAS over growth in the traditional audit and tax services enjoyed significantly higher productivity growth than their peers. These firms also contributed significantly more to the industry's technical progress.
-
the Public Accounting industry production function
Journal of Accounting and Economics, 2003Co-Authors: Rajiv D Banker, Hsihui Chang, Reba CunninghamAbstract:Abstract A translog function is specified to represent the relation between revenue and human resource inputs in Public Accounting firms. Estimation of the model using a balanced panel of annual data for 64 large CPA firms for the period 1995–1999 indicates that increasing returns to scale prevail in the Public Accounting industry, justifying recent merger and acquisition activities among Accounting firms. Average marginal revenue product of partners increased monotonically from 1995 to 1998, decreased slightly in 1999, and was about nine times that of other professionals during 1995–1999. The Public Accounting industry exhibited continuing improvement in productivity over the 5 years.
-
the Public Accounting industry production function
Social Science Research Network, 2003Co-Authors: Rajiv D Banker, Hsihui Chang, Reba CunninghamAbstract:A translog function is specified to represent the relation between revenue and human resource inputs in Public Accounting firms. Estimation of the model using a balanced panel of annual data for 64 large CPA firms for the period 1995-1999 indicates that increasing returns to scale prevail in the Public Accounting industry, justifying recent merger and acquisition activities among Accounting firms. Average marginal revenue product of partners increased monotonically from 1995 to 1998, decreased slightly in 1999, and was about nine times that of other professionals during 1995-1999. The Public Accounting industry exhibited continuing improvement in productivity over the five years.
-
impact of information technology on Public Accounting firm productivity
Journal of Information Systems, 2002Co-Authors: Rajiv D Banker, Hsihui Chang, Yiching KaoAbstract:In recent years, information technology (IT) has played a critical role in the services provided by the Public Accounting industry. However, no empirical research has evaluated the impact of IT on Public Accounting firms. This study focuses on five offices of an international Public Accounting firm that recently made large IT investments, primarily in audit software and knowledge‐sharing applications. Both qualitative and quantitative information from the research site are analyzed to estimate the change in productivity following the implementation of IT. The results from both regression analysis and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) indicate significant productivity gains following IT implementation, documenting the value impact of IT in a Public Accounting firm.
Reba Cunningham - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
the Public Accounting industry production function
Journal of Accounting and Economics, 2003Co-Authors: Rajiv D Banker, Hsihui Chang, Reba CunninghamAbstract:Abstract A translog function is specified to represent the relation between revenue and human resource inputs in Public Accounting firms. Estimation of the model using a balanced panel of annual data for 64 large CPA firms for the period 1995–1999 indicates that increasing returns to scale prevail in the Public Accounting industry, justifying recent merger and acquisition activities among Accounting firms. Average marginal revenue product of partners increased monotonically from 1995 to 1998, decreased slightly in 1999, and was about nine times that of other professionals during 1995–1999. The Public Accounting industry exhibited continuing improvement in productivity over the 5 years.
-
the Public Accounting industry production function
Social Science Research Network, 2003Co-Authors: Rajiv D Banker, Hsihui Chang, Reba CunninghamAbstract:A translog function is specified to represent the relation between revenue and human resource inputs in Public Accounting firms. Estimation of the model using a balanced panel of annual data for 64 large CPA firms for the period 1995-1999 indicates that increasing returns to scale prevail in the Public Accounting industry, justifying recent merger and acquisition activities among Accounting firms. Average marginal revenue product of partners increased monotonically from 1995 to 1998, decreased slightly in 1999, and was about nine times that of other professionals during 1995-1999. The Public Accounting industry exhibited continuing improvement in productivity over the five years.
Robin W Roberts - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
an examination of the u s Public Accounting profession s Public interest discourse and actions in federal policy making
Journal of Business Ethics, 2017Co-Authors: Lisa Baudot, Robin W Roberts, Dana WallaceAbstract:Participation in the political process by the United States Public Accounting profession often blurs the role of the profession as advocates for the Public interest with its role as advocates for its own private interests. In this study, we draw from prior theoretical and empirical work to investigate recent federal political activities of the Public Accounting profession to shed light on these sometimes contradictory roles. In particular, we investigate ten contemporary regulatory issues of interest to the AICPA. We analyze 36 AICPA legislative advocacy letters related to these issues that were provided to federal policy makers. In addition, we analyze the Public Accounting profession’s federal lobbying reports that were submitted during this same time period. The analysis allows us to assess the Public interest discourse present in the AICPA legislative letters as well as the extent of political action taken by the profession related to these issues based on the profession’s lobbying efforts. Our analyses (1) demonstrate that the profession’s discourse and actions often reflect both Public and private interest motivations, (2) allow us to categorize the profession’s advocacy efforts as arising from specific motivations, and (3) show that the profession’s Public interest arguments used to advocate for their policy positions change depending upon the specific legislative issue being considered.
-
in whose interest a critical examination of Public interest appeals made by the Public Accounting profession in the usa
International Journal of Critical Accounting, 2013Co-Authors: Steven Thornburg, Robin W RobertsAbstract:This paper presents a critical analysis of Public interest arguments employed by the USA Public Accounting profession. We build on prior research that deals with the Public Accounting profession's Public interest commitments, specifically Willmott (1990), Parker (1994), Robson et al. (1994), Roberts and Dwyer (1998), and Cooper and Robson (2006), by focusing more specifically on an analysis of the logic, authority, and emotional appeals of the profession's rhetoric. In addition, we engage more extensively with functionalist arguments concerning market control over auditor independence and quality. Relying principally on an Aristotelian (Aristotle, Trans. 1954) definition of rhetoric and Toulmin's (1969) model of argument, we evaluate the logic, authority and emotional appeal of these claims and present arguments and evidence in rebuttal. Our analysis indicates that, although, Public interest claims are not totally void of merit, without consistent ethical performance by Accounting professionals, their Public interest rhetoric rings hollow, damaging the reputation of the profession as a whole and laying the foundation for further regulatory restrictions.
-
known by the company they keep a study of political campaign contributions made by the united states Public Accounting profession
Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 2004Co-Authors: Peggy D Dwyer, Robin W RobertsAbstract:Abstract The U.S. Public Accounting profession commits substantial financial resources to federal election campaigns. In this paper, we explore the potential motivations for and consequences of those actions. We investigate the political contributions made by the profession during periods of proposed professional reform. We also analyze political contributions made during the 1997–1998 U.S. federal election cycle, with the intent of identifying systematic relationships between the levels of those contributions and the ideological profiles of the legislators receiving them. We argue that the profession is engaged politically in the management of its professional role in society and in the support of large clients’ interests. We also argue that the legislators supported by the profession have legislative agendas that are much broader than those of direct interest to the profession, and therefore the profession’s support may have unintended consequences. Our analyses of contributions data reveal that the profession shows preference for legislators who are sympathetic to pro-business agendas. At the same time, the legislators who receive financial support from the profession tend to favor conservative agendas, and tend to oppose agendas advanced by Civil Rights, Labor, Liberal, and Women’s groups. Our study provides insights into the fundamental role played by the Accounting profession in U.S. society and the effects of the profession’s efforts to shape Public policy.
-
the contemporary gender agenda of the us Public Accounting profession embracing feminism or maintaining empire
Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 2004Co-Authors: Peggy D Dwyer, Robin W RobertsAbstract:Abstract In this paper we analyze the social relations operating within the contemporary gender agenda of the United States (US) Public Accounting profession, with the ultimate goal of revealing the role that that agenda plays in the expansion of empire. Competing narratives of globalization are used to support our characterization of the US as a contemporary empire, and to develop the role played by the US profession in that imperial project. A feminist account of the ideology of domesticity serves as a framework to critique the contemporary gender agenda of the US profession, and feminist critiques of globalization and development are used to interpret the gendered nature of the economic agenda that is currently being exported by the US profession and its multinational clients. The analysis leads to conclusions about the involvement of the US profession in facilitating empire and about complexities embedded in the roles held by women in the US Public Accounting profession.
-
political strategies used by the us Public Accounting profession during auditor liability reform the case of the private securities litigation reform act of 1995
Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, 2003Co-Authors: Robin W Roberts, Peggy D Dwyer, John T SweeneyAbstract:Abstract In this paper we examine the US Public Accounting profession’s use of political strategies during the eight-year period leading up to the passage of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our analysis is organized and interpreted within the framework of a recently developed theoretical model of corporate political strategy. Much prior research has addressed the question of why the US Public Accounting profession would promote litigation reform. However, this study is the first to provide a detailed analysis of how the US profession acted to obtain such reform. The study contributes to the development of a general model of Public Accounting profession political strategy––a stream of research that is of critical importance given the vital role the federal government plays in the survival of the profession, the significant resources that the profession devotes to political activities, and the recent Accounting industry reforms passed by the US Congress.
Greg Trompeter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
pcaob inspections Public Accounting firms on trial
Contemporary Accounting Research, 2019Co-Authors: Kimberly D Westermann, Jeffrey R Cohen, Greg TrompeterAbstract:The objective of our article is to obtain a better understanding of how auditors anticipate the potential for PCAOB inspection, experience the inspection, cope with the consequences of the inspection, and understand the PCAOB's influence within the context of professionalism. We use a qualitative approach that uses both surveys (55) and interviews (20) of auditors (of varying rank and firm) across a five‐year period (2012–2017). Respondents suggest that PCAOB inspectors are powerful, representing the “prosecution,” “judge,” and “jury” of the auditing profession. We therefore use a structural metaphor of the PCAOB inspection as a judicial “trial.” By controlling the criteria used to evaluate performance, inspectors have the power to repeatedly “subpoena,” “interrogate,” and return a “verdict” on the firm (auditor); those judged as “guilty” require supervised “probation.” This process is perceived as having improved audit quality but at a cost. Passing an inspection is so important that auditors (firms) have resorted to impression management strategies and “functionally stupid” work practices (e.g., excessive documentation, a decrease in critical thinking as a result of a “box ticking” approach to auditing). Furthermore, some respondents believe that being a good auditor has come at the expense of being a good accountant; the emphasis on audit process and concurrent de‐emphasis on technical Accounting could ultimately lead to audits themselves falling short. In addition, it is evident that inspectors and auditors differ in their perceptions of risk, likely manifesting because inspectors are standards‐focused while auditors (firms) are methodology‐focused. Finally, the inspection process has created excessive stress and tension, beyond budget and fee pressures, which some auditors perceive as affecting the pool of talented auditors that firms may be able to attract and retain in the future. Inspections du PCAOB : le « tribunal » des cabinets d'expertise comptable Les auteurs ont pour but d'acquerir une meilleure comprehension de la facon dont les auditeurs anticipent la possibilite d'une inspection du PCAOB, subissent cette inspection, en gerent les consequences et percoivent l'influence du PCAOB dans le contexte du professionnalisme. Ils emploient une methode qualitative faisant appel a la fois a des sondages (55) et a des entrevues (20) menes aupres d'auditeurs (d’echelons et de cabinets divers), sur une periode de cinq ans (2012 a 2017). Les participants estiment que les inspecteurs du PCAOB ont beaucoup de pouvoir, puisqu'ils sont a la fois « incriminateurs », « juges » et « jures » a l’egard de la profession d'audit. Recourant a une metaphore structurelle, les auteurs associent donc l'inspection du PCAOB a un « proces » devant un tribunal. En controlant les criteres servant a evaluer la performance, les inspecteurs ont le pouvoir de « citer a comparaitre », d’« interroger » et de rendre un « verdict » a l’egard du cabinet (de l'auditeur) ; les intimes qui sont juges « coupables » doivent se soumettre a une « probation » sous surveillance. Ce processus, estime‐t‐on, a ameliore la qualite de l'audit, mais cette amelioration a un cout. L’epreuve de l'inspection est une experience d'une telle importance que les auditeurs (les cabinets) se livrent a des strategies de gestion des relations et a des pratiques de travail deraisonnables sur le plan fonctionnel (par exemple, en abusant de la documentation et en adoptant une methode d'audit systematisee — suivant l'ordre des « cases a cocher » — qui compromet leur sens critique). En outre, certains participants sont d'avis que les competences en audit se perfectionnent aux depens des competences en comptabilite ; le fait de mettre l'accent sur le processus d'audit et d'accorder concurremment moins d'importance a la technique comptable pourrait, en definitive, nuire a la qualite meme des audits. Au surplus, de toute evidence, les inspecteurs et les auditeurs ont une perception differente du risque qui tient vraisemblablement au fait que les inspecteurs se concentrent sur les normes alors que les auditeurs (les cabinets) se preoccupent de la methodologie. Enfin, le processus d'inspection engendre un exces de stress et de tension, au‐dela des pressions relatives au budget et aux honoraires, ce qui, du point de vue de certains auditeurs, a une incidence sur le bassin d'auditeurs talentueux que les cabinets pourraient reussir a recruter et a maintenir en poste dans l'avenir.
-
pcaob inspections Public Accounting firms on trial
Social Science Research Network, 2018Co-Authors: Kimberly D Westermann, Jeffrey R Cohen, Greg TrompeterAbstract:The objective of our paper is to obtain a better understanding of how auditors anticipate the potential for PCAOB inspection, experience the inspection, cope with the consequences of the inspection, and understand the PCAOB's influence within the context of professionalism. We use a qualitative approach that employs both surveys (55) and interviews (20) of auditors (of varying rank and firm) across a five-year period (2012-2017). Respondents suggest that PCAOB inspectors are powerful, representing the 'prosecution', 'judge', and 'jury' of the auditing profession. We therefore employ a structural metaphor of the PCAOB inspection as a judicial 'trial'. By controlling the criteria for which to evaluate performance, inspectors have the power to repeatedly 'subpoena', 'interrogate', and return a 'verdict' on the firm (auditor); those judged as 'guilty' require supervised 'probation'. This process is perceived as having improved audit quality, but at a cost. Passing an inspection is so important, that auditors (firms) have resorted to impression management strategies and "functionally stupid" work practices (e.g., excessive documentation, a decrease in critical thinking as a result of a "box ticking" approach to auditing). Further, some respondents believe that being a good auditor has come at the expense of being a good accountant; the emphasis on audit process and concurrent de-emphasis on technical Accounting could ultimately lead to audits themselves falling short. In addition, it is evident that inspectors and auditors differ in their perceptions of risk; likely manifesting because inspectors are standards focused while auditors (firms) are methodology focused. Finally, the inspection process has created excessive stress and tension, beyond budget and fee pressures, which some auditors perceive as affecting the pool of talented auditors that firms may be able to attract and retain in the future.
