Journal articles on the topic 'Internal audit (Malaysia)'

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation of integrated internal audit management (IIAM) and compare the implementation of IIAM by Malaysian firms with different certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001). Design/methodology/approach This study involves three studies on the implementation of integrated internal audit processes. Furthermore, this study compares the implementation of the audit in the selected firms. The qualitative research methodology was adopted to analyse the data. Findings This study is an exploratory study and the findings indicate the differences between the implementation of the internal audit process across different firms. All the firms are highly motivated and demonstrate resource management whilst implementing the IIAM while firms experiencing the same difficulties. The study also found that all of the firms are enjoying similar benefits. Research limitations/implications The scope of this research paper is limited to three Malaysian manufacturing firms with different quality certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. Thus, the finding cannot be generalised to all firms in Malaysia. However, the findings are significant as they present an interesting comparison between the implementation of IIAM by manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Originality/value Although the integration of management systems has been analysed many times, this study focussed on the comparison of firms’ practices of the IIAM.

This study attempts to investigate the link between corporate governance mechanisms and audit report lag for companies listed on Bursa Malaysia from 2007 to 2009. The 288 companies listed on Bursa Malaysia have been randomly selected. The corporate governance mechanisms examined include the board of directors and audit committee. It shows that there are significant negative relationships between board diligence, audit committee independence and expertise. The higher the number of meetings being held indicates that the board is discharging their role towards the company. The results show that audit committee independence and audit committee expertise could assist in reducing audit report lag among companies in Malaysia. Its provide some evidence supporting the resource based theory, whereby characteristics of the audit committee, such as the resources and capabilities, could improve companies’ performance as well as corporate reporting.However, it could not provide any evidence concerning the link between board independence, board expertise, CEO duality and audit committee diligence on audit report lag. This study provides comprehensive examination of ARL on Malaysian listed companies for three years period. It is consider the initial study to provide a thorough examination of the association between corporate governance characteristics and ARL.

This study aims to examine the effect of interaction between internal auditor and audit committee on fraud detection in Malaysia. Specific interaction is firstly; audit committee approving the appointment of chief audit executive, the evaluation of chief audit executive, the dismissal of chief audit executive, the internal audit budget and the internal audit plan or program. Secondly, audit committee’s involvement in reviewing internal auditor’s work specifically; providing input for the internal audit plan, reviewing the results of internal auditing related to financial reporting, reviewing the results of internal auditing related to internal control, reviewing the results of internal auditing related to compliance with laws and regulation, reviewing the internal audit involvement in management responses to internal audit suggestions, reviewing the difficulties or scope restrictions encountered by internal auditors and reviewing the coordination between internal auditors and external auditors. Survey questionnaires were mailed to internal auditors attached to 782 companies listed on Bursa Malaysia’s main market. The results of this study suggest that involvement of audit committee in approving chief audit executives’ matters is insignificant on internal auditors’ contribution to fraud detection. However, audit committee’s involvement in reviewing internal auditors’ work significantly influence the internal auditors’ contribution in fraud detection.

This study outlines the role of internal audit in the governance of zakat institutions in Malaysia. Aspects of internal audit are detailed in this study as well as risk management. Internal audit is closely linked to risk management where both of these aspects are an important element of an organisation's governance. In addition, legislative matters such as the Federal Constitution and the State Administration of Islamic Religious Enactments were also discussed in this research. Researchers are also talking about the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG), which can be used as a guide and best practice for Islamic religious states and zakat institutions in Malaysia. Although the Islamic religious councils of the states and the zakat institutions are not a company but with the trust as administrators and managers of large zakat funds, the need for good governance is essential.

Purpose This study aims to examine the institutional investors’ preferences for internal governance mechanisms (internal audit function and audit committee effectiveness) in an emerging country like Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 2,020 yearly firm observations in Bursa Malaysia over the period 2009-2012 is used. The two-stage least squares using instrumental variables (IV-2SLS) analysis is used to examine the relationships. To corroborate the findings of this study, a regression based on a one-year lag of the independent variables is used. Furthermore, ordinary least square regression and Generalized Method of Moments using instrumental variables (IV-GMM) are used. Findings Positive associations are found between the internal audit function and audit committee effectiveness and the institutional ownership. Research limitations/implications These findings imply that institutional investors gravitate to firms that have high investment in internal audit function and effective audit committee. These findings are consistent with the conjecture that institutional investors try to minimize monitoring and exit costs and meet their fiduciary responsibility by investing in better internal audit firms. Practical implications This study offers insights to policymakers interested in enhancing internal governance mechanisms to attract institutional investors. Originality/value Limited empirical studies have examined the relation between internal governance mechanisms (internal audit function and audit committee effectiveness) and institutional ownership. This study adds to the existing literature on the importance of internal governance mechanisms by documenting an association between internal audit function and audit committee effectiveness and institutional ownership in an emerging country like Malaysia.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of audit committee characteristics on investment in internal audit function. This study developed an index by combining the individual characteristics of audit committee into one variable to capture audit committee effectiveness. Data relating to audit committee and internal audit were extracted from the annual reports of the top 100 listed companies in Malaysia. The findings of this study shows that audit committee index is negative and significantly associated with investment in internal audit function. This result implies that there will be lower investment in internal audit when the audit committee are effective. The study also found a negative relationship between audit committee independent and investment in internal audit while no relationship was established between audit committee expertise and investment in internal audit function. The findings presented in this study offer invaluable implication for regulators on important factors that should be taken seriously before investing in internal audit.

<p class="Default"><span lang="EN-US">An audit committee is viewed as an essential self-regulatory internal governance instrument that is expected to provide an oversight role over the entire process of financial reporting. An internal audit is also one of the corporate governance cornerstones that is essential for the effective monitoring of the operating performance of internal control. To ensure its effectiveness, the audit committee monitors the resources available to the internal audit, and internal control functions should be directly reported to the audit committee. This study analyses the effect of audit committee characteristics on internal audit budget in Malaysia, where data on internal audit budget is available and how well audit committee monitors the internal audit function is questionable. Our study also opens the door to an unanswered question, that is, whether an audit committee index is related to internal audit budget. Data of 96 companies listed on Bursa Malaysia for a three-year period, 2012-2014, was utilized to achieve this end. The regression results show that audit committee meeting and index are significantly and positively associated with internal audit budget. They also indicate that audit committee tenure has a significant and negative impact on internal audit budget. The findings of the study support the recent policy initiatives in relation to audit committee and internal audit. They also serve as a wake-up call to policy makers in requiring more committed and skilled members on the audit committee.</span></p>

Manuscript type: Research paper Purpose: This study examines the views of internal auditors and auditees on factors affecting internal audit effectiveness (IAE) in insurance and takaful companies in Malaysia. Design/Methodology/Approach: A total of 240 respondents participated in a self-administered survey questionnaire. Findings: Multiple regression analyses suggests independence as well as the resources of internal audit functions (IAF) and relationship with the audit committee is perceived to affect IAE. However, management support is perceived to be less significant in affecting IAE. Furthermore, independent t-test and eta squared analyses show that respondents perceive the factors that significantly affect IAE differently, with independent internal audits scoring the highest. Research limitations/Implications: The respondents were only limited to internal auditors and auditees in insurance and takaful companies. Practical implications: Such empirical evidence is expected to be used by companies, regulators as well as researchers in understanding the prevailing factors affecting IAE in insurance and takaful companies. Originality/Value: The value of this study is grounded on limited studies of IAE in the financial industry, specifically insurance and takaful companies, and the analysis of both auditors and auditees’ views on the principal factors affecting IAE.

This paper is part of the third and final study conducted on the state of internal audit in the public sector of Malaysia. The first study was concerned with the internal audit operations in the state and local governments found in Peninsular Malaysia (Azham et al 2007a), while the second study was concerned with internal audit in the nation’s federal government ministries, departments and agencies (Azham et al 2007b). This third study covers 47 organizations at the federal government level, comprising 27 statutory bodies and 20 government-linked companies. From the face-to-face interviews conducted with internal auditors over the three year period 2005 to 2007, several notable audit features emerged as common to all 47 organizations. Some are depressing, while a few others are encouraging. All in all, however, the internal audit function in a majority of the organizations still leaves much to be desired. Also, it is notable that these findings are very much like those of the previous two internal audit studies (Azham et al 2007a; 2007b), and to make sense of the dismal state of the internal audit function in the public organizations, there is perhaps a need to look at the bigger context within which the internal audit function is found.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine, from the agency perspective, the influence of internal audit and audit committee attributes, as well as risk management and internal control systems, on the implementation of risk-based auditing among public-listed companies in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was distributed to the in-house internal audit function in approximately 620 public-listed companies. Consequently, data from 117 heads of the internal audit function was collected and analyzed. Findings The findings indicate that “audit committee review and concern” and “risk management system” are significantly and positively related to the implementation of risk-based auditing. Most importantly, the results indicate the importance of audit committee inputs and concerns in reviewing internal audit activities. Empirically, the findings also suggest that a more formalized risk environment would foster the existence of a strong risk-aware culture and hence provides a strong foundation for internal audit to implement risk-based auditing. However, internal audit experience, size of internal audit function, audit committee qualifications, and internal control system are not found to be significant predictors of the presence of risk-based auditing. Research limitations/implications This study examined only risk-based auditing practices in the in-house internal audit function of public-listed companies; hence, the findings cannot be generalized to all Malaysian-listed companies that outsource or co-source their internal audit activities. Social implications An effective internal monitoring mechanism and better quality of internal audit work will minimize potential risks that prevent the achievement of company objectives, reduce propensity to falsify financial information, and improve financial reporting quality. Originality/value This study contributes evidence concerning the relationship between internal monitoring mechanisms and the implementation of risk-based auditing among in-house internal audit activity.

The need to be in conformity with religious and ethical principles, or to be Shariah compliant, is the unique and distinctive feature of Islamic finance which sets it apart from its conventional counterpart. Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) are to be audited not only on financial performances but also on their adherence to Shariah precepts, including broader ethical and moral parameters. Currently there is no proper framework to govern the practice of internal Shariah auditing in IFIs. The recently issued Central Bank of Malaysia’s Shariah Governance Framework (CBM-SGF) has made it compulsory for IFIs to perform a regular internal audit of transactions, operations and information systems particularly at the product implementation stage to ensure a comprehensive compliance with Shariah. This has posed a challenge to Islamic banks and Takaful companies, to develop their own internal Shariah audit architecture and to train a new breed of internal auditors in the science and ethics of Shariah audit based on generalised guidelines under the new directive. This paper highlights persistent problems relating to inadequate auditing at the business operations level and prevailing issues in Shariah audit. Recommendations are made for the industry to adopt a common internal Shariah audit framework as a move towards standardisation and uniformity of audit practice.

Purpose of the study: It is the goal of this study to explore selected Malaysian public universities undergraduates’ awareness and knowledge level of internal Shariah audit. Methodology: The research used the quantitative approach of the survey. A survey was administrated to undergraduate students in accounting and finance programs in selected Malaysian public universities. Main Findings: The results of this research may indicate the level of knowledge and awareness among accounting students in selected Malaysian public universities. The outcomes of this research could serve as a reference point for the public universities, regulatory and professional bodies in evaluating the execution of a complete internal Shariah audit’s framework. This research will help to enhance the accounting courses offered by selected Malaysian public universities. Applications of this study: This research may provide the accounting students and professional accountants the understanding of the importance of internal Shariah auditing in Malaysian IFIs. Novelty/Originality of this study: Awareness of Internal Shariah Auditing in public universities in Malaysia has not been extensively studied.

Many businesses are moving towards the usage of information technology to be in line with their daily operations. Traditional audit methods are no longer relevant these days. Generalized Audit Software (GAS) is a type of software that is suitable for auditors to perform audit tasks. GAS can assist auditors to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of audit. To date, the development of GAS in audit firms is still low, although many practitioners had argued that auditors can receive greater benefits by using GAS. This research is motivated by an interest in understanding drivers contributing to the implementation of GAS within audit firms located in the central region of Malaysia. Prior studies had placed more focus on internal auditors in large accounting firms, or auditors in other countries. However, there were not many researches being conducted on small and medium-sized audit firms in Malaysia. This study is therefore intended to fill in this gap. Data were collected using questionnaire survey on small and medium-sized audit firms registered with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) in the central region of Malaysia. A total of 96 responses were analysed using multiple regression analysis. It was found that performance expectation, effort expectation and facilitating conditions had significantly influenced the implementation of GAS among small and medium-sized audit firms. However, social influence was found to have no significant relationship. The outcome of this study might help audit firms, software developers and academia to increase the usage of GAS to perform audit tasks. Future research should further explore on the influence of gender, age, voluntariness, experience, and other drivers contributing to the implementation of GAS within audit firms.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of corporate governance strength on stock market liquidity in an emerging country, namely, Malaysia, by constructing a corporate governance score that captures both internal monitoring mechanisms (board of directors’ characteristics, audit committee’s characteristics and internal audit function) and external monitoring mechanism (audit quality). Design/methodology/approach The study uses a sample of 2,020 yearly firm observations in Bursa Malaysia over the period 2009-2012. The ordinary least square regression and several estimation methods such as two-stage least squares using instrumental variables (IV-2SLS) and dynamic GMM are employed. Findings This study finds a significant positive association between corporate governance effectiveness and stock market liquidity. The finding is robust to alternative liquidity measurements, to alternative estimation methods, and to endogeneity bias. Research limitations/implications This result implies that the firms with effective monitoring mechanisms mitigate information asymmetry which leads to less adverse selection problems among traders. Practical implications This study provides implications for regulators to help design regulations that enhance stock market liquidity. This study could also help investors and traders to formulate their trading decisions, and enables firms to know the importance of strengthening the corporate governance monitoring mechanisms. Originality/value This study constructs a corporate governance effectiveness measure by combining both internal and external monitoring mechanisms. These mechanisms have not been constructed together in one score in the corporate governance literature and the impact of internal audit function, as an internal monitoring mechanism on liquidity, has yet to be examined.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the professional competency levels acquired by internal auditors in detecting unethical behaviour, to evaluate the position of internal auditors on objectivity and integrity in dealing with unethical behaviour and to examine the extent of their awareness on ethical issues in government-linked companies (GLCs). Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via questionnaires that were randomly distributed to the internal auditors of the selected GLS in Malaysia. These questionnaires were constructed from the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Examination Paper and The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Competency Framework. Findings This study found that internal auditors of the GLCs had a high level of competency in performing audit engagements and were able to detect unethical practices in the companies. The majority of the internal auditors also had a high level of objectivity and integrity when faced with unethical behaviour during audit engagements. Research limitations/implications This study provided strong evidence that the internal auditors of Malaysian GLCs strongly complied with IIA Code of Ethics. Besides, they were also aware of the unethical behaviour which occurred within their organizations. However, this study is limited to the internal auditors in GLCs, while the questions of the survey instrument are restricted to the elements of integrity, objectivity and professional competencies of internal auditors. Practical implications This study highlights the level of internal-auditor competency and adherence to the IIA’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (ISPPIA) and IIA’s Practice Guide to identify unethical behaviour within the Malaysian GLCs. Originality/value This study is original as it focusses on GLCs which did not get much attention from previous researchers, particularly the GLCs that operate in a developing country such as Malaysia.

National Audit Department (NAD) had repetitively recommended Federal Ministries/ Departments and Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) through its Auditor-General’s Report on the need to have an effective internal audit function to identify and mitigate weaknesses in their activities. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine factors that influence the effectiveness of the internal auditors especially for those that work in GLCs in Malaysia. It is to determine the internal auditors’ perception toward the effectiveness of internal audit activities, influenced by the individual factors related to the internal auditors themselves. This study also aims to determine the relationship between factors that contribute to the effectiveness. 300 questionnaires were distributed to internal auditors that work in GLCs in Malaysia using convenience sampling method, of which, 124 internal auditors had responded. Several statistical techniques such as the descriptive statistic, correlation and regression analysis were used to analyse the data from the survey. The result of the study showed that there were significant relationships among the factors analysed in this study which are the internal auditors’ competency, usage of information technology (IT) and career expectation. Hence, the effectiveness of internal audit will depend strongly to the attributes of the factors analysed in this study. This study will help organisations especially GLCs in understanding the factors that influence the internal auditors’ effectiveness and taking necessary action to improve their internal audit function. Consequently, the internal audit function could perform better in reporting findings and giving significant recommendations that give impact to the organisations.

This study seeks to add to understanding of the concept and attributes of audit quality from the perspective of those responsible for delivery audit services, the auditors, as a key constituent group in the auditing system. The study surveyed two groups of external auditors (group 1- audit partners and managerial level and, group 2 - senior auditors and junior auditors), as a basis to compare their perceptions on important of auditors and audit process attributes in achieving audit quality in practice. The study was conducted in the form of a survey, with data being gathered via questionnaire. Returned surveys from external auditors yielded a 37% response rate. Overall, top 5 highest rated attributes of audit quality reported to be most important in determining audit quality are: compliance with the International Standard Quality Control (ISCQ) 1, obtaining credible and sufficient audit evidence, technical expertise of audit team, audit work meeting the audit firms’ quality standards, and competency of the audit team. Further analysis shows that the two groups of respondents have differential views on attributes of audit quality in practice. Group 1 perceived attributes of audit quality are related to auditor’s assessment of risk and internal quality review procedures within the audit firm. In comparison, group 2 perceived auditors’ competency and compliance with relevant standards as indicators of audit quality. This study suggests differences in underlying view about attributes audit quality in practice by the two groups of auditors. Public accounting firms might be interested to understand such underlying differences so that efforts in improving audit quality in practice would be focusing on the key attributes that perceived to be important on delivery high-quality audit services. This study is significant by extending the literature on audit quality and also provides useful input to public accounting firms in improving audit quality in practice.

Increasing number of litigation suits against internal auditors has proved that there is heightened scrutiny on the quality of internal auditor’s judgment. As internal auditor’s judgment relies highly upon by the stakeholders, this paper aims to identify the types of audit judgment deemed to be critical for the success of an audit engagement. It also explores the types of objectivity threat experienced by Malaysian internal auditor. The present study also examined if there had been significant difference between objectivity threat experienced by public sector internal auditors and those of the private sector. The paper opted for an exploratory study using the questionnaires. A total of 150 copies of questionnaire were distributed to internal auditors working in private and public sectors. The findings indicated risk judgment (judgment on existing and emerging risk faced by organisation) as the most critical success factor in internal audit engagement. The findings also revealed that social pressure, cognitive biases, and intimidation as the top three threats that could threaten internal auditor objectivity, thus possibly affect internal auditor ability to make an objective judgment. However, this study found that there was no significant differences between the objectivity threats experienced by internal auditors in the private sector and those in the public sector. The research extent internal auditing literatures which focuses on the factors influencing internal auditor’s objectivity, but tended to omit the impact of the objectivity on influencing internal auditor’s judgment. This study has provided evidence of potentially serious risk of objectivity threats that may impair the internal auditors’ objectivity, thus reducing their ability to make an objective judgment. This paper fulfils an identified need to study flaws in internal auditor’s judgment and the existences of objectivity threat in Malaysian internal audit environment regardless either in public or private sector.Increasing number of litigation suits against internal auditors has proved that there is heightened scrutiny on the quality of internal auditor’s judgment. As internal auditor’s judgment relies highly upon by the stakeholders, this paper aims to identify the types of audit judgment deemed to be critical for the success of an audit engagement. It also explores the types of objectivity threat experienced by Malaysian internal auditor. The present study also examined if there had been significant difference between objectivity threat experienced by public sector internal auditors and those of the private sector. The paper opted for an exploratory study using the questionnaires. A total of 150 copies of questionnaire were distributed to internal auditors working in private and public sectors. The findings indicated risk judgment (judgment on existing and emerging risk faced by organisation) as the most critical success factor in internal audit engagement. The findings also revealed that social pressure, cognitive biases, and intimidation as the top three threats that could threaten internal auditor objectivity, thus possibly affect internal auditor ability to make an objective judgment. However, this study found that there was no significant differences between the objectivity threats experienced by internal auditors in the private sector and those in the public sector. The research extent internal auditing literatures which focuses on the factors influencing internal auditor’s objectivity, but tended to omit the impact of the objectivity on influencing internal auditor’s judgment. This study has provided evidence of potentially serious risk of objectivity threats that may impair the internal auditors’ objectivity, thus reducing their ability to make an objective judgment. This paper fulfils an identified need to study flaws in internal auditor’s judgment and the existences of objectivity threat in Malaysian internal audit environment regardless either in public or private sector.

This empirical study proposes to examine one of the main areas in corporate governance i.e., the internal governance factors and their relationship with corporate financial crime and to find out whether their effectiveness as a corporate governance mechanism is still relevant in the prevention of corporate financial crime. The internal governance factors tested in the study are audit diligence, audit size, employee shares option scheme, managerial ownership and stand-alone risk management committee. The research was carried out by using a web-based data collection for corporate financial crime cases. The findings indicate a significant relationship between the existences of a stand-alone risk committee with corporate financial crime incidences. The result of the study serves as an empirical indicator for a firm’s consideration in deciding on the implementation of a stand-alone risk committee from its audit committee. Both the descriptive and correlation analyses produced by this paper provide new insights into the extent of corporate financial crime, as well as the empirical evidence of the effectiveness of having a stand-alone risk committee.

The moderating effect of Shariah Committee Quality (SCQ) on the relationship between Audit Committee (AC) characteristics and Malaysian Takaful performance remains a challenge that is yet to be resolved. Malaysia plays a leader role in Muslim countries in Islamic Finance especially in Takaful industry and Shariah committee roles and duties. AC characteristics have a significant effect on corporate financial performance. The fundamental AC role is to supervise the corporate’s financial reporting practice, review of financial reports, auditing practice, internal accounting controls, and risk management practices. AC characteristics plays a crucial role in the overall Malaysian Takaful companies which is supposed to enhance financial performance. Hence, SCQ as part of the internal governance structure and control body of the institution, thereby, ensure Shariah compliance in all transactions and activities, and enhancing the credibility of institutions in the eyes of its shareholders and customers. SCQ can potentially moderate the relationship between AC and Malaysian Takaful performance. As an important mechanism of Corporate Governance (CG), In addition, agency theory and stewardship theory were used to develop the hypotheses. Several results of the previous literature were found fraternized, and inconsistent regarding the SCQ effect on firm performance or its effect on AC characteristics in general context, while the literature on Malaysia context remain scarce. It is expected that this SCQ moderation may considerably improve corporate performance by determining the strength or weakness of the relationship between AC characteristics and firm performance. Therefore, this paper conceptualized that ‘SCQ’ moderates the relationship between AC Chairman Specialization, Shariah Background, AC Independence and Meeting frequency, and Malaysian Takaful performance.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the audit committee (AC) independence, financial expertise, internal audit function, audit quality and ownership concentration on earnings quality (EQ) and, consequently, ascertain whether the AC’s independence and financial expertise has a moderating effect on the relationship between internal audit function and EQ. Design/methodology/approach The study sample is 508 firms listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia (formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange) for the years 2009 to 2012. EQ was measured using two modified Jones models of discretionary accruals. Findings The findings reveal that the independence of AC and investment in internal audit function, as well as the Big4 audit firm, are related to greater EQ. Ownership concentration is found to be associated with lower EQ. The study provides evidence that AC’s independence moderates the relationship between internal audit function (investment in and sourcing arrangements of internal audit function) and EQ. It also shows that AC’s financial expertise moderates the relationship between sourcing arrangements of internal audit function and EQ. Practical implications This study extends the prior related literature by examining the AC’s independence and financial expertise as moderating variables on the relationship between internal audit function and EQ. Social implications Policymakers might use the findings regarding EQ in relation to governance practices, to recognize the important roles played by the AC’s independence and financial expertise on the effectiveness of internal audit function with EQ. Originality/value This study uses the agency theory and resource dependence theory to provide empirical evidence on the impact of internal audit function and AC on EQ in the ownership concentration environment.

Computer Assisted Audit Tools and Techniques (CAATTs) are not new for auditors, and it needs to be adopted to gain the audit efficiency and effectiveness especially in a current era of technology. This paper examined the implementation of CAATTs by internal auditors in the public sector. Accordingly, this research reports the results from 12 interviews made with internal audit departments in public sector in both federal and state level in Malaysia. This research found that the implementation of CAATTs by internal auditors in public sector is still low due to lack of expertise, high implementation and maintenance cost, limited access of auditee’s data, and most of them prefer to conduct the audit manually. Furthermore, it is not mandatory for them to use CAATTs. The evidence is a contrast with the encouragement made by the government to improve the IT usage in public sector. The results implied that training for future auditors in CAATTs to ensure the successful implementation is crucial. For CAATTs to be a success, the head of internal audit also must have the awareness about the importance of CAATTs as well as enforcement of its implementation.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship of corporate governance attributes, i.e. board size, age diversity, risk management committee and internal audit function with the business performance of the organisation. In addition, this study also examines the role of external audit quality as a moderating effect in the relationship between corporate governance and business performance. The study adopted a quantitative approach and cross-sectional design where it used a sample of 120 listed companies in Malaysia for the year 2016. Data is collected based on secondary data which is annual report year 2016. The result shows board size and the existence of risk management committee are negatively significant related to business performance while the other variables such as age diversity and internal audit function do not have an impact on business performance. Unexpectedly, external audit quality does not play a moderating role in related corporate governance and business performance. The study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between corporate governance and business performance in the developing country. The paper also provides related insight for regulators, policymakers and investors of emerging markets such as Malaysia. The study is the pioneer to understand the relationship of the risk management committee to business performance and moderating effect of external audit quality.

It is a pleasure and admiration to welcome you to the Volume 2 Issue 1 of Indian-Pacific Journal of Accounting and Finance. In this Issue 1, the emphasis is placed on forensic accounting, accounting, auditing and corporate governance. In the first paper captioned “Mitigating Corruption Using Forensic Accounting Investigation Techniques: The Watchdog Perspectives”, Mr. Naziru Suleiman (Department of Accounting, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria) and Dr. Aidi Ahmi (Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy, Universiti Utara Malaysia) adopt qualitative research methodology based on in-depth interviews with experts from two prominent anti-corruption agencies to examine the efficacy of the technique. Data collected were manually coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Through rigorous within the case and cross-case analyses of the 24 interviews conducted, two themes emerged as the findings to the study. Forensic accounting is considered an appropriate technique for adequately investigating public sector corruption and at the same is suitable for court purposes in the prosecution and conviction of corrupt officers. Finally, the study recognises the need to enhance the capacity of the investigators through training and retraining as well as through the provision of the latest equipment for fighting corruption. In the second paper with a title “Internal Audit Functions: An empirical study of Public and Private Sectors in Nigeria”, Mr. Abdulkadir Madawaki (Department of Accounting, Al-Qalam University Katsina, Nigeria), Dr. Aidi Ahmi (Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy, Universiti Utara Malaysia) and Dr. Halimah @ Nasibah Ahmad (Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy, Universiti Utara Malaysia) examine the similarities and differences between the public and private sectors internal audit functions in Nigeria. The features examined include the hierarchical position of the internal audit functions, outsourcing of internal audit activities, reporting relationship of the internal auditor, and the coordination between internal and external auditors. A survey of internal audit managers of both sectors was undertaken to establish their current practices. The results revealed that there are no much differences in the hierarchical positioning of the internal audit function in both sectors. A substantial difference was found in the reporting lines of internal auditors in both sectors. The results further showed that private sector outsources internal audit activities more than the public sector and a slight difference exists between the two sectors about the level of coordination between internal and external auditors. Finally, the result indicated that private sector experience a reduction in external audit fees compares to its counterpart in the public sector. In the third paper entitled “The moderating effect of working capital management on the relationship between working capital determinants and firm performance”, Dr. Ahmad Rizal Mazlan (School of Economics, Finance and Banking, Universiti Utara Malaysia) and Dr. Choong Yuen Leng (Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia) examine working capital management moderating role on the relationship between the critical determinants of working capital and firm performance among 282 public-listed manufacturing firms in Malaysia for the period of 2010 to 2014. In this study, working capital management components are categorized into working capital requirement and net liquid balance. The evidence suggests that the relationship between critical determinants of working capital and firm performance is moderated by both working capital requirement and net liquid balance. Further, the results show that the research framework does form a contemporary working capital management model. In the fourth paper captioned “Firm Performance, Ownership Structure, and CEO Selection: The Case of Nigeria”, Yahya Uthman Abdullahi (Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy, Universiti Utara Malaysia), Dr. Rokiah Ishak (Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy, Universiti Utara Malaysia), and Dr. Norfaiezah Sawandi (Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy, Universiti Utara Malaysia) examine the effect of ownership structures, corporate performance and board political connectedness on CEO selection. The sample of the study is all Nigerian non-financial firms from the year 2011 to 2015, and consisting of 72 CEO selection events. This study uses logistic regression analysis to provide evidence that firms dominated with blockholder ownership favour external successors while managerial ownership-controlled firms are inclined to select internal candidates as successors. However, this study fails to support the argument that corporate performance and board political connectedness do influence the choice of CEO selection in the Nigerian public listed companies. In sum, the findings suggest that blockholders and managerial ownership significantly influence the choice of the origin of the successor CEOs in the Nigerian corporate landscape. This paper enriches the literature about CEO selection choices in developing economies with weak corporate governance structure like Nigeria. In addition, the findings from this study could be of immense benefit to the shareholders and corporate board members in deciding on recruiting their CEOs; and the regulatory agencies in the formulation and enforcement of reforms that guarantee good corporate practices by the boards In the fifth paper with the title “The impact of Audit Committee, Firm Size, Profitability, and Leverage on Income Smoothing”, Dr. Veronica Indrawan (Tarumanagara University, Tanjung Duren Utara, Indonesia), Prof. Dr. Sukrisno Agoes (Tarumanagara University, Tanjung Duren Utara, Indonesia), Dr. Hisar Pangaribuan (Adventist University of Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia), and Dr. Oluwatoyin Muse Johnson Popoola (Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy, Universiti Utara Malaysia) examine the impact of the audit committee, firm size, profitability, and leverage on income smoothing in manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia stock exchange for the period of 2013-2015. Regression statistics are employed to analyse the secondary source of data collected from the annual report of the companies. Measurement of income smoothing is proxied by discretionary accruals. The results reveal that the firm size has a direct positive influence on income smoothing in the listed manufacturing companies in Indonesia. In essence, the more significant a firm size, the more actively performed income smoothing practices. In contrast, profitability indicates an adverse effect on income smoothing in the listed manufacturing companies. The adverse effect indicates that the higher the profit generated, the lesser the income smoothing practices performed. Similarly, leverage posits an adverse effect on income smoothing in the manufacturing sector. This indicates the smaller the risk of companies debt, the more exceptional the practice of income smoothing occurs. The audit committee size similarly shows a negative influence on income smoothing in the listed manufacturing companies. This finding indicates the larger audit committee size, the smaller practice of income smoothing. This occurs because the audit committee oversight function on financial reporting is more efficiently performed. The result of this research shows the contribution to theory, practice, and method, especially in developing countries As you read through this Volume 2 Issue 1, the success of IPJAF depends on your active participation and those of your colleagues and friends through submission of high-quality articles within the journal scope for review and publication. I cherish your continuous support in our quest to make IPJAF the most authoritative journal on accounting and finance for the community of academic, professional, industry, society and government.

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memetakan penelitian-penelitian sebelumnya tentang audit syariah dan perannya dalam meningkatkan kepatuhan syariah di lembaga keuangan syariah (LKS). Penelitian ini juga menguraikan tantangan yang dihadapi oleh LKS dan solusi dalam mengimplementasikan audit syariah. Sebanyak 308 publikasi diperoleh dari database Google scholar, Emerald Insight, Research Gate, Crossref, Microsoft Academic and Pubmed yang diakses dengan perangkat lunak Publish or Perish (PoP) dalam kurun waktu 2008-2021. Studi ini menerapkan analisis bibliometrik menggunakan VOSviewer, yang mengubah metadata publikasi menjadi visualisasi sesuai dengan co-occurrence. Hasil penelitian ini menemukan bahwa audit syariah telah diterapkan di beberapa negara yang didominasi oleh Malaysia. Sebagian besar praktik audit syariah merupakan bagian dari fungsi audit internal. Audit syariah diidentifikasi sebagai mekanisme untuk memastikan kepatuhan syariah. Tantangan utama dalam pelaksanaan audit syariah antara lain: kurangnya kerangka dan standar audit syariah yang menyebabkan perselisihan di antara praktisi LKS, kurangnya auditor syariah yang berkualitas yang memiliki pengetahuan syariah yang memadai dan terlatih dengan baik, audit syariah dianggap menciptakan masalah inefisiensi. Peran komite tata kelola syariah dan dewan pengawas syariah direkomendasikan agar lebih optimal untuk memastikan efektivitas audit syariah. Penelitian ini memberikan pembahasan komprehensif tentang audit syariah, perannya dalam meningkatkan kepatuhan syariah, tantangan dan solusi yang ditawarkan belajar dari berbagai negara. Kata Kunci: Audit syariah, kepatuhan syariah, lembaga keuangan syariah, bibliometrik. ABSTRACT This study aimed to map out previous studies on sharia auditing and its role in improving sharia compliance in Islamic financial institutions (IFIs). It also outlined the challenges faced by IFIs and solutions in implementing shariah audit. A total of 308 publications were obtained from the Google scholar database, Emerald Insight, Research Gate, Crossref, Microsoft Academic and Pubmed which were accessed using the Publish or Perish (PoP) software in the 2008-2021 period. This study finds that sharia audits have been implemented in several countries, dominated by Malaysia. Most shariah audit practices are part from internal audit function of IFIs. Sharia audit is identified as a mechanism to assure shariah compliance. The main challenges in implementing sharia audit include: a lack of framework and standard of shariah audit that led to dispute among IFIs practitioners, a lack of qualified shariah auditors who have an adequate shariah knowledge and well trained , shariah audit identifed creating an efficiency issue. The role of the shariah governance committee and the shariah supervisory board may be optimized to ensure the effectiveness of shariah audit. 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This paper ascertains the current roles and responsibilities of Shariah auditor in the Islamic banking industry in Malaysia. To explore further, we identify the changes in these roles, especially after the introduction of the Shariah Governance Framework (SGF) 2011. The study employs a qualitative method by utilizing in-depth interviews with nine (9) key individuals in Malaysian Islamic banks. Our findings support the notion that Shariah auditors' roles and responsibilities are still under the jurisdiction of the banks' internal audit unit. More importantly, Shariah auditors play their roles as the third line of defense by giving assurance to the shareholders and stakeholders that all businesses and operations comply with Shariah precepts. Also, Shariah auditors need to look at the internal control elements of whether effective and efficient enough to alleviate any possible Shariah breaches. In terms of changes in its roles after the SGF implementation, most of the interviewees assert that the approach has been changed from compliance audit to risk-based audit. Our findings guide us to propose more structured and specific guidelines about Shariah auditors' roles and responsibilities in the Islamic banks. This guideline eventually could provide stimulus to improve governance and strengthen market as well as stakeholder's confidence. Finally, this study stipulates some precious recommendations to further enhance the Shariah auditor roles not only in the Malaysian Islamic banking industry but also in similar contexts.

Purpose – This study aims to examine the role of audit committee attributes in non-financial information releases, with a focus on intellectual capital (IC) disclosures, following significant policy changes, mandating the audit committee function in Malaysia. The study argues that, given the changing informational needs of stakeholders and the ongoing discussion on integrated reporting, the role of the audit committee should extend to ensuring the overall quality of corporate reporting. Design/methodology/approach – The study draws evidence from a sample of leading Malaysian companies based on their market capitalisation over a three-year period (2008-2010), a period subsequent to the recent policy changes. The extent and quality of IC information, as a surrogate of non-financial information, was measured and regressed against several audit committee attributes, such as audit committee size, independence, financial expertise and meetings, controlling the overall governance and firm-specific variables. Findings – The findings show a strong positive role of the audit committee function in the overall amount of IC information as well as all three subcomponents of IC information (internal, external and human capital). The results are robust to controls for the overall governance and firm-specific attributes as well as different measures of IC information. Practical implications – The results suggest that the role of the audit committee function extends to non-financial information communication such as IC. Policymakers in Malaysia should, therefore, build on the recent regulatory changes and encourage audit committees to ensure that the overall quality of corporate reporting processes include social, environmental, intellectual as well as financial capital of a firm. Originality/value – This study considers the role of the audit committee in the wider corporate reporting process – drawing attention to its potential role in the espoused integrated business reporting. It also challenges the taken-for-granted assumption that restricts the role of the audit committee function to the traditional financial reporting process.

The issue of corporate governance has been a focus among researchers after the 1997/98 financial crisis. Many countries have implemented codes and guidelines of corporate governance to promote effective boards overseeing the operations of companies. In the case of Shari’ah compliant companies, boards still play a significant role and are responsible to ensure Shari’ah compliance. This paper reemphasises the conceptual relation between corporate governance mechanisms and audit quality. The corporate governance mechanisms are measured by board size, CEO duality, independent directors, financial experts on the audit committee, and the existence of an internal Shari’ah<em> </em>committee. There are numerous methods to measure audit quality including using audit fee and auditor reputation as proxies. The findings are mixed. This means that there is no consistent relationship between good corporate governance mechanisms and audit quality.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the monitoring role of internal audit function (IAF) on real earnings management (REM) practices. It examines the effect of investment in IAF (IIAF) and IAF sourcing arrangements on REM, unlike prior literature which has mainly examined the effects of IIAF on accrual-based earnings management. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a sample of 1,056 observations from an emerging market, Malaysia, between 2013 and 2016. Feasible generalised least square (FGLS) regression is used to analyse the data. To corroborate the results of this study, the authors use an ordinary least square (OLS) regression model with robust standard errors adjusted and also consider alternative REM measures. Findings The results of this study suggest that IIAF has a significant negative relationship with REM practices. Further, in-house IAF sourcing has a significant negative association with REM. The additional analysis supports the main results confirming the essential role of IAF in reducing REM in the Malaysian market. Practical implications The evidence relates to the important role of IAF in mitigating REM practices. High-quality of IAF impairs managers’ ability to manage earnings in their own interests. The findings may be useful in informing regulators, managers, shareholders and other investors, as well as researchers, about improving the role of IAF. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by providing the first evidence of the significant role of IIAF and IAF sourcing arrangements in mitigating REM in an emerging country.

This paper investigates five important characteristics of board committee members of various committees in public listed companies in Malaysia. The five characteristics include director type, tenure, age, internal activity and external activity. Sample of 111 listed companies were collected using simple random five sampling of the annual reports based on financial year 2005 posted online. Sample includes 6 committees with the highest frequency of occurrences – audit, remuneration, nomination, stock option, risk management and executive. Data collected was analyzed using tests of correlation, analysis of variance and regression. The results, however, do not support the hypothesis that members of committees tend to be non-executive directors, older, have longer tenure and show greater evidence of internal and external activities.

The purpose of Audit Oversight Board (AOB) is to oversee the external auditors who audit the listed companies. Its establishment is expected to improve the quality of the audited financial statements and to increase the confidence of the public on the quality of the services provided by the auditors. This study explores how the establishment of audit oversight board affects the auditors in Malaysia. As the study is exploratory in nature with limited studies being carried out on AOB, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the external auditors. The findings show that the establishment of AOB affects the job of external auditors, especially on the documentation and training costs, which vary across audit firms of different sizes. There are opinions that the increased pressure on the external auditors is not solely due to the establishment of AOB, but it is also due to the revised accounting standards and other regulations. The study also finds that the external auditors’ reliance on the internal auditors is not affected by the establishment of AOB. In addition, regardless of whether the internal audit department is in-house or outsourced, it will not affect the reliance of external auditors on the internal auditors work.

I welcome you to the Vol. 1 Issue 2 of Indian-Pacific Journal of Accounting and Finance. You will recall in Issue 1, I made known our commitment to publish high-quality, impactful papers and to bring scholars who share our vision and mission into the Editorial Advisory Board. Dr Ishaya John Dabari (Modibbo Adamawa University of Technology, Adamawa, Nigeria) has consented to join the Editorial Advisory Board. I am pleased to welcome him on board. In Issue 2, all the presentations are international research with emphasis on corporate governance and risk management, internal auditing, accounting information system, education, telecommunications, and banking sectors. In the first paper captioned “Effect of Risk Management Committee on Monitoring Mechanisms”, Dr Rachael Oluyemisi Arowolo (Chrisland University), Prof Dr Ayoib B. Che-Ahmad (Universiti Utara Malaysia), and Asst. Prof. Dr Oluwatoyin Muse Johnson Popoola (Universiti Utara Malaysia) examines the influence of risk management committee (RMC) on monitoring mechanisms (MM) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper provides empirical supports for RMC association with monitoring mechanisms to reduce agency problems, using the secondary data (2010-2012) of Nigerian non-financial listed companies. The article recommends to the board of Nigerian companies to explore the usefulness of RMC in monitoring the management and controlling shareholders to lessen agency problems and protect the interests of the minority shareholders. In the second paper entitled “Aligning Corporate Governance with Enterprise Risk Management Adoption in the Nigerian Deposit Money Banks”, Dr Ishaya John Dabari (Modibbo Adama University of Technology), Sini Fave Kwaji (Modibbo Adama University of Technology), and Ghazali Zulkurnai (Universiti Utara Malaysia) align corporate governance (CG) with Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) adoption in the Nigerian Deposit Money banks (DMBs). Their study used cross-sectional research design, survey method and questionnaire technique to collect data in 21 Nigerian DMBs. Out of 722 questionnaires distributed, 435 were found usable for further analysis through Structural Equation Modeling in Stata. The paper empirically reveals the significant positive relationship between CG and ERM adoption regarding internal audit effectiveness, human resource competency and top management commitment. The study provides insightful results for the banking industry, regulators, practitioners, academia and other stakeholders, perhaps to render assistance in the areas of policy formulation, implementation and evaluation. In the third paper titled “Independence and Management Support: The advocate for Internal Auditors’ Task Performance in Tertiary Institutions”, Oyewumi Hassan Kehinde (Universiti Utara Malaysia), Prof Dr Ayoib B. Che-Ahmad (Universiti Utara Malaysia), and Asst. Prof. Dr Oluwatoyin Muse Johnson Popoola (Universiti Utara Malaysia) examine the influence of independence (IND) and management support (MS) on the task performance (TP) of internal auditors in the South-West tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The study formulates and tests two hypotheses on the relationship between IND and TP in one hand, and MS and TP on the other hand. This study employs a quantitative approach, cross-sectional design, and survey questionnaire in obtaining data from 350 internal auditors from the internal audit departments/units of the universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The results of the PLS-SEM algorithm and bootstrapping reveal positive significant relationships between IND and TP, and the MS and TP, and hence, support the two hypotheses. The paper has a policy implication on the government/private proprietors who are owners of tertiary institutions; management and Council who control the institutions, internal auditors who are operators of internal auditing; regulatory authorities who perform oversight function on the institutions, and professional accounting and auditing bodies. The article adds to the body of knowledge and extends internal audit research to tertiary institutions. In the fourth paper entitled “Examining Information Disclosure on Regulatory Compliance of Telecommunication Companies in Nigeria”, Sini Fave Kwaji (Modibbo Adama University of Technology), Dr Ishaya John Dabari (Modibbo Adama University of Technology) examine the impact of information disclosure on regulatory compliance of telecommunication companies in Nigeria. The study adopted ex-post facto research design, which relies on secondary data collected from the financial statements of three (3) telecommunication companies out of the eight (8) telecommunication companies for the period of 2004 to 2015 and analysed through the multiple regression statistics. The results reveal that computed compliance index of telecommunication companies was above average (av. 75.6%) with the requirements of regulatory agencies. Also, the findings indicate that mandatory information disclosure (MID) recorded a significant impact at 10% (weak compliance), while voluntary information disclosure (VID) showed an effect at 5% (partial compliance). The article makes a clarion call for the enforcement of full compliance by all the telecommunication companies operating in Nigeria and therefore, recommends to the National Communication Commission (NCC) to monitor the compliance with the requirements of information disclosure and pursue its objective to achieve best corporate governance practices in Nigerian telecommunication companies. In the fifth paper titled “Examining CAATTs implementation by internal auditors in the public sector.” Dr Aidi Ahmi (Universiti Utara Malaysia), Associate Prof Dr Siti Zabedah Saidin (Universiti Utara Malaysia), and Dr Akilah Abdullah (Universiti Utara Malaysia) investigate the implementation of CAATTs by internal auditors in the Malaysian public sector. Their research reports the results from 12 interviews conducted with internal audit departments in both federal and state levels. The study revealed the implementation of CAATTs by internal auditors in public sector is still low because of lack of expertise, high implementation and maintenance cost, limited access of auditee’s data, and preference to conduct the audit manually. Furthermore, it is not mandatory for them to use CAATTs. The evidence is a contrast with the encouragement made by the government to improve the IT usage in public sector. The results implied that training for future auditors in CAATTs to ensure the successful implementation is crucial and strategic. For CAATTs to be a success, the head of internal audit must possess the awareness about the importance of CAATTs as well as enforcement of its implementation. As you read through this Vol. 1 Issue 2 of IPJAF, I would like to recap that the success of the journal depends on your active participation and those of your colleagues and friends through submission of high-quality articles for review and publication. I reiterate to our prospective authors to enjoy the benefits IPJAF provides about mentoring nature of the unique review process, which offers high quality, and helpful reviews tailored to assist authors in improving their manuscripts. I acknowledge your support as we endeavour to make IPJAF the most authoritative journal on accounting and finance for the community of academic, professional, industry, society and government.

Abstract This study aims to evaluate Sharia governance infrastructure in Sharia banking in Indonesia, specifically the Sharia review phase by the Sharia Supervisory Board which was disclosed in the Sharia bank annual report. Furthermore, an analysis of the possibility of adopting the Shariah Governance Framework (SGF) of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is based on the perceptions of experts, using 3 research samples, namely Bank Syariah Mandiri, BPD DIY Sharia Business Unit, and BPRS Bhakti Sumekar. The data analysis uses a qualitative descriptive approach. Our results show that the governance processes, procedures and mechanisms in the Sharia review process by the DPS are supported by the bank's internal functions, namely the function of Internal Audit and the Compliance function. Based on these conditions, SGF BNM adoption is considered less suitable when applied to Islamic banking in Indonesia. One of them was caused by a lack of human resources in Indonesia with dual competency (Sharia law and finance). So that it is not possible to separate each unit such as the SGF BNM, namely Shariah Audit, Shariah Review, Shariah Research, and Shariah Risk ManagementAbstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi infrastruktur tata kelola Syariah pada perbankan Syariah di Indonesia, khususnya tahap Shariah review oleh Dewan Pengawas Syariah yang diungkap pada laporan tahunan bank Syariah. Untuk selanjutnya dilakukan analisis kemungkinan adopsi Shariah Governance Framework (SGF) Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) yang didasarkan pada persepsi para ahli dengan menggunakan 3 sampel penelitian, yaitu Bank Syariah Mandiri, Unit Usaha Syariah BPD DIY, dan BPRS Bhakti Sumekar. Analisis data menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa proses, prosedur, dan mekanisme tata kelola khususnya pada proses Shariah review oleh DPS didukung oleh fungsi internal bank, yaitu fungsi Audit Internal dan fungsi Kepatuhan. Berdasarkan kondisi tersebut, adopsi SGF BNM dinilai kurang sesuai apabila diterapkan pada perbankan Syariah di Indonesia. Hal tersebut salah satunya disebabkan oleh kurangnya jumlah sumber daya insani di Indonesia dengan dual competency (hukum Syariah dan keuangan). Sehingga belum memungkinkan untuk dilakukan pemisahan tiap unit seperti pada SGF BNM yaitu Shariah Audit, Shariah Review, Shariah Research, dan Shariah Risk Management

Internal audit function (IAF) is one of the most important meanings for management to confirm and verify the compliance of administrative units in the financial and administrative policies, legislations, financials and administrative systems as well as the adoption of public policies. IAF also helps in running an organization more efficiently and effectively to increase stakeholders’ value. Moreover, with growing size and attention given to the zakat institutions in the recent years, it has made an increase importance of IAF. Due to the importance of IAF, this paper aims to identify the perceived effectiveness of internal audit department (IAD) in zakat institutions (ZI) from auditees’ perspective to assist on close cooperation and necessary improvement in the IAF. To develop the understanding of the factors that lead to effectiveness of IAD, this paper used qualitative method which is semi-structured interview auditees from four selected ZIs in Malaysia. Each ZIs was represented by two auditees from two different department. There are two factors explored, namely organizational status and competency of IAD. The findings show that both factors are important to achieve the effectiveness of IAF. Additionally, most of the auditees (ZI1, ZI2 and ZI3) agreed that management support are the main factors affecting the IAD effectiveness. Meanwhile, ZI4 perceived that training is the main factor contributing to the same effectiveness. It is hoped that the findings are able to increase the awareness among ZI’s auditors and management to improve the IAD effectiveness in the future.

The energy audit program was carried out for Faculty of Engineering Technology (FTK), University Malaysia Pahang by internal energy audit team. This paper presented annual energy consumption trend for FTK building, measurement finding for room data survey (air conditioning temperature and humidity comfort performance & CO2 level for air quality) and lighting, Building Energy Index (BEI) value and appropriate recommendation in regards of energy saving practice and technological solution. According to those analysis, value for Building Energy Index (BEI) in FTK building is 98.035 kWh/m2/year, Air Conditioning Energy Index (ACEI) is 73.254 kWh/m2/year while for Lighting Energy Index (LEI) is 11.402 kWh/m2/year. Total energy consumption estimated for 2017 is 31, 7951.375 kWh per year. The implementation of the proposed energy conservation measures were expected to give positive results where the total cost saving per year is estimated about RM 48,551.20. Finally, it was recommended to implement three major energy conservation measures (ECMs) in specific: implementation of Sustainable energy management system (SEMS), maintenance of air conditioning system and retrofitting of LED lighting. As a result, FTK is targeted to achieve 30% annual energy saving about from the total energy consumption.

Shariah governance is crucial in the Islamic banking system to ensure that all commercial operations comply with Islamic principles and differentiate Islamic banking operations from conventional banking. This research discusses the similarities between the practice of the compliance unit and internal audit of Islamic banks in Indonesia and Bank Indonesia/ OJK’s regulations and existing standards. The data for the research were collected through interviews and documentation instrument, and analyzed by using qualitative methods. Based on the analysis, the researcher identified that the work practices of the compliance unit and internal audit of Islamic banks in Indonesia are in line with regulations promoted by Bank Indonesia/ OJK, AAOIFI and IFSB shariah governance, but are still not comprehensive when compared to the Shariah governance framework of Bank Negara Malaysia and the opinions of other practitioners of Islamic Economics.

Purpose This study aims to advance the discussion on internal audit (IA) findings by empirically investigating the relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) characteristics and the IA function, particularly IA findings and implementing IA recommendations and examining whether CEO and management support for IA moderate the effect of the recommendations on corporate performance. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from two sources. A survey was conducted, directed at 217 heads of internal audit (HIAs) in listed companies on the Bursa Malaysia, and the annual reports of these companies for the period of 2018–2019 were consulted. A second survey was directed at audit committee chairs to obtain a perspective from other parties. Findings The results indicate that although CEO characteristics are not significantly associated with the number of IA findings, only CEO experience has a significant relationship with the level of the implementation of IA recommendations. The study also demonstrates that management support for IA is positively associated with corporate performance. Further, CEO experience and management support for IA increase the effects of the level to which those recommendations are implemented on corporate performance. However, the effect of management support on corporate performance is eliminated when it interacts with the involvement of CEOs in the HIA appointment and when these HIAs report directly to CEOs. Practical implications These outcomes provide implications for policymakers, regulators and researchers. Malaysia’s regulatory authorities, as well as those in other countries, particularly emerging markets where the institutional and cultural environments have similar characteristics, could consider the evidence of the relationship between the CEO’s financial background, management support for IA and IA recommendations when guiding companies about the mechanisms for appointing HIAs. Simultaneously, the results obtained could be useful when auditors are involved in risk assessment and rely on IA recommendations. Originality/value This study adds to the literature on the significant relationship between CEO characteristics (particularly CEO experience) and the level of implementing IA recommendations. It advances the research efforts on management support for IA by providing empirical evidence of how such support fosters a greater role for IA in improving corporate performance, as well as moderates the effect of IA in that endeavour. Further, the present study contributes to the developing literature on determinants of corporate performance by considering how these variables perform in the Malaysian setting.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of audit committee (AC) attributes on the performance of finance companies in Malaysia in both period before and after the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG) was issued in order to determine which of the AC attributes enhances performance of finance companies in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach – The population of the study comprises firms listed under finance sector of the main market of Bursa Malaysia. The number of firms listed on the main market of Bursa Malaysia as at the time of data collection (2012) was 822, out of which 37 were finance firms. Since the number of finance companies listed on the main market was only 37, all companies were used as sample for this study. This comprises companies involved in commercial, investment and Islamic banking, insurance, Takaful and other finance-related services. The sample for the period prior to MCCG varies over the period of observation. The number of finance companies in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 was 36, 40, 44, 47 and 54, respectively. The sample comprises companies in commercial banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, insurance, Takaful and other finance-related services. The sample comprises firms listed on the main board of Kuala Lumpur stock exchange as it was called before the name was changed to Bursa Malaysia. The companies listed under the Ace market are not included due to their small number and because they are subject to different listing requirements. The list of the finance companies for the period 2007-2011 is obtained from the web site of Bursa Malaysia while for the period 1992-1996, the list is obtained from Bursa Malaysia knowledge centre. The observation period for the study covers financial period from 2007 to 2011 which represents post MCCG period while period from 1992 to 1996 represents the period before MCCG. Findings – The findings suggests a significant positive relationship between independent AC members and profitability while dual membership of directors on audit and nomination committee is significant and negatively related with profitability. The result supports agency theory which suggests that independent directors provide effective monitoring of the management thereby enhancing profitability and reducing possibility for opportunistic behavior by the management and ultimately enhancing performance. In addition, the result indicates that there was significant improvement in corporate governance in finance companies after the MCCG was issued compared to the period before it was issued. Research limitations/implications – The study focussed only on finance companies listed on Bursa Malaysia. The attributes examined include independence, expertise, experience, executive membership and interlock of directors, future studies could examine other attributes such as internal process of the committee and personal characteristics of the directors. Furthermore, the study used secondary data future studies could use primary data or a combination of primary and secondary data. The study only examined the period before MCCG and after the code was issued, future study could examine the impact of the first and second revision and compare it with period after the first and second revision. Practical implications – The findings contribute to the literature and the understanding of the influence of AC attributes such as independence and experience of the directors on the committee by showing an association between director independence, expertise, experience and improved performance. Management and board of companies may use the findings to make appropriate choices about AC attributes and governance mechanisms to improve performance particularly with regards to independence, expertise, experience and interlock of the directors. Social implications – The study has provided policy makers with a better understanding of the various features a AC should have which could be incorporated in future policy formulation in order to safeguard investments of shareholders, protect the interest of various stakeholders and enhance the flow of capital and foreign direct investment into finance companies and the economy in general. Comparison of the result between the pre MCCG and post MCCG period shows an improvement in corporate governance in finance companies after the MCCG was issued. This implies that the initial issue of MCCG impacted positively on the governance of the finance companies. Originality/value – To best of the authors knowledge the study is the first to examine the attributes of AC in finance sector as a whole and to examine the impact in the period before and after the MCCG was issued.

Rice is a staple food and daily routine for Malaysians. Currently, the increasing population in Malaysia has led to the need to increase rice production with more quality. Therefore,the government established a scheme with national organic standards, MS 1259: 2015 which is myOrganic certification to recognize organic farms. Koperasi ABSB is the first rice farm that obtained this certification. Thus, the aims of this study are to explore the implementation of myOrganic in Koperasi ABSB and the barriers faced by this cooperative to implementing myOrganic certification. Qualitative method is used in this case study through interviews and observation. The finding showed that the implementation of myOrganic is as follows, by register myGAP, register myOrganic, Department of Agricultural Malaysia (DOA) will send a supervisor, prepare nine files or records, perform internal and external audit, and renew myOrganic. This study is expected to increase awareness of organic farming practices and promote the implementation of myOrganic in agriculture industry especially for the new farmer who wants to register and obtain myOrganic certification.

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to explore the idea of factors affecting the productivity of field tax auditors in the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM). This study is significant because IRBM has not yet implemented a systematic method of deploying officers to the field tax audit unit throughout Malaysia. The factors identified could be used as a reference in designing future human development programme in IRBM with emphasis on field tax auditors. Several variables have been identified, which are broadly classified into individual characteristics and external factors. Data for the analysis are to be sourced from IRBM’s internal database, unpublished records as well as through direct questionnaire of all respondents engaged in the field audit in Klang Valley. The proposed idea would analyse the relationship between auditors’ productivity and various variables based on the initial assumption that all variables are influencing the productivity directly. This is, however, merely an initial expectation and subject to further data analysis once the data collection is implemented and completed.