Perception of independence and quality in independent auditing: A research on independent auditors in the West Black Sea region

The main purpose of independent auditing is to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial statements. The achievement of the expected benefits from the independent audit depends on the fact that the audit activity can be carried out independently, without any pressure and influence. An independent and high-quality audit increases confidence in financial statements and reports so that information users can make better decisions based on accurate information. With the study, it is aimed to identify variables or practices that positively or negatively affect the independence and quality perceptions of independent auditors. In this context, a survey was applied to independent auditors in the Western Black Sea region who have independent audit authority. Affecting auditors' perceptions of independence; Simple linear regression analysis was performed to determine whether there was a significant relationship between rotation, competition, audit fee, non-audit services and audit committee dimensions and audit quality. t tests were performed to determine whether there was a difference in the perceptions of independence and quality according to the gender, education level, professional title and whether the independent auditors worked depending on the audit firm. Again, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine whether there was a difference in the perceptions of independence and quality according to the professional experience, age and provincial variables of independent auditors. As a result of the study, a significant relationship was found between the rotation and competition dimensions of independence and the perception of quality. It was concluded that the monetary relationship between the audit firm and the audit customer may undermine independence, the rotation application may positively affect the perception of independence, the non-audit services provided to the audit client may adversely affect independence, competition in the audit market may reduce independence and the presence of an audit committee in the audited firm may contribute to the independence of the audit. At the end of the study, taking into account the hypothesis results, frequency analysis results and answers to open-ended questions, various suggestions were presented to increase independence and quality in independent auditing.