Professional Skepticism

6 important questions on Professional Skepticism

Professional Skepticism (PS)

"Indicated by auditor judgments and decisions that reflect a heightened assessment of the risk that an assertion is incorrect, conditional on the information available to the auditor".

What does the model in this article describes?

It describes how audit evidence combines with knowledge, traits, incentives and judgment affect the amount of PS in audit judgment and audit actions.

Incentives favoring PS


- Regulatory enforcement by PCAOB, SEC and regulatory bodies
- Litigation
- Consequent reputation loss that reduces an audit firm’s ability to attract clients and maintain higher fees for audit services.
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Offsetting incentives reducing PS


- Low costs
- Long relationship
- Future employment
- Future oppotunities for non-audit fees

What are determinants of skeptical action?


- Audit planning decisions
- Adjustment decisions
- PS in judgment vs action
- A trade-off between elements

How can auditing firms enhance professional skepticism


- Hiring
- Training
- Performance evaluation and promotion
- Review and consultation
- Decision Aids
- Changing Incentives
- Changing tasks and institutions

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

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