The Problems that face the Auditors practicing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: AN practical study

Abstract

This study aims at identifying the problems that face the auditors in Saudi Arabia whether these problems are related to work, to Saudi Organization of Certified Public accountants (SOCPA), or to profession regulations or other problems. To achieve this objective, the researcher distributed a questionnaire to 120 out of 160 auditors practicing in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The response rate was 59.38%of the population. The study reveals that the most important problems facing Auditors: 1. Auditors must dedicate their time to their profession. 2.Auditors fees are incommensurate with their efforts and responsibilities. 3. The users of the financial statement view the auditing process as detection of errors and fraud. 4. Unethical competition among auditors. To solve these problems the study concludes with the following recommendations: 1. Setting bases to determine auditors fees and specifying the minimum level of their wages. 2. Concentrating on the quality of accounting education I Saudi universities and requiring student to be trained in auditing and other firms. 3.Informing the users of financial statements on the auditors role and the objectives of auditing as well. 4. Auditors must adhere to the codes of professional ethics and its regulations.