Audit Reporting for Going Concern Uncertainty ― Global Trends and the Case Study of Italy

This book employs a narrative analytical approach to explore all aspects of the debate surrounding auditor reporting on going concern uncertainty worldwide. In-depth analysis of significant academic studies and of regulatory perspectives is combined with an illuminating empirical study in the Italian context. The book opens by discussing the assessment of going concern for accounting and auditing purposes. It is examined how going concern is considered in the FASB and IASB accounting standards and how auditors in the PCAOB and IAASB environments should verify its presence in financial statements and report on it in the audit report. Accounting and auditing in relation to going concern in other jurisdictions are also addressed. Research into the determinants, accuracy, and consequences of going concern opinions (GCO) is then thoroughly reviewed, with separate examination of studies and trends in the United States, Europe, and the rest of the world. In the third part of the book, interesting evidence from the Italian Stock Market, including investor reactions to GCOs during the period 2008–2014, is presented and evaluated. The book will be of interest to academics, regulators, and practitioners alike.

Sandro Brunelli is Assistant Professor of Accounting at University of Rome Tor Vergata, School of Economics. After gaining a PhD in Public Management and Governance, he directed his research efforts to the field of accounting, auditing, and financial accountability. He teaches financial accounting, financial analysis, and financial reporting and is Coordinator of the track in Control and Auditing within the Master of Science in Business Administration at the university. He has published a number of papers in leading academic journals.