A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON INDEPENDENCE OF INTERNAL AUDITORS

Abstract

In this article, literatures about the independence of internal auditors are studied systematically, a prominent area of research in accounting in recent times that is understudied in various aspects. The study has taken into account articles from 2015 forward, including academic works and reports. The literature was searched using pertinent keywords, and after meeting a few inclusion and exclusion criteria, it was selected. A quality assessment has been conducted based on the review evidence. The results have been systematically mapped, and a thematic synthesis was done to combine the results. The findings from studies taken widely represent the corporate governance dimensions, various factors of audit, internal auditors, their independence and audit quality globally. Article’s objectivity is to present the various characteristics of the independence of internal auditors that can be researched. The paper shows the literature evidence of how internal auditors are the backbone of internal structure of an organization and that their independence will enhance the growth of an organisation.

Keywords: Audit; Internal Auditors; Independence of Internal Auditors; Corporate Governance; and Financial Performance.