PERCEPTIONS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING CLIENT ACCEPTANCE DECISIONS AND AUDIT QUALITY: AN EMPIRICAL SURVEY AT INDEPENDENT AUDITING FIRMS IN VIETNAM

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing client acceptance decisions (CNKH) and their impact on audit service quality (CLDVKT) at independent audit firms in Vietnam. Based on survey data from 247 auditors, officers, and employees, the study employed descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s Alpha, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLSSEM) method. The results indicate that client business risk (RRKDKH), audit risk (RRKT), audit fees (GPKT), and external quality control activities (KSCL) are significant factors influencing client acceptance decisions. At the same time, client acceptance decisions (QDCNKH) have a significant positive impact on audit service quality (CLDVKT). Factors such as audit fees (GPKT), the risk of audit firms (RRDNKT), and external quality control (KSCL) also positively affect CLDVKT. However, audit risk (RRKT) and client size (QMDNKH) do not have a significant impact on audit service quality. The study provides essential scientific foundations for managers to enhance the client acceptance evaluation process and audit service quality in Vietnam.