EXAMINING THE DETERMINANTS AND IMPLICATIONS OF EXTERNAL AUDIT FEES FOR COMPANIES AND AUDITORS

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of external audit fees in the context of Cameroon. The research was conducted using a questionnaire administered to 171 audit firms operating in Cameroon's Littoral, Center, and North-West Regions. The study employed multilinear regression analysis to examine the data. The results reveal that audit fees in Cameroon are significantly determined by the audit firm's experience, audit report lag, client complexity, duration of the mandate, and industry type. The findings of this study provide insights into the factors that influence audit fees in the Cameroonian context. Companies can use this information to negotiate audit fees with their auditors and evaluate the quality of audit services. The study's results also have implications for audit firms, as they can use this information to develop pricing strategies that reflect the factors that determine audit fees in Cameroon.