Ownership structure and financial reporting quality of listed non-financial firms in Nigerian: The moderating role of audit committee

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the moderating role of audit committee on the relationship between ownership structure and financial reporting quality of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. The study used annual reports from 41 listed non-financial firms in Nigeria between 2010 to 2021 period. The study used causal research design approach. The analysis was done using descriptive statistics and multiple regression technique using Generalised Method of Moment (GMM). The findings of the study show that there is significant relationship between ownership structure and financial reporting quality and audit committee can effectively moderate their relationship. The study therefore, rejects all the null hypotheses formulated. The implications of the study are that regulators and policy makers, may encourage more shareholders representation in audit committee of listed companies and mandate financial expertise to all audit committee members. The study concludes that presence of institutional, managerial and foreign ownerships as well as sound audit committee are important for improving firms' financial reporting quality. The study therefore, recommends that in order to enhance the reporting quality, management of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria should ensure that they have effective and functional audit committee. The ownership structure should also be strengthened in order to assist in improving financial reporting quality and also improve relevance and reliability of annual reports and make it easier for the stakeholders to make appropriate decisions relevant to their needs.