The effect of Digital Tools on Auditors' Professional Scepticism : A Quantitative Study of Professional Scepticism in the Swedish Audit Profession

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyze whether the relationship between structural domains represented by CAATs and judgment represented by professional scepticism is related to auditors’ individual characteristics, trait scepticism. Methodology: This study is based on a quantitative method in the form of a questionnaire sent to all Swedish authorized auditors. The response rate was 16.8 per cent. The responses were analyzed by Spearman correlation matrix, principal component analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, and hierarchical moderated multiple regression analysis. Moreover, this thesis is based on a positivistic perspective to get a general picture of professional scepticism. A deductive approach, going from theory to empirics, has been implemented. Findings: The results showed a positive relationship between judgment represented by professional scepticism and structure represented by CAATs, where auditors’ individual characteristics, trait scepticism, have a positive moderating effect on the relationship. Theoretical perspectives: We apply the profession theory, comfort theory and structure and judgment at Swedish authorized auditors with diverse experience.