The main objective of this study is to find out the factors that determine the audit fees in the listed pharmaceuticals and chemicals companies of Bangladesh. The study is conducted on 21 listed companies in the pharmaceuticals and chemicals industry during the period of 2015 to 2018. Client characteristics (client size, leverage and return on assets), client’s governance structure (independent directors and audit committee) and firm ranking are taken as the proxy variables of the determinants of audit fees. The study has found that client size, leverage and firm ranking have positive and significant impact on audit fees of the sample firm. On the other hand the proportion of independent directors in the board has a negative and significant impact on audit fees. However, the study did not find any significant association between audit fees and return on assets. It is suggested that policymakers should include more independent directors in the board for ensuring better governance to reduce the external audit fees. Besides, in case of maintaining obligatory audit committee, companies should consider the efficiency and effectiveness of the committee.
Audit Fees; Independent Directors; Audit Committee; Financial Statements; Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industry
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