Internal Audit Practices and Financial Performance of Construction Companies in Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out with the aim to examine internal audit practices and financial performance of construction companies in Nigeria. In order to actualize the objectives of the study, various literature and theoretical issues was discussed. The instrument used for the purpose of this research was gathered through primary source. The researcher administered a total of two hundred (200) questionnaires to respondents, out of which one hundred and eighty-eight (188) was retrieved and was used for the presentation and analyses. The hypotheses were tested using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression technique. The findings from analysis revealed among other things that there is a positive and significant relationship between size of the internal audit, experience of the internal audit, qualification of the internal audit and Financial Performance. The study also revealed that there is a positive and insignificant relationship between independence of internal audit and Financial Performance. In line with the findings, we recommend that the internal auditor should have maximum independence from the industry they work in. The internal audit activities must be positioned in such a way that it may obtain cooperation from industry that is being audited that have free, unrestricted access to all functions, records, property and personnel including those charged with governance.