The Effect of Auditor Tenure on Audit Independence in Botswana

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to find out the perceived influence of timeframe of auditor on audit independence. It also helps to find out whether audit firm rotation should be familiarized in Botswana or not. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect that auditor tenure has on audit independence. The sample had been drawn from Botswana Stock exchange based on the list of accredited auditors and listed companies. Descriptive research design has been applied on a sample of 3 Accounting Firms and 12 Accountants. Data collected was analysed using statistical analyses software package, SPSS version 21 in order to determine the audit independence level in relation to audit tenure. Audit independence was determined from the analysis of different factors affecting audit independency, frequency tables where used to analyse the responses of the sample population. The findings proved that a prolonged Audit tenure results in impaired audit independence. It was recommended that there is need to develop alternative measures to safeguard auditor's independence.