Independent Audit Standard 701 Key Audit Matters: A Research on the Companies in the Borsa Istanbul (BIST) Transportation Index

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this study is to determine the key audit matters within the scope of Independent Audit Standard (BDS) 701, which are included in the independent audit reports of companies in Borsa Istanbul (BIST) Transportation Index between the years 2019-2021. In accordance with this purpose, the independent audit reports of the companies in the Borsa Istanbul Transportation Index were examined and an assessment made on key audit matters. Design/methodology/Approach – Content analysis, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The independent audit reports published by the companies listed in the Borsa Istanbul (BIST) Transportation Index for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 were examined. The key audit matters reported in the independent audit reports were determined, the reason for the declaration as a key audit matter was analyzed in detail and the results were evaluated by analyzing the procedures of independent audit companies for key audit matters. Findings – In this study, the key audit matters reported in the independent audit reports of the BIST Transportation Index companies for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 have been identified. As a result of the research, it has been determined that the most reported key audit matters in 2019, 2020 and 2021 by the companies included in the BIST Transportation Index are accounting of revenue, determination of passenger flight obligations and accounting for frequent flyer program liability. Discussion – The fact that the key audit matters in the independent audit reports are more specific to the audit being conducted and the company rather than the general and standard expressions, ensures that understandable and transparent information is obtained in accordance with the needs of the information users. As expected from the independent auditor, disclosures regarding the number of key audit matters reported in the report, their importance in the matters, and audit approaches are sector-specific and in line with legislation.