THE IMPACT OF QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION ON FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY : A FIELD STUDY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF AUDITORS IN THE KURDISTAN REGION OF IRAQ

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the qualitative characteristics of accounting information on financial transparency from the perspective of auditors in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The study focuses on both the fundamental qualitative characteristics (relevance and faithful representation) and the enhancing characteristics (timeliness, comparability, and understandability) as determinants of accounting information quality.

A descriptive–analytical approach was employed, supported by a field study using a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 120 auditors. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), applying descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA.

The results indicate a strong and statistically significant relationship between the qualitative characteristics of accounting information and financial transparency. The regression model demonstrates high explanatory power, with an R² value of 0.709, indicating that 70.9% of the variance in financial transparency is explained by the independent variables. Among these variables, timeliness was found to have the strongest influence, followed by relevance and faithful representation. All variables were statistically significant at the 0.05 level.

Furthermore, the findings reveal no statistically significant differences in auditors’ perceptions based on gender, age, or educational level, whereas professional experience showed a significant effect. The study concludes that adherence to qualitative characteristics enhances financial transparency, reduces information asymmetry, and strengthens stakeholders’ confidence in financial reporting.