The use of generalized audit software by Egyptian external auditors : The effect of audit software features

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore: the actual usage of generalized audit software (GAS) features among Egyptian external auditors, through the technology acceptance model (TAM); how the conceptual complexity of GAS features impact its actual usage; and what factors influencing the GAS use by Egyptian external auditors. Design/methodology/approach External audit professionals at 12 international audit firms, including the Big 4 and eight medium-sized firms, in Egypt were surveyed. Findings The results show that the basic features including database queries, ratio analysis, and audit sampling were higher in GAS use, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use among Egyptian external auditors than the advanced features: digital analysis, regression/ANOVA, and data mining classification. The structural equation modelling analysis by GAS features suggests that perceived ease of use has a stronger effect on GAS use when the conceptual complexity of GAS features is high. The analysis also support that the use of GAS by Egyptian external auditors is more affected by co-worker, supervisor, or organization through perceived usefulness, but not by job relevance, output quality, and result demonstration. Research limitations/implications Although Egyptian external auditors participated in this study may limit the extent to which the findings may be generalized, the responses provide an insight into the actual usage of GAS features by external auditors and the impact of conceptual complexity of GAS features, which is consistent with the literature concerning the relatively low level of utilizing the advanced features of GAS by internal auditors, suggesting that the issues revealed should be of concern. Practical implications The results reported in this paper are useful to audit software developers and audit firms in their understanding of factors influencing GAS usage in a different audit context. Originality/value The study adds value to prior research by providing context-contingent insight into the application of TAM in an unexplored audit context.