University of Molise Economics and Statistics Discussion Paper n. 078/22.
ISSN/ISBN: Not available at this time. DOI: Not available at this time.
Abstract: Misleading financial reports are generally considered damaging events for corporations and society at large. Drawing on Cooper, Dacin and Palmer (2013), this paper complements existing research with an example in which context, intended as distribution of power, concurred to explain accounting data manipulation. By applying Benford's Law to look for signs of manipulated financial statements published by Italian Municipally Owned Entities operating in utility industries, this study reveals red flags of financial misstatements concentrated during election periods. This implies that internal/external auditors need to pay more attention to the quality of accounting data in these crucial periods and specific environments.
Bibtex:
@techReport{,
AUTHOR = {Francesco Capalbo and Luca Galati and Claudio Lupi and Margherita Smarra},
TITLE = {The Impact of Elections on the Quality of Financial Statements in Municipally Owned
Entities},
INSTITUTION = {University of Molise Economics and Statistics},
YEAR = {2022},
NUMBER = {Economics and Statistics Discussion Paper n. 078/22},
URL = {https://econpapers.repec.org/paper/molecsdps/esdp22078.htm},
}
Reference Type: Preprint
Subject Area(s): Accounting, Voting Fraud