ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Auditors’ perceptions of KAMs in an emerging market: Evidence from Kosovo
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Accounting, University of Prishtina, Kosowo
 
 
Submission date: 2025-10-13
 
 
Final revision date: 2025-10-19
 
 
Acceptance date: 2025-10-23
 
 
Online publication date: 2026-05-06
 
 
Publication date: 2026-05-06
 
 
Corresponding author
Arber Hoti   

Accounting, University of Prishtina, Kosowo
 
 
Economic and Regional Studies 2026;19(1):173-190
 
KEYWORDS
JEL CLASSIFICATION CODES
M42
M48
 
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Subject and purpose of work: This article assesses whether ISA 701 Key Audit Matters (KAMs) are perceived to improve (i) audit-outcome quality and (ii) audit-process efficiency in Kosovo. It also examines how auditor experience, firm size, and workload shape these perceptions. Materials and methods: A structured survey of 150 certified/licensed auditors in Kosovo was administered. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, chi-square tests, and regression models were employed to evaluate perceived effects of KAMs. Results: Most respondents do not perceive KAM reporting as having materially improved audit-outcome quality, consistent with findings reported in other jurisdictions. By contrast, many auditors, indicate that KAMs have made the audit process more efficient and effective, chiefly by sharpening focus on higher-risk areas and improving communication with stakeholders. Differences by experience appear modest. Conclusions: KAMs are generally not perceived to raise audit-outcome quality in Kosovo, but they do streamline audits via sharper risk focus and communication. Small practices would benefit from targeted guidance and complementary quality initiatives.
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