경영자－종업원 간의 보상격차가 감사위험에 미치는 영향

초록

[Purpose] This study investigates the relationship between vertical pay disparity and audit risk to determine whether vertical pay disparity functions as a positive factor enhancing the transparency and reliability of financial information from the auditor's perspective, or whether it is perceived as a risk factor. [Methodology] The analysis was conducted on firms listed on the Korea Exchange(KOSPI) from 2013 to 2023, examining the relationship between the level of vertical pay disparity and audit risk. [Findings] The results show a significant positive relationship between vertical pay disparity and audit fees, suggesting that vertical pay disparity is a determinant that increases audit risk. However, when distinguishing between owner－managers and professional managers, the relationship between vertical pay disparity and audit risk was found to be stronger among firms with owner－managers. This indicates that external auditors perceive the level of vertical pay disparity differently depending on the firm’s ownership structure, evaluate it as a risk factor, and reflect it in audit fees and audit hours accordingly. [Implications] This study provides practical implications by empirically demonstrating that vertical pay disparity is recognized as a factor in evaluating the transparency and reliability of financial information and management. It highlights the importance of vertical pay disparity information and the need for its disclosure.

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