Key audit matters and restatement of financial statements: evidence from an emerging economy

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between key audit matters (KAMs) and the restatement of financial statements, assessing their impact on the financial statement restatement process. Design/methodology/approach This study aims to examine the economic context of Vietnam by analyzing data from 170 listed enterprises on the Vietnam stock exchange from 2010–2021. Feasible generalized least squares and robustness regression are conducted to give results and conclusions. Findings The results show that the KAMs disclosure in the financial statements has not really significantly affected the quality of an audit, so the KAMs disclosure does not have too much impact on the restatement of financial statements. However, this study found that the number of disclosed KAMs would partly reflect the shortcoming that exists in companies' financial statements. Practical implications The authenticity of financial statements is crucial for companies to meet auditor requirements, particularly KAMs. Restatements can influence business decisions and provide more accurate financial information to stakeholders. Thus, studying the impact of KAMs on restatement is essential for improving the veracity and reliability of financial statements. Originality/value This study clarifies the important role of KAMs in financial statements to recommend investors to be more careful in considering KAMs disclosed by auditors in audit reports. In addition, this study helps to add an overview of KAMs in emerging markets like Vietnam, as well as helps stakeholders to improve the legal system on Accounting – Auditing in Vietnam.