Adopción de auditoría externa y rentabilidad de las empresas y sociedades por acciones simplificadas sector F y subsector F41-01 05 en el Ecuador, periodos 2020-2023.

Abstract

Abstract: This research analyzes the adoption of external audit and its relationship with the profitability of companies and simplified joint stock companies (SAS) in Sector F and Subsector F41 (construction) in Ecuador during the period 2020-2023. The sample included 31 companies, of which 68% adopted external audits in accordance with Resolution No. SCVS-INC-DNCDN-2016-011. The corporate composition of the sector was characterized, highlighting a low participation of SAS. The analysis revealed that despite the high percentage of unqualified audit opinions, profitability indicators (ROA, ROE, and ROS) were negative or volatile for most companies, with no significant improvements attributable to the adoption of external audits of balance sheets. These results suggest that external audits did not have a significant impact on profitability, perhaps due to the low importance of its recommendations for operational management. It is concluded that the effectiveness of external auditing depends on its coordination with internal management practices that allow its usefulness to be leveraged as a decision-making tool in companies.