ASSESSING THE RELIABILITY OF AUDITORS REPORT AS A MEANS OF INVESTMENT DECISION

ABSTRACT The This study investigates the reliability of auditors' reports in decision-making, focusing on First Bank as a case study. The research aims to evaluate how auditors' reports contribute to investment decision-making, the role of critical audit matters (CAMs) in enhancing report reliability, and the impact of auditors’ experience and professionalism on these reports. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of stakeholders, and the results were analyzed using statistical methods, including Chi-square tests. The findings reveal that a significant majority of respondents believe that auditors' reports positively influence investment decisions. Additionally, the inclusion of critical audit matters is perceived to enhance the reliability of these reports, thereby fostering greater transparency and trust. Furthermore, the experience and professionalism of auditors were found to play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability of their reports, highlighting the importance of qualified professionals in the auditing field. This research concludes that reliable auditors' reports are essential for informed investment decisions and offers recommendations for organizations to prioritize transparency and stakeholder engagement in the auditing process. The study suggests further research to explore the effects of auditors' reports across different sectors and the influence of external factors on audit reliability.