This study investigates whether internal auditors in Libyan oil companies possess the necessary competence and capabilities in the security of electronic accounting information systems within an era of transition from manual auditing to electronic accounting information system auditing. The study also examines the issue of whether internal auditors implement sufficient safeguards to address the risks associated with electronic accounting information systems. A questionnaire survey adopted for data collection revealed that: internal auditors in the sampled companies possess a high level of competence and efficiency in electronic accounting information system security; and that they also follow all protective measures to counter the risks of electronic accounting information systems. However, descriptive statistics show that the mean scores of participants' responses regarding the competence and efficiency of internal auditors in electronic accounting information system security were lower than the overall mean of the axis. This could be seen as a deficiency on the part of internal auditors in reviewing risks related to electronic accounting information systems, monitoring management's implementation of regular maintenance of electronic systems, ensuring the existence of sufficient protection programs to scan electronic programs or magnetic disks, implementing procedures to limit risks arising from electronic equipment damage, and periodically evaluating information security applications within the company. Descriptive statistics also indicate that the average scores of participants' responses regarding internal auditors' adherence to all protective measures to counter the risks of electronic accounting information systems were lower than the overall mean of the axis. This could be seen as a deficiency on the part of internal auditors in monitoring IT staff in implementing required security measures, participating in updating security methods according to changes in the evolving IT environment, participating in developing specific security policies such as selecting the appropriate technology and its effectiveness, participating in developing and formulating a strategy for developing the security of electronic accounting information systems, and contributing to the detection of security breaches through reports and describing the type of breach

This chapter aims, to highlight a review of IAS history, followed by approaches of accounting regulations. The development of accounting regulation within developing countries is also highlighted and discussed in the context of cultural diversity. It also aims to shed light into the motives that drive the adoption and implementation of IASs/IFRS. The political nature of lobbying and accounting standards setting process is also discussed in this chapter. In addition, the chapter discusses those factors that may be perceived as challenges which may delay or even block the convergence into the IASs/IFRS. Finally the authors provide key remarks about the IASs and venues for future research

This study examines the factors that may be considered as challenges or difficulties facing the implementation of the International Accounting Standards (IASs), and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), by Libyan companies listed on the Libyan Stock Market (LSM). A qualitative approach was employed using semi-structured interviews to collect data. The results reveal that most listed companies prepare their financial statements taking into account the existing laws and the financial regulations, such as the Tax Law, and Libyan Commercial Law, prior to the GAAP with which they comply. The study also finds that the challenges facing the IASs/IFRS implementation in the preparation of listed companies’ financial reports include the following: 1) most listed companies do not offer training programmes, and those that do have only weak provision in this respect, 2) accountants lack adequate skills, awareness and capabilities in implementing IASs/IFRS, 3) accounting education curricula do not include the IASs/IFRS on their syllabus, 4) the vast majority of participants are unable to use the English language in preparing accounts, 5) there is an absence of enforcement from the LSM and external auditors, and 6) the LSM governance mechanisms are weak

Auditor independence has received considerable attention in recent

years. This is due to the fact that independently audited financial statements

may result in the generation of true and fair accounting information which will

help stakeholders to form rational expectations about firms and minimise the

agency cost. It can also be argued that lack of independence would lead

auditors to collaborate with the management of firms and would produce

misleading accounting information. Accepting this premise, this study explores

the effects of 12 different variables on the perceptions of auditor independence

in Libya. A sample of five user groups namely; owners, investors, lenders,

managers and auditors were chosen for the survey. The results suggest that all

user groups regard auditor independence as an important factor in forming their

decisions about firms. Amongst other variables, the non-availability of auditing

standards in Libya is found to be the strongest factor which undermines auditor

independence in Libya