Indonesian Journal of Taxation and Accounting
Vol 3, No 2 (2025): December 2025

Do Ethical Attributes Matter More than Independence? The Moderating Role of Auditor Integrity in Government Audit Quality

Yusniati Yusniati (Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar)
Farid Fajrin (Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar)
Mustakim Muchlis (Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar)



Article Info

Publish Date
22 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study aims to examine the influence of independence, spiritual intelligence, and ethical sensitivity on government audit quality, while further investigating the role of auditor integrity as a moderating variable. Employing a causal quantitative approach, primary data were gathered through a questionnaire survey administered to internal auditors at the Provincial Inspectorate of South Sulawesi. Hypothesis testing was conducted using multiple linear regression and Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). The findings reveal that spiritual intelligence and ethical sensitivity exert a positive and significant impact on audit quality, whereas auditor independence does not exhibit a significant effect. Furthermore, auditor integrity is empirically proven to moderate the relationships between spiritual intelligence and audit quality, as well as between ethical sensitivity and audit quality; however, it fails to moderate the relationship between auditor independence and audit quality. These findings indicate that public sector audit quality is more profoundly determined by the auditor’s value and ethical dimensions rather than mere structural independence. Theoretically, this research enriches the literature on public sector auditing grounded in stewardship and professional ethics; practically, the results emphasize the necessity of strengthening the integrity and ethical capacity of government internal auditors.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJOTA

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

1. Taxation Tax Policy and Fiscal Policy Tax Compliance and Tax Administration Tax Planning and Tax Avoidance Corporate Taxation International Taxation Digital Taxation and Tax Technology Behavioral Aspects in Tax Compliance 2. Financial Accounting and Reporting Financial Reporting Standards ...