Analysis of the Influence of the Internal Audit Function on Audit Fees: Análisis de la Influencia de la Función de Auditoría Interna sobre las Cuotas de Auditoría

The aim of this paper is to analyse the relationship between the internal audit function and auditor's fees using a sample of Spanish listed companies between 2003 and 2011. We use the audit fees model that was proposed by Simunic (1980). Our results indicate that fees are greater in those companies that have an internal audit function. In addition, if there are meetings between the audit committee and the internal audit function, this is statistically significant with audit fees. This paper contributes to literature in several ways. Firstly, there are no previous papers in Spain, unlike other contexts, on the relationship between internal audit and auditor fees. Secondly, the empirical results detected in previous studies are conflicting; therefore, there is a need to complement them. Finally, the findings have practical implications for companies, external auditors and regulatory agencies themselves.