The Impact of IT Governance According to the COBIT Framework on the Quality of Internal Auditing in the Iraqi Environment

Abstract: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the impact of information technology governance (COBIT) on the quality of internal audit in Iraqi banks. To achieve this goal, the researcher presented the theoretical framework of IT governance and the quality of internal audit, and then presented the expected relationships between the framework (COBIT) and the quality of internal audit. The researcher conducted a field study in banks listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange, where a questionnaire was distributed to internal auditors working in these banks. The study sample consisted of 168 individuals valid for statistical analysis. The researcher relied on the descriptive analytical method through collecting information and linking it with results. Data were collected and analyzed and hypotheses were tested through many statistical treatments using SPSS statistical program. One of the most important results of the study is the strong correlation between IT governance represented by the four areas of the COBIT framework (planning and organization, ownership and implementation, delivery and support, monitoring and evaluation) and the quality of internal audit and its six dimensions (qualifications, independence, competence and professional care, scope of work, quality of performance of audit functions, management of internal audit function) with a significant positive impact of information technology governance represented by the four areas of the framework (COBIT) in the quality of internal audit in Iraqi banks. Based on these results, the study recommended the adoption of Iraqi companies operating in the electronic accounting information systems environment, especially the Iraqi banks listed in the Iraq Stock Exchange for the governance of information technology in accordance with the framework of COBIT and its four areas to ensure companies with sufficient confidence in the accounting system applied, and improve information security within the system and improve the quality of internal audit. Key Words: IT Governance, COBIT, Internal Audit Quality