In a broad sense, the client characteristics that affect financial-reporting quality
can be grouped according to whether they are likely to affect the sophistication
(or accuracy) of the financial-reporting system or the incentives of management.
The sophistication (or accuracy) of the financial-reporting system is likely to differ
with the size and age of the company, with larger, more mature companies
expected to have more sophisticated financial-reporting systems. Management's
incentives regarding financial reporting are a well-researched topic, and prior work
has identified factors such as the financial condition of the company and the tightness
of debt constraints. Companies in financial distress or under near-debt constraints
may be more motivated to manage earnings (DeFond and Jiambalvo 1994).