Multiple Select Question Select all that apply The quality of financial reporting for publicly traded companies is improved through \( \qquad \) (Check all that apply.) evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of internal controls establishing audit committee of independent directors the preparation of financial statements by external auditors

To determine which options improve the quality of financial reporting for publicly traded companies, let's analyze each option: 1. **Evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of internal controls**: - This is crucial as strong internal controls help ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting. Evaluating these controls can identify weaknesses and improve the overall quality of the financial reports. 2. **Establishing an audit committee of independent directors**: - An independent audit committee can enhance the integrity of financial reporting by overseeing the financial reporting process, the audit process, and the company's internal controls. This independence helps ensure that the financial statements are free from bias and misrepresentation. 3. **The preparation of financial statements by external auditors**: - While external auditors do provide an independent assessment of the financial statements, the preparation of the statements is typically done by the company's management. However, the involvement of external auditors in reviewing and auditing these statements does improve the credibility and reliability of the financial reports. Based on this analysis, all three options contribute to improving the quality of financial reporting for publicly traded companies. Therefore, the correct selections are: - Evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of internal controls - Establishing an audit committee of independent directors - The preparation of financial statements by external auditors