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Applying robotic process automation (RPA) in auditing: A framework

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  • Huang, Feiqi
  • Vasarhelyi, Miklos A.

Abstract

Robotic process automation (RPA) has been widely adopted in many industries, including the accounting industry, to automate well-defined and repetitive tasks; however, its application to auditing has lagged behind because of the unique nature of this industry. This study applies RPA in the auditing area. An RPA framework is proposed that frees auditors from doing repetitive and low-judgment audit tasks and enables them to focus on tasks that require professional judgment. This paper also demonstrates the feasibility of RPA by implementing a pilot project that applies RPA to the confirmation process.

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, Feiqi & Vasarhelyi, Miklos A., 2019. "Applying robotic process automation (RPA) in auditing: A framework," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 35(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ijoais:v:35:y:2019:i:c:s1467089518301738
    DOI: 10.1016/j.accinf.2019.100433
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Zhang, Zhenhua & Zhang, Yunpeng & Wu, Huangbin & Song, Shunfeng & Pan, Yuxi & Feng, Yanchao, 2024. "Dual effects of automation on economy and environment: Evidence from A-share listed enterprises in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
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    11. Costa Diogo António da Silva & Mamede Henrique São & Mira da Silva Miguel, 2022. "Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Adoption: A Systematic Literature Review," Engineering Management in Production and Services, Sciendo, vol. 14(2), pages 1-12, June.
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    14. Haochen Guo & Petr Polak, 2023. "Intelligent finance and change management implications," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-8, December.
    15. Emilio Abad-Segura & Mariana-Daniela González-Zamar, 2020. "Research Analysis on Emerging Technologies in Corporate Accounting," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-29, September.
    16. Laurence Viale & Dorsaf Zouari, 2020. "Impact of digitalization on procurement: the case of robotic process automation," Post-Print hal-03695535, HAL.
    17. Syaiful Anwar Mohamed & Moamin A. Mahmoud & Mohammed Najah Mahdi & Salama A. Mostafa, 2022. "Improving Efficiency and Effectiveness of Robotic Process Automation in Human Resource Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-18, March.
    18. Moisescu Florentina & Moisei Madalina, 2021. "The Future of the Accounting Profession Under the Incidence of Automation," Risk in Contemporary Economy, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, pages 276-286.
    19. P. V. Thayyib & Rajesh Mamilla & Mohsin Khan & Humaira Fatima & Mohd Asim & Imran Anwar & M. K. Shamsudheen & Mohd Asif Khan, 2023. "State-of-the-Art of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics Reviews in Five Different Domains: A Bibliometric Summary," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-38, February.
    20. Joshua Onome Imoniana & Daniel Carlos Nava Filho & Edgard Bruno Cornacchione & Luciane Reginato & Cristiane Benetti, 2023. "Impact of Technological Advancements on Auditing of Financial Statements," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(4), pages 131-159.
    21. Perdana, Arif & Lee, W. Eric & Mui Kim, Chu, 2023. "Prototyping and implementing Robotic Process Automation in accounting firms: Benefits, challenges and opportunities to audit automation," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 51(C).
    22. Yasheng Chen & Zhuojun Wu & Hui Yan, 2022. "A Full Population Auditing Method Based on Machine Learning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-17, December.

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