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A profession in transition: actors, tasks and roles in AI-based accounting

Author

Listed:
  • Susanne Leitner-Hanetseder
  • Othmar M. Lehner
  • Christoph Eisl
  • Carina Forstenlechner

Abstract

Purpose - This article ties in with current debates on the digital transformation of society and the consequent work changes. Using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based accounting context, the focus of this paper is on actors, roles and tasks and related skills on an individual level. The authors look at the effect of AI-based “smart” technology on the workforce in the broader accounting profession taking an intrafirm perspective, yet acknowledging that the digital transformation encompasses a much larger field in the financial sector. Design/methodology/approach - The authors conduct a Delphi study to identify the new roles and tasks in future accounting. In addition, the authors use expert workshops to clarify the related tasks and skills and determine whether either humans or AI-based technologies perform the roles or collaborate in professional accounting occupations. Findings - The results show that tasks and skills for existing professional occupations in the broader acounting context will be subject to major changes in the next 10 years due to (AI based) digital technologies, while “core” roles and tasks will continue to exist in the future, some will not be performed by humans but by AI-based technology. For other “new” roles, humans will need to make informed use of digital technologies and, to some extent, collaborate with AI-based technology. Research limitations/implications - The authors look at the effect of AI-based “smart” technology on the workforce in the broader accounting profession, taking an intrafirm perspective. Practical implications - This article ties in with current debates on the digital transformation of society and the consequent work changes. Using an AI-based accounting context, the focus of this paper is on the new and adapted roles and tasks. Originality/value - The comprehensive analysis based on the Delphi study and expert workshops provide ample innovative ground for future research on the impact of AI on organisations and society.

Suggested Citation

  • Susanne Leitner-Hanetseder & Othmar M. Lehner & Christoph Eisl & Carina Forstenlechner, 2021. "A profession in transition: actors, tasks and roles in AI-based accounting," Journal of Applied Accounting Research, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 22(3), pages 539-556, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:jaarpp:jaar-10-2020-0201
    DOI: 10.1108/JAAR-10-2020-0201
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    Cited by:

    1. repec:fst:rfsisf:v:8:y:2023:i:15:p:62-85 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Valeriu Brabete & Catalin Mihail Barbu & Daniel Circiumaru & Daniel Goagara & Dorel Berceanu, 2024. "Redesign of Accounting Education to Meet the Challenges of Artificial Intelligence – A Literature Review," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 26(65), pages 275-275, February.
    3. Adrian GROȘANU & Melinda-Timea FÜLÖP & Nicolae MĂGDAȘ, 2024. "Ethical Dilemmas in Digital Accounting: A Comprehensive Literature Review," CECCAR Business Review, Body of Expert and Licensed Accountants of Romania (CECCAR), vol. 5(4), pages 56-67, April.
    4. Ani STOYKOVA, 2024. "AI in Accounting: Insights from a Bibliometric Analysis," CECCAR Business Review, Body of Expert and Licensed Accountants of Romania (CECCAR), vol. 5(8), pages 56-71, August.
    5. Jochen Fähndrich, 2023. "A literature review on the impact of digitalisation on management control," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 34(1), pages 9-65, March.
    6. Andreea Cordos (Labaditis) & Adriana Tiron-Tudor, 2023. "Employability skills for professional accountants in the midstof Industry 4.0 - a literature review," Journal of Financial Studies, Institute of Financial Studies, vol. 15(8), pages 62-85, November.
    7. Broccardo, Laura & Tenucci, Andrea & Agarwal, Reeti & Alshibani, Safiya Mukhtar, 2024. "Steering digitalization and management control maturity in small and medium enterprises (SMEs)," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).

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