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Adoption of artificial intelligence in auditing: An exploratory study

Author

Listed:
  • Ravi Seethamraju
  • Angela Hecimovic

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to transform the audit profession. This exploratory study, by utilising the technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework and data from semi-structured interviews, identifies several technological (perceived benefits, compatibility, maturity), organisational (readiness, data quality, trust) and environmental (audit standards, regulation, client readiness) factors influencing the adoption of AI tools in audit practice. While AI has the potential to improve audit quality and deliver value-adding services to audit clients, our study concludes that AI adoption requires a rethink of audit practice considering the perceived lack of control in AI ‘black-box’ potentially rendering audit practice even more hidden from view and exposed to increased scrutiny over audit quality. JEL Classification: M42, O31, O32, O33

Suggested Citation

  • Ravi Seethamraju & Angela Hecimovic, 2023. "Adoption of artificial intelligence in auditing: An exploratory study," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 48(4), pages 780-800, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ausman:v:48:y:2023:i:4:p:780-800
    DOI: 10.1177/03128962221108440
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Adoption; artificial intelligence; audit; audit quality; technology–organisation–environment framework;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M42 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Auditing
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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