An Analysis of the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Accounting Profession
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60154/jaepp.2024.v25n2p188Keywords:
Accounting, auditing, artificial intelligence, AI, expert systems, machine learning, knowledge-based systems, cognitive systems, ethicsAbstract
This paper explores the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the accounting profession, encompassing areas such as auditing, tax accounting, management accounting, and financial accounting. AI technologies, including machine learning and generative AI, are automating routine tasks, enhancing data analysis, and providing deeper insights, which significantly improve efficiency and accuracy in accounting processes. The adoption of AI is reshaping the roles of accountants and auditors, enabling them to focus on higher-value tasks such as strategic consulting and risk management. Despite concerns about job displacement and ethical considerations, AI is poised to augment human expertise rather than replace it, leading to a more efficient and insightful accounting practice. The paper also addresses the historical development of AI, its current applications in accounting, and the ethical implications of its use in the profession.
References
1. AI Topics. (2016). Brief History of Artificial Intelligence. http://aitopics.org/topic/brief-histories-timelines.
2. Bill.com. (2023). AI in accounting: How artificial intelligence is transforming the industry. https://www.bill.com/blog/ai-in-accounting.
3. Chen, A., & D’Ambola, C. (2023, December 5). The future of AI is now. is tax ready?. BDO.
https://www.bdo.com/insights/tax/the-future-of-ai-is-now-is-tax-ready
4. Dennis, A. (February, 2024). What AI can do for auditors. Journal of Accountancy. https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2024/feb/what-ai-can-do-for-auditors.html.
5. Dockerty, C (June 2024). 5 Ways Accountants are using AI to Streamline Workloads. https://www.accountingtoday.com/list/5-ways-accountants-are-using-ai-to-streamline-workloads
6. El-Wakeel, F. (December 2020). Storytelling with Data Visualization. Storytelling With Data Visualization | IMA (sfmagazine.com).
7. Fowler, G. A. (2024, March 4). Turbotax and H&R Block’s AI Chatbots are giving bad tax advice - The Washington Post. Washingtonpost.com. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/03/04/ai-taxes-turbotax-hrblock-chatbot/
8. Griffin, O. (2016). How artificial intelligence will impact accounting. Economia.
9. Hansen, T. (2024, June 11). Is ai generated tax advice making the grade?. Taxpayer Advocate Service. https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/tax-tips/is-ai-generated-tax-advice-making-the-grade/2024/06/#:~:text=In%20the%20context%20of%20tax,the%20taxpayer’s%20responses%20to%20questions
10. Jejeniwa, T.O., Mhlongo, N.Z., & Jejeniwa, T.O. (2024). A comprehensive review of the impact of artificial intelligence on modern accounting practices and financial reporting. Computer Science & IT Research Journal, 5(4), 1031-1047.
11. Johnson, J. (February, 2023) How AI and Automation Technology Can Help Accountants. https://www.business.com/articles/ai-and-accounting/
12. Kirby Foundation. (July 2022). A Brief History of AI. https://thefusioneer.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-ai/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpNuyBhCuARIsANJqL9MEBAPC4kx0Nm369ifLf291aobwQtFt6LNy4LIEbnDQYQWLNa_UZRIaAsLZEALw_wcB
13. Krumwide, K. (2017). Management accountants in the United States: Evolving to meet the changing needs of practice. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315673738
14. Lawson, R. (April, 2018). Management Accounting Competencies: Fit for Purpose in a Digital Age? Management-Accounting-Competencies-28082018.pdf (incp.org.co).
15. Marks, G. (January 2024). The (Very) Emerging Role of AI in the Accounting Industry. https://www.forbes.com/sites/quickerbettertech/2024/01/01/the-very-emerging-role-of-ai-in-the-accounting-industry/
16. McCabe, S. (2014). CPA.com study gauges firms’ preparedness for the future. Accounting Tomorrow. https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/cpacom-study-gauges-firms-preparedness-for-the-future.
17. Odonkor, B., Kaggwa, S., Uwaoma, P.U., Hassan, A.O., & Farayola, O.A. (2024). Integrating Artificial Intelligence in accounting : a quantitative economic perspective for the future of US financial markets. Finance & Accounting Research Journal, 6(1), 56-78.
18. Oliver, B. (November 2023). How Artificial Intelligence can help save accounting. Journal of Accountancy. https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2023/nov/how-artificial-intelligence-can-help-save-accounting.html.
19. Reams, L. (May, 2024). We cracked the code of AI ethics in accounting: Your must-read guide. https://www.countingworkspro.com/blog/we-cracked-the-code-of-ai-ethics-in-accounting-your-must-read-guide.
20. Sahota, N. (April 2024). The Dawn of a New Era: AI’s Revolutionary Role In Accounting. https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilsahota/2024/04/22/the-dawn-of-a-new-era-ais-revolutionary-role-in-accounting/
21. Schweitzer, B. (Mar. 2024). Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics in Accounting. Journal of Accounting, Ethics & Public Policy (JAEPP). https://www.jaepp.org/index.php/jaepp/article/view/349
22. Siddiqui, W. (April 2024). The ethical considerations in automated accounting. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ethical-considerations-automated-accounting-wahaj-siddiqui-xwyuf/
23. Soh, D. (March 2023). From Hephaestus to Siri: A brief history of artificial intelligence. https://darrylsoh.medium.com/from-hephaestus-to-siri-a-brief-history-of-artificial-intelligence-f834edf294d6#:~:text=The%20roots%20of%20AI%20can,protect%20the%20island%20of%20Crete.&text=Throughout%20history%2C%20there%20have%20been,seeking%20to%20create%20intelligent%20machines.
24. Wolters Kluwer. (2024). The power of ai: What accounting and tax professionals need to know. https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/the-power-of-ai
25. Zhou, J. (2024). Empowering Internal Control: A Case Study in Leveraging Data Technologies. Journal of Accounting, Ethics & Public Policy (JAEPP). 25(2), 26.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Cindy Greenman, Derrick Esplin, Ross Johnston, James Richards

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.