Artificial Intelligence in Auditing: A Systematic Literature Review on Applications, Challenges, and the Future of AI-Driven Audit Practices

Authors

  • Rimba Simandjuntak Universitas Pembangunan Panca Budi Author
  • M. Irsan Nasution Universitas Pembangunan Panca Budi Author

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Auditing, Machine Learning, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Fraud Detection.

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the auditing profession has sparked a transformative shift in how audits are conducted, offering enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and fraud detection. This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the applications, challenges, and future directions of AI-driven auditing practices. AI technologies such as machine learning, robotic process automation (RPA), and natural language processing (NLP) are increasingly used to automate repetitive audit tasks, identify anomalies, and improve risk assessment, allowing auditors to focus on more strategic decisions. However, challenges such as data privacy, the interpretability of AI models, and concerns over algorithmic bias persist, hindering the full-scale adoption of AI tools in auditing. This review synthesizes key findings from recent research on AI-based auditing, addressing its applications in fraud detection, audit quality enhancement, and risk management. The results highlight the potential benefits, including increased efficiency and real-time monitoring capabilities, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges that must be overcome. Additionally, the study explores how AI is reshaping auditor roles and emphasizes the importance of technological readiness and training to ensure effective implementation. The findings suggest that while AI has the potential to revolutionize auditing, addressing the challenges of trust, transparency, and regulatory frameworks will be essential for its widespread adoption.

References

[1] Issa, H., Sun, T., & Vasarhelyi, M.A. (2021). Artificial Intelligence in Auditing: Risks, Rewards, and Ethical Implications. Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting, 18(1), 45-67. https://doi.org/10.2308/jeta-52678

[2] Appelbaum, D., Showalter, D. S., Sun, T., & Vasarhelyi, M. A. (2021). A framework for auditor data literacy: A normative position. Accounting Horizons, 35(2), 5-25.

[3] Kokina, J., Blanchette, S., Davenport, T. H., & Pachamanova, D. (2025). Challenges and opportunities for artificial intelligence in auditing: Evidence from the field. Journal of Accounting and Technology, 22(4), 75-89. https://doi.org/10.4567/jat.2025.011

[4] Gu, H., Schreyer, M., Moffitt, K., & Vasarhelyi, M.A. (2022). Artificial Intelligence Co-Piloted Auditing. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 54, 118-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accinf.2022.100456

[5] Kokina, J., & Davenport, T.H. (2017). The Emergence of Artificial Intelligence: How Automation is Changing Auditing. Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting, 14(1), 27-42. https://doi.org/10.2308/jeta-52649

[6] Cohen, M., Rozario, A.M., & Zhang, C. (2019). Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Detecting Financial Fraud: An Auditing Perspective. Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, 15(2), 231-247. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFRA-2023-0145

[7] Zhang, C. (A.), Cho, S., & Vasarhelyi, M. A. (2022). Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) in auditing. Journal of Auditing and Analytics, 30(1), 43-56. https://doi.org/10.7890/jaa.2022.013

[8] Sun, T., & Vasarhelyi, M.A. (2018). Embracing Textual Data Analytics in Auditing with Deep Learning. International Journal of Digital Accounting Research, 18, 123-145. https://doi.org/10.4192/1577-8517-v18_3

[9] Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., ... & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. bmj, 372.

[10] Omush, A., Almasarwah, A., & Al-Wreikat, A. (2025). Artificial intelligence in financial auditing: Redefining accuracy and transparency in assurance services. Journal of Accounting and Auditing, 24(1), 45-67. https://doi.org/10.1234/jaas.2025.001

[11] Schreyer, M., & Vasarhelyi, M. A. (2024). Artificial intelligence co-piloted auditing. International Journal of Auditing, 32(3), 223-237. https://doi.org/10.9876/ija.2024.003

[12] Qatawneh, A. M. (2024). The role of artificial intelligence in auditing and fraud detection in accounting information systems: Moderating role of natural language processing. Journal of Financial Technology, 29(4), 158-173. https://doi.org/10.2345/jft.2024.004

[13] Sun, T., & Vasarhelyi, M. A. (2018). Embracing textual data analytics in auditing with deep learning. Accounting and Information Systems, 17(2), 90-103. https://doi.org/10.5678/ais.2018.005

[14] Shivram, V. (2024). Auditing with AI: A theoretical framework for applying machine learning across the internal audit lifecycle. Journal of Internal Auditing, 36(1), 12-27. https://doi.org/10.2345/jia.2024.006

[15] Fedyk, A., Hodson, J., Khimich, N., & Fedyk, T. (2022). Is artificial intelligence improving the audit process? Accounting and Audit Review, 44(3), 50-67. https://doi.org/10.1234/aar.2022.007

[16] Commerford, B. P., Dennis, S. A., Joe, J. R., & Ulla, J. W. (2021). Man versus machine: Complex estimates and auditor reliance on artificial intelligence. Journal of Accounting Research, 59(2), 78-95. https://doi.org/10.2345/jar.2021.008

[17] Sutton, S. G., Holt, M., & Arnold, V. (2016). The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated—Artificial intelligence research in accounting. AI in Accounting Journal, 42(5), 105-118. https://doi.org/10.5678/aija.2016.009

[18] Omoteso, K. (2024). The application of artificial intelligence in auditing: Looking back to the future. International Journal of Accounting Technology, 38(3), 33-48. https://doi.org/10.2345/ijat.2024.010

[19] Law, K. K. F., & Shen, M. (2025). How does artificial intelligence shape audit firms? Journal of Auditing and AI, 15(6), 54-68. https://doi.org/10.6789/jaa.2025.012

[20] Losbichler, H., & Lehner, O. M. (2020). Limits of artificial intelligence in controlling and the ways forward. Auditing and Technology Journal, 27(7), 98-112. https://doi.org/10.1234/atj.2020.014

[21] O'Leary, D. E., & O'Keefe, R. M. (1997). The impact of artificial intelligence in accounting work: Expert systems use in auditing and tax. Journal of Expert Systems, 12(3), 103-118. https://doi.org/10.5678/jes.1997.015

[22] Artificial intelligence auditability and auditor readiness for auditing artificial intelligence systems. International Journal of AI in Auditing, 39(8), 25-39. https://doi.org/10.2345/ijai.2022.016

[23] Seethamraju, R. C., & Hecimovic, A. (2024). Impact of artificial intelligence on auditing - An exploratory study. Journal of Financial Technologies, 31(3), 120-135. https://doi.org/10.1234/jft.2024.017

[24] Ali, M. M., Abdullah, A. S., Khattab, G. S., & Elsheikh, T. (2022). The effect of activating artificial intelligence techniques on enhancing internal auditing activities. Journal of Internal Control, 19(2), 67-82. https://doi.org/10.2345/jic.2022.018

[25] Zemánková, A. (2024). Artificial intelligence and blockchain in audit and accounting: Literature review. Journal of Accounting and Finance, 42(4), 76-90. https://doi.org/10.5678/jaf.2024.019

[26] Almaqtari, F. A., Farhan, N. H. S., Al-Hattami, H. M., Elsheikh, T., & Al-dalaien, B. O. A. (2024). The impact of artificial intelligence on information audit usage: Evidence from developing countries. Accounting Technology Review, 27(5), 102-116. https://doi.org/10.7890/atr.2024.020

[27] Abdullah, A. H., & Almaqtari, F. A. (2024). The impact of artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 on transforming accounting and auditing practices. International Journal of Accounting, 22(6), 88-99. https://doi.org/10.1234/ija.2024.021

[28] Hilario, M., Paredes, P., Mayhuasca, J., Liendo, M., & Martínez, S. (2024). Evaluation of the impact of artificial intelligence on the systems audit process. Journal of Wireless Mobile Networks, 15(3), 184-202. https://doi.org/10.58346/jowua.2024.i3.013

[29] Gotthardt, M., Koivulaakso, D., Paksoy, O., Saramo, C., Martikainen, M., & Lehner, O. (2023). A framework for using robotic process automation for audit tasks. Accounting Systems Journal, 39(4), 115-130. https://doi.org/10.2345/asj.2023.022

[30] Seethamraju, R., & Hecimovic, A. (2020). Current state and challenges in the implementation of smart robotic process automation in accounting and auditing. ACRN Journal of Finance and Risk Perspectives, 9(1), 90-102. https://doi.org/10.35944/jofrp.2020.9.1.007

Downloads

Published

03-03-2025

Issue

Section

Articles