The Future of Auditing: An Analysis of AI Implementation in the Big Four Accounting Firms

Author

Alexander Michael Heye, University of New Hampshire, DurhamFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2021

Project Type

Senior Honors Thesis

College or School

PAUL

Department

Accounting

Program or Major

BusAdmn: Acounting

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

First Advisor

Linda Ragland

Abstract

The implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has become somewhat of a hot topic within the modern business world. Many companies have chosen to embrace the potential that these systems have on the ways we can conduct business, while others are hesitant to “dip their toes” in the figurative waters of AI research and utilization. Auditing is no different from other industries in that firms are excited to see what potential these new innovations have in store for promoting a faster, more efficient, and more accurate audit. This review peers into how some Big 4 firms have made the first steps toward AI inclusion and what they must do to prepare for a future that features machine automation alongside human reasoning.

Recommended Citation

Heye, Alexander Michael, "The Future of Auditing: An Analysis of AI Implementation in the Big Four Accounting Firms" (2021). Honors Theses and Capstones. 563.
https://scholars.unh.edu/honors/563