The Impact of Digitalisation on Future Audits

Abstract

This study examines the future impact of digitalisation on auditing by synthesising empirical studies, relating them to surveys conducted by accounting bodies, and analysing these findings in relation to extant literature. Based on the synthesis, this study proposes a transitional framework to enable the audit profession to remain competitive. The results show that digitalisation may significantly affect the audit profession in the future. However, the impact is likely to be incremental rather than radical. To remain competitive, the audit profession needs to adopt new metrics, capabilities, skills and evolve its business models to incorporate digital technologies.  The contribution of this study is multi-faceted. The propositions and research agenda presented in this study will be beneficial to academics, practitioners, audit regulators, and the general public as they have the potential to form a foundation for addressing future research questions and for the theorisation and empirical testing of audit digitalisation.