Artificial Intelligence: Reshaping the Accounting Profession and the Disruption to Accounting Education

Abstract

This study provides insights from accounting professionals on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and the associated risks on the accounting profession.  Survey data suggests that participants have an overall positive perception of AI and believe it will enhance their job performance by reducing repetitive tasks and the risk of human error.  In addition, participants believe that the growth of AI technology will change the focus of accounting curriculums to include specialized computer skills.  Significantly stronger agreement is expressed by public accountants in Big 4 firms compared to non-Big 4 firms, industry, and accounting educators.  More specifically, skills in data management, data cleansing, and correcting inaccurate or incomplete data are valued more by industry and public accountants than by accounting educators.  It is imperative that accounting programs rise to the challenge of equipping students to be life-long learners in accounting to grow with the changes in the profession.