An artificial intelligence model to enhance the chartered accountancy profession

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s society has changed the way in which people live and work; however, organisations are yet to fully realise the benefits of incorporating AI in the chartered accountancy (CA) profession. This research investigates the impact that AI will have on the CA profession, specifically within the discipline of applied information systems. The importance of this study lies in ensuring that CAs are kept abreast of the changes and opportunities presented in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. A quantitative approach was adopted. Questionnaires were distributed in electronic format to CAs in one of the big four auditing firms in South Africa. Data was analysed and processed to facilitate comparisons and identify relationships that existed within the data. The questionnaire identified that there was indeed a need to upskill CAs in (i) AI, (ii) big data analysis, (iii) cyber security, (iv) robotic process automation and (v) Python for Accounting and Finance Professionals. This study further recommended areas for future research by including other audit firms, conduct more analyses among the respective audit firms and to increase the number of unit analyses such as the SAICA and other institutions that provide chartered accountancy accreditation.M.Com. (Applied Information Systems