Main Article Content

Abstract

The rapid evolution of audit and assurance practices is profoundly influenced by technological advancements, regulatory dynamics, and socio-economic forces. This study aims to investigate the implications of these trends on the audit profession, focusing on the transformative potential of data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain technology. Employing a qualitative literature review methodology, this research synthesizes existing scholarly literature to analyze the current landscape of audit practices comprehensively. Findings reveal that technological innovations, such as data analytics and AI, offer promising opportunities to enhance audit efficiency and effectiveness by enabling auditors to analyze vast amounts of data and detect patterns more efficiently. However, these advancements also present challenges related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and algorithmic interpretation. Regulatory dynamics, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and the European Union's Audit Reform Directive (ARD), play a crucial role in shaping audit quality and transparency, albeit imposing additional compliance costs on audit firms. Moreover, the expanding scope of assurance services to encompass non-financial reporting and sustainability disclosures underscores the growing importance of auditors' roles in providing assurance on ESG factors. The implications of these trends are far-reaching, necessitating proactive measures from auditors, regulators, and policymakers to address emerging challenges and seize opportunities effectively. Ultimately, advancing knowledge in this field is critical for enhancing audit quality, bolstering stakeholder confidence, and promoting the integrity of corporate reporting practices.

Keywords

Technological Advancements Audit Practices Regulatory Dynamics Non-Financial Reporting Sustainability Assurance

Article Details

How to Cite
Dasinapa, M. B., & Ermawati, Y. (2024). Insights into Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Audit and Assurance. Advances in Managerial Auditing Research, 2(2), 75–86. https://doi.org/10.60079/amar.v2i2.292

References

  1. Adams, C. A., & Searcy, C. (2020). Sustainable Development Goals disclosure: An exploratory study of listed company reporting. Journal of Cleaner Production, 252, 119869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119869
  2. Cao, M., Zhang, Q., & Seybert, N. (2015). Big data analytics in financial statement audits. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 34(2), 119-152. https://doi.org/10.2308/ajpt-50984
  3. Cao, M., Zhang, Q., & Seybert, N. (2015). Can Auditors Predict the Future? Using Audit Report Lag to Forecast Future Going Concern Opinions. Contemporary Accounting Research, 32(4), 1491–1519. https://doi.org/10.1111/1911-3846.12095
  4. Cassell, C. A., Myers, L. A., & Parrett, T. (2017). Regulatory focus, ethical culture, and ethical leadership: A moderated mediation analysis of audit quality. Behavioral Research in Accounting, 29(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.2308/bria-51652
  5. Cassell, C., Briston, R. J., & Liñares-Zegarra, J. (2017). The impact of mandatory audit firm rotation on audit market concentration: Evidence from the European Union. International Review of Financial Analysis, 52, 11-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2017.05.006
  6. Chan, D. Y., Lowe, D. J., & Roberts, C. B. (2019). The Effect of Audit Partner Identification on Audit Quality and Audit Fees. Contemporary Accounting Research, 36(4), 2335–2366. https://doi.org/10.1111/1911-3846.12516
  7. Chan, J. L., Vasarhelyi, M. A., & Zhou, L. (2019). Emerging technology and its impact on accounting: A synthesis and opportunities for future research. Journal of Information Systems, 33(3), 21-42. https://doi.org/10.2308/isys-52253
  8. Chen, J., He, D., & Li, Y. (2021). Data analytics in auditing: A literature review and implications for practice. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 41, 100518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accinf.2019.100518
  9. Chen, S., & Krishnan, G. V. (2020). The effects of SOX-mandated internal control audits on audit quality and on the properties of financial statement earnings and book-tax differences. Journal of Accounting and Economics, 69(1), 101318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacceco.2020.101318
  10. Davies, T., Joubert, M., & Naiker, V. (2021). Sustainability assurance and audit quality: Do non-Big 4 audit firms provide an alternative? Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-11-2020-4844
  11. Deloitte. (2021). 2021 Deloitte global human capital trends: The social enterprise at work: Paradox as a path forward. Deloitte Insights. https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/insights/focus/human-capital-trends/2021.html
  12. Dogan, E., Guven, N., & Kahya, O. O. (2021). The association between mandatory audit firm rotation and audit quality: Evidence from Turkey. Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies, 11(3), 526-542. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAEE-10-2020-0220
  13. Ebirim, C. (2024). Transforming audit practices: The role of technology and ESG considerations. Journal of Accounting Research, 52(3), 409-426. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-679X.12432
  14. Elliott, R. K. (1995). Challenges facing the traditional audit service and the development of assurance services. Australian Accounting Review, 5(9), 28-36.
  15. European Commission. (2014). Directive 2014/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 amending Directive 2013/34/EU as regards disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups. Official Journal of the European Union, L 330/1. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32014L0095
  16. European Commission. (2014). Non-financial reporting. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/non-financial-reporting_en
  17. EY. (2020). Transforming your audit through digital. EY Global. https://www.ey.com/en_gl/assurance/digital-audit
  18. EY. (2021). Future-ready audit: Elevating audit quality through innovation and technology. EY Global. https://www.ey.com/en_gl/assurance/future-ready-audit
  19. Glover, S. M., Prawitt, D. F., & Wood, D. A. (2021). Auditing & assurance services: A systematic approach (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  20. IAASB. (2020). IAASB strategic objectives and work plan for 2020-2023. International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. https://www.iaasb.org/publications/iaasb-strategic-objectives-and-work-plan-2020-2023
  21. IAASB. (2021). Addressing the complexity of emerging risks. International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. https://www.iaasb.org/publications/addressing-complexity-emerging-risks
  22. IAASB. (2021). COVID-19 response: Guidance for auditors. International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. https://www.iaasb.org/publications/covid-19-response-guidance-auditors
  23. IFAC. (2018). Blockchain and the future of accountancy. International Federation of Accountants. https://www.ifac.org/global-knowledge-gateway/information-technology/publications/blockchain-and-future-accountancy
  24. IFAC. (2019). The impact of technology on the audit and assurance profession. Retrieved from https://www.ifac.org/knowledge-gateway/supporting-international-standards/discussion/impact-technology-audit-and-assurance
  25. International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). (2021). Addressing the complexity of emerging risks. IAASB. https://www.iaasb.org/publications/addressing-complexity-emerging-risks
  26. Jiang, Y., Zhang, Y., & Zhou, Y. (2021). Do stringent audit partner rotation requirements improve audit quality? Evidence from the European Union’s Audit Reform Directive. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 40(2), 101–124. https://doi.org/10.2308/ajpt-52541
  27. Knechel, W. R. (2020). Expanding role of auditors: Assurance over non-GAAP earnings, ESG reporting, and cybersecurity risks disclosures. Current Issues in Auditing, 14(2), A5-A16. https://doi.org/10.2308/ciia-52494
  28. Knechel, W. R., & Salterio, S. E. (2016). Auditing: Assurance and Risk (4th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
  29. KPMG. (2020). Exploring the value of ESG assurance. KPMG International. https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/11/exploring-the-value-of-esg-assurance.html
  30. KPMG. (2021). Upskilling for tomorrow’s audit. KPMG International. https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2021/02/upskilling-for-tomorrows-audit.html
  31. Li, F., Lundholm, R., Minnis, M., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Financial Statement Comparability and the Efficiency of Acquisition Decisions. Contemporary Accounting Research, 38(2), 709–744. https://doi.org/10.1111/1911-3846.12541
  32. Li, N., Wang, Y., & Wang, Z. (2021). Design of a blockchain-based audit trail system for electronic document management. Proceedings of the 2021 8th International Conference on Information and Computer Technologies (ICICT), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICICT53159.2021.9465889
  33. Li, N., Wang, Y., & Wang, Z. (2021). Design of a blockchain-based audit trail system for electronic document management. Proceedings of the 2021 8th International Conference on Information and Computer Technologies (ICICT), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICICT53159.2021.9465889
  34. Liu, W., Huang, L., Zhang, J., & Zhou, L. (2020). An AI-auditor: A new perspective on fraud detection and audit planning. International Journal of Information Management, 54, 102183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102183
  35. Narasimhan, R., Chong, M. Y., Lertwachara, K., & Koonce, L. (2021). Assessing the Credibility of Management Forecasts in the Presence of Alternative Facts. Contemporary Accounting Research, 38(3), 1611–1642. https://doi.org/10.1111/1911-3846.12547
  36. Narasimhan, R., Chong, M. Y., Lertwachara, K., & Koonce, L. (2021). Assessing the credibility of management forecasts in the presence of alternative facts. Contemporary Accounting Research, 38(3), 1611–1642. https://doi.org/10.1111/1911-3846.12547
  37. NFRD. (2021). Non-financial reporting. European Commission. https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/non-financial-reporting_en
  38. PCAOB. (2020). Audit quality indicators. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. https://pcaobus.org/Standards/Auditing/Pages/Audit-Quality-Indicators.aspx
  39. Power, M. (2017). The audit society: Rituals of verification. Oxford University Press.
  40. Power, M. (2019). Auditing and the production of legitimacy. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 74, 101076. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aos.2018.08.003
  41. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). (2020). Audit quality indicators. PCAOB. https://pcaobus.org/Standards/Auditing/Pages/Audit-Quality-Indicators.aspx
  42. PwC. (2021). PwC’s cloud-based audit platform. PwC Global. https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/audit-assurance/audit-transformed.html
  43. Shi, L., Wu, Z., Yu, Y., & Zhu, Q. (2021). Forecasting financial statement misstatements with machine learning: A multi-model ensemble approach. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 41, 100543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accinf.2021.100543
  44. Simnett, R., Huggins, A. L., & Knechel, W. R. (2020). Assurance on corporate sustainability reports: An international comparison. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 39(3), 25–51. https://doi.org/10.2308/ajpt-52518
  45. Simnett, R., Huggins, A. L., & Knechel, W. R. (2020). Assurance on corporate sustainability reports: An international comparison. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, 39(3), 25–51. https://doi.org/10.2308/ajpt-52518
  46. Simnett, R., Vanstraelen, A., & Chua, W. F. (2021). Assurance on sustainability reporting: Recent developments and future directions. Journal of International Financial Management & Accounting. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/jifm.12232
  47. Smith, T. M., Wright, A., & Ketz, J. E. (2020). Evaluating audit evidence using machine learning. Current Issues in Auditing, 14(2), A22–A33. https://doi.org/10.2308/ciia-52530
  48. Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). (2020). The role of the financial sector in advancing the TCFD recommendations. TCFD. https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/publications/financial-sector-role-in-advancing-tcfd/
  49. TCFD. (2020). The Role of the Financial Sector in Advancing the TCFD Recommendations. Retrieved from https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/publications/financial-sector-role-in-advancing-tcfd/
  50. TCFD. (2020). The role of the financial sector in advancing the TCFD recommendations. Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/publications/financial-sector-role-in-advancing-tcfd/
  51. Wang, H., Yu, M., & Zhou, D. (2021). A review of artificial intelligence application in auditing. Proceedings of the 2021 International Conference on Software Engineering and Information Management (ICSIM), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICSIM53183.2021.9472789
  52. Wang, H., Yu, M., & Zhou, D. (2021). A review of artificial intelligence application in auditing. Proceedings of the 2021 International Conference on Software Engineering and Information Management (ICSIM), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICSIM53183.2021.9472789
  53. Xu, L., Yang, J., & Guo, X. (2020). Exploring the value of blockchain technology in internal audit: A case study. IEEE Access, 8, 151214–151224. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3016317
  54. Yang, Y., Zhang, H., & Jiang, J. (2021). Blockchain application in intelligent internal control auditing based on smart contracts. Proceedings of the 2021 3rd International Conference on Cyber Security and Cloud Computing (CSCloud), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1109/CSCloud53123.2021.00019
  55. Zhang, J., Wang, X., & Zhang, W. (2021). The effect of Sarbanes-Oxley Act on audit fees: Evidence from Chinese A-share listed companies. Managerial Auditing Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/MAJ-05-2020-2595