Auditing in the Digital Era: Fuzzy Delphi and Mabak Methods in Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD in Accounting, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Qom, Qom, Iran

Abstract

The digitization of the economy presents challenges and opportunities for the auditing profession and requires auditors to adapt. This study examines changes in auditing profession expected by Iranian experts until the next 15 years. It addresses the perception of auditing, the auditor–client relationship, regulations, structural and procedural changes, and the profile of the auditing profession. 27 projections in the form of five sections were extracted through the background study. Using the purposive sampling method, 26 audit experts were selected as a statistical sample in 2023. In order to screen the auditing changes fuzzy delphi method were used. Then the changes screened were ranked through the priority assessment questionnaire and the Mabak technique. Experts believe the annual auditing will evolve toward a continuous and full approach. However, audit risks will not disappear. Similar to other areas, a regulatory gap between the new digital business reality and auditing standards will exist. automation will relieve auditors from routine tasks in favor of more complex tasks and massive job losses will occur. Audit addressees will trust automated auditing procedures more than manual ones. They expect a forward-looking approach from auditing. Auditing report will become less informative for audit addressees in cases like intangible assets and risk management report. Experts believe that while the current models of audit fees will not be appropriate in the future, the tension between the client and the auditor will not increase. Experts believe that new technologies will not replace the auditor but rather will provide support.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Financial Accounting Research
Volume 15, Issue 3 - Serial Number 57
November 2023
Pages 75-102

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 02 January 2024
  • Revise Date: 30 January 2024
  • Accept Date: 10 March 2024

Share

How to cite

Statistics