Framework for Integrating Generative AI in Developing Competencies for Accounting and Audit Professionals

Abstract

The study aims to identify the knowledge, skills and competencies required by accounting and auditing (AA) professionals in the context of integrating disruptive Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technologies and to develop a framework for integrating GenAI capabilities into organisational systems, harnessing its potential to revolutionise lifelong learning and skills development and to assist day-to-day operations and decision-making. Through a systematic literature review, 103 papers were analysed, to outline, in the current business ecosystem, the competencies’ demand generated by AI adoption and, in particular, GenAI and its associated risks, thus contributing to the body of knowledge in underexplored research areas. Positioned at the confluence of accounting, auditing and GenAI, the paper introduces a meaningful overview of knowledge in the areas of effective data analysis, interpretation of findings, risk awareness and risk management. It emphasizes and reshapes the role of required skills for accounting and auditing professionals in discovering the true potential of GenAI and adopting it accordingly. The study introduces a new LLM-based system model that can enhance its GenAI capabilities through collaboration with similar systems and provides an explanatory scenario to illustrate its applicability in the accounting and audit area.