Robotic process automation and its impact on accounting

Abstract

The paper seeks to explain the concept of robotic process automation (RPA), the ways it impacts accounting, and suggest future research directions. A literature review of previous studies and state-of-the-art sources has been conducted to reveal research gaps. The results provide insights into the nature of the accounting transformation. The potential for automating accounting processes with RPA is high, and robots are predicted to replace accountants for a considerable part of their tasks. That could lead to the disappearance of entry-level accounting positions and, simultaneously, the creation of new accountant roles. Future accountants’ responsibilities will go beyond bookkeeping and financial reporting towards business advisory and leading the RPA transformation. The change entails the need to improve their soft skills, and technology and data skills. It calls for more studies on an effective method to integrate these skills into the accounting education model. Further research is required to examine the potential negative effects of employing robots. These relate to the unnecessary human-robot competition, unintended organisational structure changes, deskilling, and building expertise and knowledge management. Finally, to obtain a more comprehensive view of the impacts of RPA performance, more in-depth research is needed to account for all the financial and non-financial effects of RPA implementation.