TOE framework elements used on Artificial Intelligence implementation in the accounting and audit sector

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to clarify the impact of technological, organisational, and environmental contexts in which Artificial Intelligence solutions are implemented by the accounting and audit companies in Europe. The organizational and environmental contexts were not enough studied in accounting and audit field but are becoming more and more important in the future. The applied methodology was based on a structured interview, to which it has answered 62 top financial specialists from 18 European countries, in companies with more than 10 years of experience in the accounting and audit sector. To design the structured interview, it was used the Technology-Organisation-Environment framework. A serious concern for the companies’ representatives consists in the lack of specialists capable to understand and work with Artificial Intelligence solutions. One option that is generally preferred by companies is to prepare their employees for these new tasks, rather than hiring qualified persons. There are two methods that can be used when implementing Artificial Intelligence, to buy specific provided solutions from third parties, or to developed them internally. Data storage and security, the complexity of Artificial Intelligence solutions and government regulations do not represent a threat to companies willing to develop this area. The main contribution of this study consists of an extensive analysis of the most important elements of Technology-Organisational-Environmental framework and their applicability for accounting and audit companies, which implemented or are willing to implement Artificial Intelligence solutions.