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Professional Judgment and Skepticism Amidst the Interaction of Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence

Author

Listed:
  • Delia DELIU

    (West University of Timisoara, Romania)

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various industries by learning from data, mimicking human behavior, and making autonomous decisions. However, despite AI's advancements in data processing and decision-making, it cannot fully replicate human attributes such as emotional understanding and ethical judgment. This paper explores the intersection of AI and Human Intelligence (HI) within the audit profession, focusing on the implications for the auditor’s professional judgment and skepticism. The integration of AI in auditing promises enhanced efficiency, precision, and data processing capabilities beyond human limits. However, it also raises ethical concerns regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accountability. These concerns highlight the importance of maintaining human oversight and ethical standards in audit practices. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study compares the cognitive abilities, functional capabilities, and ethical implications of AI and human auditors. Key findings underscore AI's potential to complement human auditors by improving accuracy and uncovering anomalies, while recognizing the irreplaceable role of human judgment in complex decision-making processes. The study provides insights into the transformative impact of AI on the audit profession, advocating for a balanced approach that harnesses AI's capabilities while preserving the integrity and critical thinking of human auditors. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of AI's integration into auditing, informing best practices and guiding future research in maintaining the profession's standards amidst technological advancements.

Suggested Citation

  • Delia DELIU, 2024. "Professional Judgment and Skepticism Amidst the Interaction of Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence," The Audit Financiar journal, Chamber of Financial Auditors of Romania, vol. 22(176), pages 724-741, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:aud:audfin:v:22:y:2024:i:176:p:724
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Carmen Olsen & Anna Gold, 2018. "Future research directions at the intersection between cognitive neuroscience research and auditors’ professional skepticism," Journal of Accounting Literature, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 41(1), pages 127-141, March.
    2. Victoria Bogdan & Delia Deliu & Tomina Săveanu & Olimpia Iuliana Ban & Dorina Nicoleta Popa, 2020. "Roll the Dice—Let’s See If Differences Really Matter! Accounting Judgments and Sustainable Decisions in the Light of a Gender and Age Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-31, September.
    3. Ivy Munoko & Helen L. Brown-Liburd & Miklos Vasarhelyi, 2020. "The Ethical Implications of Using Artificial Intelligence in Auditing," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 167(2), pages 209-234, November.
    4. Anastassia Fedyk & James Hodson & Natalya Khimich & Tatiana Fedyk, 2022. "Is artificial intelligence improving the audit process?," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 27(3), pages 938-985, September.
    5. Gultom, Juan Barus & Murwaningsari, Etty & Umar, Haryono & Mayangsari, Sekar, 2021. "Reciprocal Use of Artificial Intelligence in Audit Assignments," Journal of Accounting, Business and Finance Research, Scientific Publishing Institute, vol. 11(1), pages 9-20.
    6. Gultom, Juan Barus & Murwaningsari, Etty & Umar, Haryono & Mayangsari, Sekar, 2021. "Reciprocal Use of Artificial Intelligence in Audit Assignments," Journal of Accounting, Business and Finance Research, Scientific Publishing Institute, vol. 11(1), pages 9-20.
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    JEL classification:

    • M42 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Auditing
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • L84 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Personal, Professional, and Business Services

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