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Early evidence of digital labor in accounting: Innovation with Robotic Process Automation

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  • Kokina, Julia
  • Blanchette, Shay

Abstract

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is an emerging technology that enables the automation of rules-based business processes and tasks through the use of software bots. Drawing upon the theory of Task-Technology Fit (TTF) and Technology-to-Performance Chain (TPC) (Goodhue and Thompson 1995) and research on expert systems (Messier and Hansen 1987; Sutton 1990), this study explores emerging themes surrounding bot implementation for accounting and finance tasks. We collect and analyze interview data from adopters of RPA and document task suitability, task-technology fit, implementation issues, and resulting performance outcomes. We find that securing technical capability is only a part of RPA implementation process. Organizations engage in standardization and optimization of processes, develop scorecard-like tools to rank tasks, adjust governance structures to include digital employees, and redefine internal controls. Organizations benefit from automating only certain processes, those that are structured, repeated, rules-based, and with digital inputs. Along with cost savings, organizations experience improved process documentation, lower error rates, more accurate measurement of process performance, and better report quality.

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  • Kokina, Julia & Blanchette, Shay, 2019. "Early evidence of digital labor in accounting: Innovation with Robotic Process Automation," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 35(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ijoais:v:35:y:2019:i:c:s1467089519301101
    DOI: 10.1016/j.accinf.2019.100431
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Laila Dahabiyeh & Omar Mowafi, 2023. "Challenges of using RPA in auditing: A socio‐technical systems approach," Intelligent Systems in Accounting, Finance and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(2), pages 76-86, April.
    2. Costa Diogo António da Silva & Mamede Henrique São & Mira da Silva Miguel, 2022. "Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Adoption: A Systematic Literature Review," Engineering Management in Production and Services, Sciendo, vol. 14(2), pages 1-12, June.
    3. Uklańska Anna, 2023. "Robotic Process Automation (RPA) – Bibliometric Analysis and Literature Review," Foundations of Management, Sciendo, vol. 15(1), pages 129-140, January.
    4. Vijaya Krishna Kanaparthi, 2023. "Examining the Plausible Applications of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Accounts Payable Improvement," FinTech, MDPI, vol. 2(3), pages 1-14, July.
    5. Krijn Poppe & Hans Vrolijk & Nicole de Graaf & Roeland van Dijk & Emma Dillon & Trevor Donnellan, 2022. "Sustainability Monitoring with Robotic Accounting—Integration of Financial and Environmental Farm Data," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-16, May.
    6. Bavaresco, Rodrigo Simon & Nesi, Luan Carlos & Victória Barbosa, Jorge Luis & Antunes, Rodolfo Stoffel & da Rosa Righi, Rodrigo & da Costa, Cristiano André & Vanzin, Mariangela & Dornelles, Daniel & J, 2023. "Machine learning-based automation of accounting services: An exploratory case study," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).
    7. Marina Johnson & Rashmi Jain & Peggy Brennan-Tonetta & Ethne Swartz & Deborah Silver & Jessica Paolini & Stanislav Mamonov & Chelsey Hill, 2021. "Impact of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence on Industry: Developing a Workforce Roadmap for a Data Driven Economy," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 22(3), pages 197-217, September.
    8. Emilio Abad-Segura & Mariana-Daniela González-Zamar, 2020. "Research Analysis on Emerging Technologies in Corporate Accounting," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-29, September.
    9. Isip Adrian, 2023. "What Digital Technologies are Used Today by Accounting Firms to Deliver Services," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 17(1), pages 1967-1979, July.
    10. Roman Šperka & Michal Halaška, 2023. "The performance assessment framework (PPAFR) for RPA implementation in a loan application process using process mining," Information Systems and e-Business Management, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 277-321, June.
    11. Yufang Shi & Tianlun Zhang & Yufeng Jiang, 2023. "Digital Economy, Technological Innovation and Urban Resilience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-19, June.
    12. Zirar, Araz & Ali, Syed Imran & Islam, Nazrul, 2023. "Worker and workplace Artificial Intelligence (AI) coexistence: Emerging themes and research agenda," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    13. Jochen Fähndrich, 2023. "A literature review on the impact of digitalisation on management control," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 34(1), pages 9-65, March.
    14. Krakau, Jan & Feldmann, Carsten & Kaupe, Victor, 2021. "Robotic process automation in logistics: Implementation model and factors of success," Chapters from the Proceedings of the Hamburg International Conference of Logistics (HICL), in: Jahn, Carlos & Kersten, Wolfgang & Ringle, Christian M. (ed.), Adapting to the Future: Maritime and City Logistics in the Context of Digitalization and Sustainability. Proceedings of the Hamburg International Conf, volume 32, pages 219-256, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), Institute of Business Logistics and General Management.
    15. Syaiful Anwar Mohamed & Moamin A. Mahmoud & Mohammed Najah Mahdi & Salama A. Mostafa, 2022. "Improving Efficiency and Effectiveness of Robotic Process Automation in Human Resource Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-18, March.
    16. Ghobakhloo, Morteza & Asadi, Shahla & Iranmanesh, Mohammad & Foroughi, Behzad & Mubarak, Muhammad Faraz & Yadegaridehkordi, Elaheh, 2023. "Intelligent automation implementation and corporate sustainability performance: The enabling role of corporate social responsibility strategy," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    17. Karmańska Anna, 2023. "Coding Skills in the Automation of Accounting Processes," Folia Oeconomica Stetinensia, Sciendo, vol. 23(1), pages 107-123, June.

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