Big Data analytics and financial reporting quality: qualitative evidence from Canada

Purpose - Big Data analytics (BDA) and its implications for the accounting profession continue to be a key issue that requires more research and evaluation. As a result, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of BDA on financial reporting quality, as well as to assess the accounting challenges associated with Big Data. It provides qualitative evidence from Canada. Design/methodology/approach - This study used a qualitative approach to ascertain the thoughts and perceptions of auditors, financial analysts and accountants at Canadian audit and accounting firms in BDA and its impact on financial reporting quality, using semi-structured interviews. To obtain their consent to participate in the interview, 127 auditors, financial analysts and accountants from Canadian audit and accounting firms were initially approached. The final number of respondents was 41, representing a response rate of 32%. Findings - The authors’ findings underscored the relevance of Big Data and BDA in affecting financial report quality and revealed that BDA had a significant effect on improving financial reporting quality. Big Data improves accounting reporting and expert judgment by providing professional. In summary, participants agreed that when analytical methods in Big Data are implemented effectively, businesses may possibly achieve a variety of benefits, including customized goods, simplified processes, improved risk assessment process and, finally, increased risk management. Practical implications - The authors’ findings indicate that BDA may help predict investment returns and risks, estimate future investment opportunities, forecast revenues, detect fraud and susceptibility early and identify economic growth opportunities. As a result, auditors, financial analysts, accountants, investors and other strategic decision-makers should be aware of these findings to make informed choices. Originality/value - Big Data has become the norm in recent years; accountants and other decision-makers have struggled to analyze massive amounts of data. This limits their capacity to profit from such data even more. Therefore, this study is motivated by the lack of research on Big Data’s influence on financial report quality.