The role of the accountancy professionals in detecting and preventing fraud, in a digital landscape: a systematic literature review

The study aims to examine the role of the accounting profession in identifying, mitigating, and detecting fraud within the area of digital technology. At the same time, it investigates the precise influence of emerging technologies on fraud detection and the potential applications of these technologies by professionals in the prevention and identification of fraud. The objective of the study is to identify the patterns, innovations, and possible future developments in this area of research. Integrating policy analysis with scholarly research highlights the importance of academic involvement in influencing digital financial systems. Academia has an essential role in promoting research-driven propositions to upscale digital financial literacy and regulatory structures. Through this study we employ a qualitative methodology; more precisely, a systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out to evaluate research trends, methodology, and gaps based on a sample of 61 peer-reviewed papers from Web of Science. The study also relies on secondary data sources, such as those published by financial institutions or the government. The findings point to an increasing focus on blockchain transaction transparency, AI-driven analytics, and real-time fraud detection with big data. However, inconsistent regulations, cyber threats, and the need for more expertise in digital fraud still pose significant issues, regardless of the progress made. This study highlights the necessity for coordinated efforts between policymakers, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders to promote the ethical and effective integration of emerging technologies in fraud prevention. Strengthening digital infrastructure, advancing financial education, and harmonising regulatory approaches at both national and EU levels are essential to building trust, transparency, and resilience within digital financial ecosystems. The results highlight the crucial importance of the accounting profession in responding to the requirements of digital transformation. Although emerging technologies appear as promising instruments for improving fraud detection and prevention, their effective application is inconsistent across industries and geographies. It is imperative to address the technological, educational, and regulatory deficiencies to enhance the profession’s ability to combat digital fraud concerns. Furthermore, promoting multidisciplinary collaboration and improving digital competencies within the profession will be essential for realising the full potential of these technologies.