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Artificial Intelligence and Accounting Research: A Framework and Agenda

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  • Theophanis C. Stratopoulos
  • Victor Xiaoqi Wang

Abstract

Recent advances in artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI (GenAI) and large language models (LLMs), are fundamentally transforming accounting research, creating both opportunities and competitive threats for scholars. This paper proposes a framework that classifies AI-accounting research along two dimensions: research focus (accounting-centric versus AI-centric) and methodological approach (AI-based versus traditional methods). We apply this framework to papers from the IJAIS special issue and recent AI-accounting research published in leading accounting journals to map existing studies and identify research opportunities. Using this same framework, we analyze how accounting researchers can leverage their expertise through strategic positioning and collaboration, revealing where accounting scholars' strengths create the most value. We further examine how GenAI and LLMs transform the research process itself, comparing the capabilities of human researchers and AI agents across the entire research workflow. This analysis reveals that while GenAI democratizes certain research capabilities, it simultaneously intensifies competition by raising expectations for higher-order contributions where human judgment, creativity, and theoretical depth remain valuable. These shifts call for reforming doctoral education to cultivate comparative advantages while building AI fluency.

Suggested Citation

  • Theophanis C. Stratopoulos & Victor Xiaoqi Wang, 2025. "Artificial Intelligence and Accounting Research: A Framework and Agenda," Papers 2511.16055, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2511.16055
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alles, Michael G. & Kogan, Alexander & Vasarhelyi, Miklos A., 2008. "Exploiting comparative advantage: A paradigm for value added research in accounting information systems," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 9(4), pages 202-215.
    2. Keloharju, Matti & Keluharju, Roope, 2025. "Accounting Research in the Age of AI," Working Paper Series 1528, Research Institute of Industrial Economics, revised 29 Jul 2025.
    3. Cassandra Estep & Emily E. Griffith & Nikki L. MacKenzie, 2024. "How do financial executives respond to the use of artificial intelligence in financial reporting and auditing?," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 29(3), pages 2798-2831, September.
    4. Marc Eulerich & Aida Sanatizadeh & Hamid Vakilzadeh & David A. Wood, 2024. "Is it all hype? ChatGPT’s performance and disruptive potential in the accounting and auditing industries," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 29(3), pages 2318-2349, September.
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