THE IMPACT OF USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGIES ON IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF AUDIT EVIDENCE-A SURVEY STUDY OF A SAMPLE OF AUDIT COMPANIES IN IRAQ

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the impact of the use of artificial intelligence technologies in improving the quality of audit evidence in audit companies operating in Iraq, in light of the accelerated technological developments witnessed by the field of accounting and auditing. Artificial intelligence applications and advanced data analysis have become important tools that can contribute to supporting audit procedures and enhancing the efficiency of auditors in collecting and evaluating audit evidence. The problem of the study is the extent to which these techniques can improve the quality of audit evidence by enhancing its adequacy, relevance and reliability and reducing the risk of not detecting material errors in the financial statements. The study sought to test the relationship between the use of artificial intelligence technologies and the quality of audit evidence in the Iraqi professional environment. To achieve this, the study adopted the descriptive-analytical approach for its suitability to the nature of research aimed at analyzing the relationships between variables and testing hypotheses. The questionnaire was also used as a key tool to collect data from a sample of auditors working in audit companies in Iraq, who hold various professional positions such as auditor, senior auditor, audit supervisor and audit manager, with the requirement of having appropriate professional experience in the field of audit. The results of the statistical analysis showed that there is a statistically significant significant impact of the use of artificial intelligence technologies in improving the quality of audit evidence, as these technologies contributed to enhancing the adequacy and relevance of audit evidence and increasing its reliability, as well as their role in reducing the risk of not detecting material errors during the audit process. The results also showed a positive trend among the respondents towards the importance of employing modern technologies in supporting audit procedures and improving the efficiency of professional performance. The study concludes that the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in audit firms can contribute to the development of the quality of professional practice and raise the level of confidence in financial reports. Accordingly, the study recommends the need to promote the use of smart technologies and data analysis in audits, provide specialized training programs for auditors, as well as encourage more future studies that address more advanced applications of artificial intelligence in the audit field.