ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND AUDIT EFFECTIVENESS IN NIGERIA

The study identified two (2) imperative issues; first, the application of artificial intelligence; and second how the application of artificial intelligence has resulted to audit effectiveness.  To address these issues, we examined the extent to which artificial intelligence influence audit effectiveness of companies in Nigeria.  Quantitative method (cross-sectional survey design) was used and a cross-section of two hundred and four (204) professional auditors in Nigeria was used. Data obtained from the survey were analyzed by means of regression statistical tool. Findings indicated that application of artificial intelligence is faced with numerous challenges such as poor knowledge of artificial intelligence, lack of training on the use of artificial intelligence in audit practices, and unwillingness by audit professionals to embrace this innovation; thus, decreasing the level of audit effectiveness. On the other hand, it was found that artificial intelligence significantly affect audit effectiveness of companies in Nigeria. Impliedly, artificial intelligence technologies/tools, infrastructures and literacy levels of application/use of artificial intelligence by professional auditors may account for increased audit effectiveness of companies in Nigeria.

JEL Classification: M41; M42