Artificial Intelligence's Impact on the Quality of External Auditor Reports in Saudi Domestic and International Audit Companies

Abstract

This study investigates how external auditors perceive using artificial intelligence (AI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It examines how external auditors perceive the impact of artificial intelligence on audit quality. It also seeks to determine whether local and foreign external auditors have different perspectives on AI's application and how it affects audit quality. Data were gathered using a questionnaire distributed to 44 regional and 20 international companies to accomplish research goals. The auditing manager, audit partners, senior auditors, and other staff members with possible accounting and auditing experience were among the participants. SPSS was used to analyze the data; in our analysis, we used descriptive analysis, validity and reliability testing, and data analysis to test our hypotheses. This investigation reveals that the perceived impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on audit quality does not vary significantly between domestic and foreign audit firms. Regarding audit quality, the perceived contributions of all audit firms—local and foreign—are equal. It also adds to the importance of using AI and how it will enhance the quality of firms and reduce any act of fraud. Lastly, it recommends that firms contribute to training employees on using AI to face and compete with the changes and challenges happening around the world.