Deep Learning and the Future of Auditing - The CPA Journal

This article introduces deep learning technology--an emerging form of artificial intelligence that can be trained to recognize patterns in vast volumes of data that would be impossible for humans to process. This still evolving technology represents a way to utilize big data to create supplementary audit evidence that improves the effectiveness and efficiency of audit automation and decision making. The authors also discuss the application of these techniques to audit procedures. In the current business environment, the development of data-intensive technologies (e.g., ERP systems, sensors, cloud storage, remote communication tools) facilitates the production and maintenance of large amounts of data, which necessitates a new data environment and serves as a motivator for audit automation. Leading accounting firms have leveraged deep learning, a cutting-edge use of artificial intelligence, to conduct audit tasks.