An exploratory study of the perceptions of auditors on the impact on Blockchain technology in the United Arab Emirates

Abdollah Mohammad Parmoodeh, Esinath Ndiweni, Yasser Barghathi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)
3 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the prospects of blockchain technology (BCT) on audit practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with practitioners from the Big Four and non-Big Four firms; their responses were analysed thematically. The findings are significant regarding the three main themes identified: namely, audit practice, procedures and the challenges associated with the adoption of BCT. The adoption of BCT has the potential to impact audit procedures to a certain extent. The interviewees believed that BCT would transfer Audit 3.0 to Audit 4.0. For instance, external confirmations could be enhanced by the move towards a more automated verification process. In addition, the audit budget time could be decreased with the help of this technology in the long run. The need for physical observation could be diminished because of this technology, as it could track observations on a real-time basis. This technology could also facilitate analytical procedures, as it has the potential to incorporate other analytical tools simultaneously. Furthermore, it could reduce the costs associated with fraud detection to a great extent, as it provides a tamper-proof, immutable audit trail.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)24-44
Number of pages21
JournalInternational Journal of Auditing
Volume27
Issue number1
Early online date27 Nov 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2023

Keywords

  • audit practice
  • audit procedures
  • blockchain
  • disruption theory
  • UAE

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Accounting
  • Economics, Econometrics and Finance(all)

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