Automation in Forensic Accounting
Abstract:
This article reviews the evolution of forensic accounting in the digital age, highlighting the central role of informa tion technology (IT) and artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping traditional practices. Forensic accounting uses IT to improve attention to detail, validate its work, and enhance analytical investigations. We trace the evolution of the discipline, highlighting the adoption of advanced data analytics, blockchain, and machine learning, alongside tools such as digital forensics and cybersecurity, which are expanding the scope and efficiency of financial inves tigations. Automation is emerging as a driving force, with data mining techniques and AI not only uncovering hid den patterns but also enabling rapid responses to suspicious incidents. As the landscape evolves, challenges and ethical considerations are examined, particularly in automated communications analysis and Internet of Things (IoT) forensics. Finally, this article explores the transformative impact of blockchain on accounting professionals, highlighting the need for continuous skills development to navigate the dynamic fusion of technology and forensic accounting, ensuring practitioners remain adept in the face of ongoing technological advances.
