Journal of Information System and Technology Auditing

Journal of Information System and Technology Auditing

Transformation of Auditing through Robotic Process Automation

Document Type : Review

Authors
1 Department of Accounting, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Accounting, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Recent advancements in digital technology have ushered in the emergence of Robotic Process Automation within the field of auditing. This technology enhances the efficiency and accuracy of auditing operations by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, thereby shifting the role of auditors from routine activities to more analytical and strategic functions. The aim of this study is to investigate the impacts of Robotic Process Automation on auditing. By examining scholarly resources from 2013 to 2025, including research articles and technological documentation, the findings of the research clearly indicate that RPA leads to significant improvements in operational efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in auditing processes through the automation of repetitive tasks. Furthermore, the results substantiate the notion that RPA acts as a key driver in shaping the future of auditing by enhancing productivity, reducing errors, and increasing compliance with regulations. This technology enables auditors to focus on strategic analyses rather than mundane tasks. However, challenges such as the complexity of integration with existing systems, workforce resistance, and security concerns have impacted its widespread adoption. It is anticipated that the integration of RPA with artificial intelligence and machine learning will enhance capabilities such as financial forecasting and intelligent decision-making.
Keywords

Alassuli, A. (2025). Impact of artificial intelligence using the robotic process automation system on the efficiency of internal audit operations at Jordanian commercial banks. Banks and Bank Systems, 20(1), 122–135. https://doi.org/10.21511/bbs.20(1).2025.11
Ayinla, B. S., Atadoga, A., Ike, C. U., Ndubuisi, N. L., Asuzu, O. F., & Adeleye, R. A. (2024). The role of robotic process automation (RPA) in modern accounting: A review - Investigating how automation tools are transforming traditional accounting practices. Engineering Science & Technology Journal, 5(2), 427–447. https://doi.org/10.51594/estj/v512.804 
Boydaş Hazar, H., & Toplu, C. (2023). The use of robotic process automation in accounting. Prizren Social Science Journal, 7(3), 45-50. DOI: 10.32936/pssj.v7i3.481.
Edghiem, F., Hariri, N., & Alkhalifah, E. S. (2022). The application of robotic process automation (RPA) in accounting. The perspective of the Lebanese economic crisis. In M. Ali (Ed.), Future Role of Sustainable Innovative Technologies in Crisis Management (pp. 113-124). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-9815-3.ch009.
Eulerich, M., Pawlowski, J., Waddoups, N. J., & Wood, D. A. (2022). A framework for using robotic process automation for audit tasks. Contemporary Accounting Research, 39(1), 691-720. DOI: 10.1111/1911-3846.12723.
Hiremath, B. V., & Tailor, R. (2023). Opportunities and threats in robotic accounting. Journal of Management Research and Analysis, 10(4), 112-115. DOI: 10.18231/j.jmra.2023.019
Huang, F., & Vasarhelyi, M. A. (2019). Applying robotic process automation (RPA) in auditing: A framework. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 35, 100433. DOI: 10.1016/j.accinf.2019.100433
Kadhim, A. A., & Ali, W. A. M. (2024). Utilizing Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence in Auditing to Mitigate Audit Risks. Technium Soc. Sci. J.66, 1.
Kokina, J., & Blanchette, S. (2019). Early evidence of digital labor in accounting: Innovation with Robotic Process Automation. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 35, 100431. DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3409268
Lopes, A. P. D. C., Oliveira, D. F. de, Marques, C. G. C., & Dos Santos, A. C. B. N. (2023). Technological acceptance of robotic process automation software by accounting professionals," 2023 18th Iberian Conference on Information Systems and Technologies (CISTI), Aveiro, Portugal, 2023, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.23919/CISTI58278.2023.10211254.
Ma, J., & Jia, H. (2022). Application of financial robots based on RPA technology in small and medium-sized enterprises," 2022 International Conference on Knowledge Engineering and Communication Systems (ICKES), Chickballapur, India, 2022, pp. 1-7, doi: 10.1109/ICKECS56523.2022.10060387.
Moraes, C. H. V. D., Scolimoski, J., Lambert-Torres, G., Santini, M., Dias, A. L. A., Guerra, F. A., ... & Ramos, M. P. (2022). Robotic process automation and machine learning: a systematic review. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 65. DOI: 10.1590/1678-4324-2022220096
Patil, N. S., Kamanavalli, S., Hiregoudar, S., Jadhav, S., Kanakraddi, S., & Hiremath, N. D. (2021). Vehicle insurance fraud detection system using robotic process automation and machine learning," 2021 International Conference on Intelligent Technologies (CONIT), Hubli, India, 2021, pp. 1-5, doi: 10.1109/CONIT51480.2021.9498507.
Sandy, D. A., Ritchi, H., Adrianto, Z., & Alfian, A. (2022). Robotic process automation in action: a use case in accounting task. Journal of Digital Innovation Studies, 1(1), 51-67. DOI: 10.24198/digits.v1i1.38534.
Sharma, S., Kataria, A., & Sandhu, J. K. (2022). Applications, Tools and Technologies of Robotic Process Automation in Various Industries," 2022 International Conference on Decision Aid Sciences and Applications (DASA), Chiangrai, Thailand, 2022, pp. 1067-1072, doi: 10.1109/DASA54658.2022.9765027.
Tiron-Tudor, A., Lacurezeanu, R., Bresfelean, V., & Donțu, A. (2023). Perspectives on how robotic process automation is transforming accounting and auditing services. Accounting Perspectives. DOI: 10.1111/1911-3838.12351
Zhang, C., Issa, H., Rozario, A., & Soegaard, J. S. (2023). Robotic process automation (RPA) implementation case studies in accounting: A beginning to end perspective. Accounting Horizons, 37(1), 193-217. DOI: 10.2308/horizons-2021-084.
Volume 1, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
April 2025
Pages 201-225

  • Receive Date 04 June 2025
  • Revise Date 05 August 2025
  • Accept Date 02 September 2025
  • Publish Date 22 June 2025