A Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Artificial Intelligence Driven Accounting Practices and their Impact on Sustainability in Saudi Companies

Recent years have seen increased interest in incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accounting practices mainly because of its ability to add value by improving efficiency, accuracy and sustainability. The present research aims at investigating the role of AI accounting to support sustainability in Saudi companies, in terms of environmental, economic, and social sustainability. As Saudi Arabia quickly transitions to digitalization under the Vision 2030 initiative, the use of AI in accounting is critical to achieving corporate sustainability. This research focuses on a comparison between conventional accounting methods and using artificial intelligence to assess the effects of these methods on sustainability in different industries. This research used both quantitative data collected from sustainability indexes and qualitative information focusing on the organizational issues and prospects of AI implementation. The study reveals that AI in accounting enhances organizational performance and enhances decision-making while solving sustainability issues. But the study also made mention of factors like resistance to change, inadequate human resources particularly highly skilled personnel, and culture in the Saudi corporate world. The current study adds to the literature by presenting a conceptual framework that can be used to assess the contribution of AI to sustainability in Saudi Arabia, given its economic and cultural environment. The findings of this study provide policy implications for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and scholars who are interested in applying AI for sustainable development in the Kingdom.