Do Perception and Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence Influence Willingness to Integrate it in Financial Audit Processes?

Gaining immense popularity, Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds tremendous potential for resolving real-world issues and transforming different industries. Its application, however, varies amongst different industries depending on the alignment of the activities therein with the capabilities of AI technology. This study evaluated whether auditors' perception and knowledge of AI affect their willingness to integrate it into their financial audit processes. Employing a quantitative research design, a survey questionnaire was used to gather data from selected external auditors from different audit firms in Makati City, Philippines. Results from the PLS-SEM show no significant relationship between the respondents' knowledge or perception of AI and their willingness to adopt it, exposing that the indicators contributing to an auditors' willingness extend beyond mere perceptions and knowledge levels but with other factors, such as organizational culture, leadership support, and individual traits.