Statutory Auditing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Statutory auditing plays a significant role in financial regulation, ensuring the reliability and transparency of information for stakeholders. With the advent of artificial intelligence, this field is undergoing a profound transformation. Artificial intelligence enables the real-time analysis of massive data volumes, the detection of complex anomalies, and the strengthening of anti-fraud measures. This technological context presents a unique opportunity to modernize audit practices. However, it also raises ethical, technical, and legal challenges. The objective of this study is to explore the actual impact of artificial intelligence on the missions of statutory auditors. To better address this topic, we aim to answer the following research question: To what extent does artificial intelligence influence the practices of statutory auditing? To answer this question, we adopt a quantitative approach (in which the study examines three hypotheses based on two main variables—statutory auditing and artificial intelligence—each measured using three items), based on an exploratory analysis of data collected from a sample of audit firms in the Casablanca-Settat region. This data was collected through a questionnaire designed to identify the impacts of artificial intelligence on the practices of statutory auditors and to assess perceived changes in the quality, reliability, and efficiency of financial audits. The results show that most responses are favorable, reaching the fourth level on the Likert scale. This confirms that most firms believe that artificial intelligence has a positive impact on audit and statutory audit practices, while also highlighting the need to reflect on the evolution of required skills, the use of more advanced tools, and the adaptation of working methods in the coming years.