AUDITOR PERCEPTION OF CLOUD TECHNOLOGY-BASED AUDITS
Abstract
The rapid development of information technology has driven significant transformations in audit practices, one of which is through the adoption of cloud computing technology. This study discusses auditors' perceptions of cloud-based audits, including their views on the benefits, challenges, and professional implications of using the cloud in the audit process. The results of the study indicate that the majority of auditors view cloud technology as a tool that can improve audit efficiency, flexibility, and accuracy, especially through real-time data access and integration with analytical tools. However, on the other hand, concerns also arise regarding data security, technological competence, and dependence on cloud service providers. Differences in the level of readiness between large and small audit firms also affect the adoption pattern of this technology. This study emphasizes the importance of increasing technological literacy among auditors, developing cloud-based audit standards, and institutional support so that digital transformation in audits can take place optimally and sustainably.
Downloads
References
Aljabri, M. A. G., & Al-Ansi, A. A. (2024). IT Audit Acceptance Among External Auditors in Saudi Arabia: Mediating Role of IT Audit Importance. In B. Awwad (Ed.), The AI Revolution: Driving Business Innovation and Research: Volume 2 (pp. 1053–1076). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-54383-8_79
Alqudah, H., Mansour, A. Z., Rawashdeh, B. S., Lutfi, A., Al Barrak, T., Almaiah, M. A., & Alrawad, M. (2024). Enhancing the internal auditors’ effectiveness in jordanian companies: The impact of cloud-based accounting usage and the moderating role of digital proficiency. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 15, 100442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2024.100442
Appelbaum, D., & Nehmer, R. A. (2020). Auditing Cloud-Based Blockchain Accounting Systems. Journal of Information Systems, 34(2), 5–21. https://doi.org/10.2308/isys-52660
Bierstaker, J. L., Burnaby, P., & Thibodeau, J. (2001). The impact of information technology on the audit process: An assessment of the state of the art and implications for the future. Managerial Auditing Journal, 16(3), 159–164. https://doi.org/10.1108/02686900110385489
Exploring Auditors’ Perceptions of the Usage and Importance of Audit Information Technology—Abou‐El‐Sood—2015—International Journal of Auditing—Wiley Online Library. (n.d.). Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ijau.12039
Factors Influencing Statutory Auditors’ Perception of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Auditing | SpringerLink. (n.d.). Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-60328-0_31
Feliciano, C., & and Quick, R. (2022). Innovative Information Technology in Auditing: Auditors’ Perceptions of Future Importance and Current Auditor Expertise. Accounting in Europe, 19(2), 311–331. https://doi.org/10.1080/17449480.2022.2046283
Hasas Yeghaneh, Y. (2015). Factors Affecting Information Technology Audit Quality. Journal of Investment and Management, 4(5), 196. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jim.20150405.19
Havelka, D., & Merhout, J. W. (2013). Internal information technology audit process quality: Theory development using structured group processes. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 14(3), 165–192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accinf.2012.12.001
Huson, Y. A., García, L. S., Benau, M. A. G., & Aljawarneh, N. M. (2025). Cloud-based artificial intelligence and audit report: The mediating role of the auditor. VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print). https://doi.org/10.1108/VJIKMS-03-2024-0089
Innovative Information Technology in Auditing: Auditors’ Perceptions of Future Importance and Current Auditor Expertise: Accounting in Europe: Vol 19, No 2. (n.d.). Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17449480.2022.2046283
Leocádio, D., Malheiro, L., & Reis, J. C. G. dos. (2024). Auditors in the digital age: A systematic literature review. Digital Transformation and Society, 4(1), 5–20. https://doi.org/10.1108/DTS-02-2024-0014
N.v, K., & S.y, D. (2019). Information systems and technologies in the audit. Формирование Рыночных Отношений в Украине, 5 (216), Article 5 (216).
Otero, A. R. (2018). Information Technology Control and Audit, Fifth Edition (5th ed.). Auerbach Publications. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429465000
Şen, Y. (2023). Auditors’ Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence: Evidence From Global Audit Companies [Master Thesis, İzmir Ekonomi Üniversitesi]. https://gcris.ieu.edu.tr/handle/20.500.14365/156
Stoel, D., Havelka, D., & Merhout, J. W. (2012). An analysis of attributes that impact information technology audit quality: A study of IT and financial audit practitioners. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, 13(1), 60–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accinf.2011.11.001
Thottoli, M. M., Ahmed, E. R., & Thomas, K. V. (2022). Emerging technology and auditing practice: Analysis for future directions. European Journal of Management Studies, 27(1), 99–119. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJMS-06-2021-0058
Witte, A. L., Earley, C. E., & Thibodeau, J. C. (2022). Big Fish, Small Pond: How In-Charge Auditors Engage with Technology-Based Audit Tools to Influence the Audit in Non-Global Network Firms. Journal of Information Systems, 36(2), 141–160. https://doi.org/10.2308/ISYS-2020-047
Yahya, M. R., Jalaluddin, & and Batara, G. (2024). Current auditor expertise and future relevance of innovative audit technology: Evidence from Indonesia public sector auditor. Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration, 46(4), 471–487. https://doi.org/10.1080/23276665.2024.2312139