Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities, Issues and Applications in Banking, Accounting, and Auditing in Nigeria

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be a game-changer for business generally and  professional services in particular. With the rapid developments in machine learning, data mining and cognitive computing, the next decade promises to see huge leaps forward. While the excitement over the potential applications of AI is understandable, there are issues related to adaptation and application in developing countries, particularly Africa and indeed, Nigeria. This paper reviews the nature of accounting and auditing problems and the need for application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to the discipline. The discussion includes current accounting issues for which new AI development should be fruitful, particularly auditing. This research employed both a qualitative and quantitative research design. The study was carried out using a descriptive survey research design, employing secondary quantitative data. This study was conducted in Nigeria using stakeholders such as bank executives and university dons with majors in accounting and economics from Universities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling was used to select 45 stakeholders to form part of the sample. The researchers’ development instrument titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Accounting in Africa Questionnaire” was used for data collection. The frequency and Mean were used to answer the research questions. This paper concludes with future roles of banks going forward and the impacts AI could have on auditing systems.