Artificial Intelligence Technologies within the Risk-based Audit Approach – A Categorization and Classification Method –

Artificial Intelligence is an evolving area of research within the auditing and accounting community. It is the auditor’s responsibility to obtain appropriate and sufficient audit evidence based on vast datasets. Therefore, AI is essential for an auditor to derive a reliable decision. Regarding the apparent lack of guidance in the categorization and classification of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the auditing and accounting literature, this study follows the methodology of Design Science Research (DSR). It utilizes Situational Method Engineering (SME) as a research method to develop the central artifact, the AI Classification and Categorization (AI-CC) Cuboid. This study proposes a comprehensive method (with representative AI-Technologies as a data basis) for the structured and targeted categorization and classification of AI under the risk-based audit approach. Initial feedback received by AI-Experts regarding the design and development of the artifact is collected. With the developed method, the study contributes to the descriptive and prescriptive knowledge base regarding the categorization and classification of AI within the auditing and accounting profession