Date/Time
Date(s) - Fri 21 March
11:00 - 12:30
Location
RHMZ01, Mezzanine Level, Rutherford House, VUW
Abstract:
This study examines how Big Four audit firms are adapting to technological advancements and how digital disruptions are reshaping the nature of audit work. Specifically, the study explores transformations of the firms through various data analytics applications and tools, including automation and offshoring. Data were collected through in-depth interview discussions with 94 informants from three Big Four audit firms in New Zealand during the transformation phase, supplemented by five public presentations. The analysis of these three distinct yet comparable audit firms reveals significant changes in the organisation and execution of audit work, which, in turn, impact the skills and competencies expected of financial auditors. For instance, while data analytics has long been part of audit work, its meaning and application have evolved considerably over time. Similarly, firms’ approach to offshoring, whether embracing or resisting it, plays a critical role in shaping how organisational capabilities are developed, recruited, and trained. The findings highlight the urgency of embracing digital disruption and transformation not only for audit firms but also for individual auditors, to avoid the risk of being left behind. The three firms in the study have taken different approaches to navigating this shift. One firm has chosen to “run faster” by hiring highly skilled technologists to leverage advanced tools. Another prefers to “run steadily”, heavily investing in retraining their existing workforce, a process that takes more time. The third firm has opted to adapt by offshoring and leveraging an overseas workforce.
Speakers:
Angela Liew is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland who specialises in the use and effects of information technology, with a particular focus on the human impacts of automation and artificial intelligence in commercial and accounting firms. With a dual academic background and professional experience in accounting, auditing and information technology, she brings a unique perspective to her research and teaching. She leads two qualitative research studies that explore these issues in depth: The Future of Accounting Work and The Changing Landscape of Aquaculture Farming, with the former being a large-scale qualitative project. Angela’s research is published in academic journals across accounting and information system domains such as the International Journal of Accounting Information Systems (IJAIS), Journal of Information Systems (JIS), Decision Support Systems (DSS), Computers and Industrial Engineering (CAIE), and Pacific Accounting Review (PAR). She currently serves as an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Accounting Information Systems (IJAIS) and sits on the editorial board for AAA’s Journal of Information Systems (JIS). Over her 25 years of teaching career, Angela has taught various topics such as accounting information systems, management accounting, management controls, robotic process automation, fraud auditing and forensic accounting. She has also been awarded a University Teaching Award (2012), three Business School Teaching Awards (2003, 2010, 2023) and two Departmental Teaching Achievement Awards (in 2009 and 2018).
Beyond academia, she actively engages with industry, chairing and speaking at practitioner conferences and moderating industry panels on leadership and technology-related topics. Her contributions to bridging the gap between academia and practice, along with her role as a public face of accounting academia, have earned her the 2023 Business School Award for Excellence in External Engagement in Service (Aug 2023), recognition as a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (FCA) (December 2024) and a Fellow of Certified Practising Accountant (FCPA) Australia (February 2025).
Online: Zoom