Enhancing Audit Evidence Quality through Artificial Intelligence in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The study aims to explore how cloud artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can impact the quality of audit evidence in Saudi Arabian. A survey was conducted on nine joint stock companies listed in the Saudi Arabian Stock Exchange (Tadawul), focusing on those in the telecommunication services and software services sectors with strong infrastructure in cloud AI. Results revealed a lack of alignment between auditing standards and AI technologies, hindering the improvement of audit evidence quality. However, there was a significant correlation between the proposed use of cloud AI technologies and enhancing audit evidence quality. To address this, the study recommends the adoption of cloud AI techniques such as visual recognition, text analysis, and natural language processing in auditing practices. It also suggests the development of standards compatible with cloud AI and fostering collaboration between professional bodies to ensure better audit evidence quality.