Digital Transformation in Accounting: An Assessment of Automation and AI Integration
Carlos Sampaio, Rui Silva
Abstract
This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on digital, automated, and AI-assisted accounting systems. The data include documents listed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The analysis identifies the main authors, countries/territories, sources, and thematic trends. The results reveal that the scientific output within this research field has increased since 2018, emphasising the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation, and blockchain technologies in accounting. The findings also suggest that automation enhances efficiency, accuracy, and reliability while also raising concerns about ethics, cybersecurity, and job displacement. This study evaluates the accounting research from early discussions on information systems and automation to current topics such as digital transformation, sustainability, and intelligent decision-making. Furthermore, it contributes to the understanding of the scientific development of digital accounting and addresses future research directions involving AI and machine learning for predictive analytics and fraud detection, blockchain for secure and transparent accounting systems, sustainability through the integration of ESG reporting, and interdisciplinary collaboration between accounting, computer science, and business management to develop intelligent financial systems. The findings provide insights for academics and practitioners aiming to understand the ongoing digital transformation of accounting systems.