TY - JOUR
T1 - The role of AI adoption in transforming the accounting profession
T2 - a diffusion of innovations theory approach
AU - Assidi, Soufiene
AU - Omran, Mohamed
AU - Rana, Tarek
AU - Borgi, Hela
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited.
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption on Tunisia’s accounting profession, using the diffusion of innovations theory (DIT) to explore opportunities and challenges. Design/methodology/approach: A survey of 400 academics and professional accountants in Tunisia was conducted, focusing on three key areas: the effect of AI on professional roles and tasks, the enhancement of digital work environments and the development of educational programs. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the relationships among these variables, providing robust statistical insights. Findings: The results indicate that AI adoption leads to a 75.7% improvement in the functionality and responsibilities of accounting professionals, a 72.1% enhancement in digital workplace productivity and a 58.4% increase in educational program effectiveness. Despite these positive outcomes, the study identifies significant challenges, including a 63.2% concern related to change management and a 59.8% need for substantial training and technical resources investment. To address these challenges, the findings advocate for targeted professional development programs, collaborative policymaking to establish implementation guidelines and a curriculum overhaul to equip future accountants with AI competencies. Research limitations/implications: The findings suggest Tunisian organisations should invest in AI to achieve substantial efficiency and risk management gains. Practitioners, instructors and students are expected to increase their technology expertise to develop more effective accounting procedures in light of AI issues. Collaboration among policymakers, regulators and practitioners is essential to establish clear implementation guidelines. Originality/value: This study offers theoretical contributions by applying the DIT to AI adoption within an emerging economy, providing a unique perspective on how AI drives digital transformation in the accounting sector. In addition, it delivers practical implications by identifying strategies for overcoming barriers to AI adoption, such as fostering organisational readiness, ensuring access to training resources and enhancing professional collaboration to enable successful AI integration.
AB - Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption on Tunisia’s accounting profession, using the diffusion of innovations theory (DIT) to explore opportunities and challenges. Design/methodology/approach: A survey of 400 academics and professional accountants in Tunisia was conducted, focusing on three key areas: the effect of AI on professional roles and tasks, the enhancement of digital work environments and the development of educational programs. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the relationships among these variables, providing robust statistical insights. Findings: The results indicate that AI adoption leads to a 75.7% improvement in the functionality and responsibilities of accounting professionals, a 72.1% enhancement in digital workplace productivity and a 58.4% increase in educational program effectiveness. Despite these positive outcomes, the study identifies significant challenges, including a 63.2% concern related to change management and a 59.8% need for substantial training and technical resources investment. To address these challenges, the findings advocate for targeted professional development programs, collaborative policymaking to establish implementation guidelines and a curriculum overhaul to equip future accountants with AI competencies. Research limitations/implications: The findings suggest Tunisian organisations should invest in AI to achieve substantial efficiency and risk management gains. Practitioners, instructors and students are expected to increase their technology expertise to develop more effective accounting procedures in light of AI issues. Collaboration among policymakers, regulators and practitioners is essential to establish clear implementation guidelines. Originality/value: This study offers theoretical contributions by applying the DIT to AI adoption within an emerging economy, providing a unique perspective on how AI drives digital transformation in the accounting sector. In addition, it delivers practical implications by identifying strategies for overcoming barriers to AI adoption, such as fostering organisational readiness, ensuring access to training resources and enhancing professional collaboration to enable successful AI integration.
KW - Accountancy profession
KW - Artificial intelligence
KW - Diffusion innovations theory
KW - Digital transformation
KW - Structural equation modelling
KW - Tunisia
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85216385123&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/JAOC-04-2024-0124
DO - 10.1108/JAOC-04-2024-0124
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85216385123
SN - 1832-5912
JO - Journal of Accounting and Organizational Change
JF - Journal of Accounting and Organizational Change
ER -