Examining the Role of Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing the Reliability of Accounting Information and Reducing Financial Reporting Risk
Keywords:
Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Accounting Information Reliability, Financial Reporting Risk, Continuous Auditing, Data Governance.Abstract
This study aimed to examine the role of blockchain and artificial intelligence in enhancing the reliability of accounting information and reducing financial reporting risk from the perspective of financial, auditing, and financial technology experts in Tehran. This qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis. The participants consisted of 22 financial managers, senior accountants, external auditors, internal auditors, financial technology specialists, and academic experts in accounting and finance in Tehran. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews lasted between 45 and 75 minutes. After transcription, the data were coded and analyzed using NVivo software. To ensure trustworthiness, member checking, peer coding, constant comparison, and an audit trail were used. Data analysis led to the identification of five main categories: transparency and traceability of transactions through blockchain, intelligent detection of financial anomalies and misstatements, strengthening of internal controls and continuous auditing, data governance and algorithmic trust, and redefinition of the professional role of accountants and auditors. The findings indicated that blockchain can reduce the possibility of ex post manipulation of financial records by creating an immutable and traceable ledger, while artificial intelligence can improve financial decision-making and reporting controls by detecting abnormal patterns, identifying risky transactions, and predicting areas exposed to material misstatement. The integration of blockchain and artificial intelligence can contribute to the development of a reliable, transparent, real-time, and preventive-control-oriented financial reporting ecosystem. However, realizing this potential depends on technical infrastructure, data governance, legal standardization, algorithmic explainability, and professional capacity building among accountants and auditors.
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