DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING SERVICES: 4.0 TOOLS AND ASSOCIATED RISKS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22370/riace.2026.15.1.5741Keywords:
Risks, Professional Services, 4.0 Technologies, Digital TransformationAbstract
The 21st century stands out for the adoption of 4.0 technologies, such as advanced automation, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and data analytics. These technologies offer numerous advantages for professional services firms, but they also present risks. At the same time, there is an increase in the incidence of the control factor, driven by international compliance standards that demand proper risk management, as well as increased controls by the state. This study seeks to identify the risks associated with the use of 4.0 technologies in the digital transformation of accounting professional services firms, explore their potential impacts, and suggest mitigation measures. It is a descriptive study utilizing a qualitative phenomenological methodology, based on data collected from a convenience sample of licensed professionals (certified public accountants) at the local delegation of the Professional Council of Economic Sciences of the Province of Buenos Aires (C.P.C.E.P.B.A.) in Argentina (N=28). The results identified risks such as cybersecurity, health, labor fraud, data management, HR management, dependence on ICT providers, and competition. These risks are associated with their potential impacts, and actions are proposed to mitigate them. The literature review reveals little or no approach to the topic in Latin America, and the interviews reveal diverse experiences regarding the use of 4.0 technologies and their impacts on professional practice, suggesting great potential for future accounting research.
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