AI adoption in internal audit set to double to 80% by 2026

Wolters Kluwer has published findings from a survey highlighting the future trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among internal auditors.

The survey, which garnered responses from 4,214 internal audit professionals, indicates that while 39% report current use of AI in their audit functions, an additional 41% plan to implement AI within the next year. This trend would see the total rate of adoption reach 80% by 2026, effectively doubling the current level of integration within the sector.

The data suggest that internal audit lags behind other business areas in AI adoption; 46% of respondents stated that the adoption rate in their internal audit function is lower than elsewhere within their organisation. Conversely, only 21% believe that their internal audit team's use of AI exceeds that of other departments.

Frans Klaassen, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Wolters Kluwer Audit & Assurance and Corporate Tax, commented on the survey results, stating: "The findings of our research show that AI is set to transform internal audit in the next 12 months, with adoption set to double to 80%. Over half of internal auditors identified productivity and efficiency gains as the key advantage of AI adoption in the coming year. To realize the transformative potential of AI, auditors will need access to advanced, secure technologies to optimize their operations. As a global leader in audit and assurance, Wolters Kluwer TeamMate is committed to continuous innovation to bring cutting edge and award-winning solutions to the market."

The study examined several drivers behind plans to increase AI use in internal audit. 45% of participants cited training in AI skills and tools as the most significant factor in supporting further adoption, while 84% said that AI-related competencies would be important criteria when recruiting new staff into their internal audit functions.

Dedicated AI-powered internal audit technologies are also seen as a central requirement, with 27% of respondents describing these tools as the most important driver for adoption. Some 15% pointed to the necessity for comprehensive, business-wide governance around AI as a key enabler, and 13% highlighted leadership within the internal audit sector serving as examples in AI use as influential in driving adoption rates.

Respondents identified multiple benefits from deploying AI in the internal audit process, with 54% pointing to expected improvements in efficiency and productivity within the next 12 months. In addition, 24% anticipated that automating certain audit functions with AI would free auditors to dedicate more time to strategic activities that add higher value to the organisation. Further, 13% of those surveyed suggested that AI adoption could contribute to increased accuracy and a reduction in human error.

The survey findings underscore the growing importance of AI within the internal audit profession and highlight the key role that skills training and technology investment are expected to play as organisations pursue further integration and seek to realise the benefits outlined by respondents.