Digital maturity index for accounting firms

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a maturity model designed for assessing the current state of digitization in accounting firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have developed this index where the maturity levels are defined from the life cycle theory. For the items of a maturity measure, the authors have adopted a multimethodological approach. That approach allows to identify 27 measurement items to cover the three dimensions of audit, reporting and taxation.

Findings

This research proposes a diagnostic tool specific to accounting firms. The authors have tested this index in the Tunisian context. The results show that there are two types of accounting firms. This study found the first firm in the embryonic phase and the other in the growth phase. This points out the active role of Tunisian accounting firms in technology integration.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the integration of technology in the accounting field. Specifically, it aims to address technology management in accounting firms by measuring the degree of digitization of accounting firms. This research projects the use of information technologies (artificial intelligence, cloud, big data, etc.) in auditing, reporting and taxation.

Practical implications

On a practical level, this research provides an organizational diagnostic tool to assess the status of their accounting firms in terms of digitization. This will motivate practitioners to make frequent assessments, thus contributing to continuous improvement toward digitization.

Originality/value

The theoretical foundation of this research is based on the theory of the life cycle of technologies. This study is using this theory to identify and describe the current phase of the organization. And that is by indicating the overall scores on the technological capabilities of the accounting firms.

Citation

Hentati, H. and Boulila, N. (2023), "Digital maturity index for accounting firms", Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAOC-09-2022-0139