Preparing audit workpapers
Accountant · Auditor
“Preparing audit workpapers” (Accountant) is being replaced by AI: it entered in 2023 and is projected to be largely replaced by 2028.
AI enters
2023
Largely replaced
2028
Replacement progress
60%
Technology / key factor
LLM-drafted workpapers
What this task is
Documenting audit procedures, evidence and conclusions in standardized workpapers so they can be reviewed internally and inspected by regulators. It involves a heavy load of paperwork.
How AI replaces it
Since 2023, large language models can draft workpapers from audit data and evidence, fill templates and add cross-references. By around 2028, most workpapers should start as AI drafts.
What stays human
Auditors review the reasoning and sufficiency of evidence in each AI-drafted workpaper, correct anything that is wrong or unsupported, and confirm everything is accurate before signing off.