INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Transforming the Accounting  
Profession: Challenges and Opportunities for professional  
accountants in Bangladesh  
Md. Rizwan Hassan  
International Islamic University Chittagong  
DOI : https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.1411000066  
Received: 25 November 2025; Accepted: 02 December 2025; Published: 10 December 2025  
ABSTRACT  
The study examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the accounting profession in this  
dynamic world of business and accounting. The focus is on the challenges and opportunities for professional  
accountants in Bangladesh. The purpose is to understand how AI is reshaping skills, jobs, and ethics in this  
emerging economy like Bangladesh. The study used a qualitative research design. Data was collected through a  
single Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Seven experts participated. They represented accounting, IT, human  
resources, and corporate world. Thematic analysis revealed that AI drives efficiency but also causes acute job  
displacement fear of job loss among staff. This is a novel finding for the Bangladeshi context. Secondly, there  
is a prevalent skill and education gap in Bangladesh. This is a retraining crisis for senior professionals. The study  
suggests that the speed of automation is highly disruptive in emerging markets. Policy recommendations include  
mandatory AI literacy training, assessing current level of AI adoption and find out the ways to implement AI in  
major sectors to gain efficiency and effectiveness. To get maximum benefit from this a complete regulatory  
reforms is necessary.  
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, accounting profession.  
INTRODUCTION  
The widespread advancement of technology along with artificial intelligence (AI) has brought a huge economic  
transformation in the world of business and finance (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014). AI is able to perform huge  
amount of work within a blink of eyes. Complex and repetitive tasks task are done within a very short period of  
time. This allows experts and professional accountant to concentrate on high value creating jobs. This is  
fundamentally reshaping industries across the globe, and the accounting profession is no exception. Previously  
the accounting was characterized as routine and repetitive job. But due to advancement of AI, these repetitive  
tasks are done well by AI applications (Alruwaili & Mgammal 2025). So the accounting profession is at historic  
moment. AI is not just a trend. It is a powerful technology that is reshaping how financial tasks are done  
(Greenman, 2024). AI is able to automate routine tasks, enhance financial analysis, improved auditing processes,  
and advance financial reporting (Jejeniwa, Mhlongo, & Jejeniwa 2024). This shift lets accountants focus on  
higher-level analysis and strategy. The profession is moving from data processing to value creation.  
This global transformation is also reaching developing nations. Bangladesh is a prime example. The country is  
seeing rapid economic growth. It has invested huge for digitalization process (Hossain & Mahmud, 2025). The  
professional accountant of any country plays a very important role in the development of any country. There are  
two types of functions provided by them. Professional accountants are in an organization works relentlessly for  
the financial management and preparation of financial statement of that entity. On the other hand, a group of  
professional accountant ensures truth and fairness of the financial statements. The accounting profession in  
Bangladesh must now adapt to AI. This presents a critical moment for local firms and professionals (O'Leary &  
O'Keefe 1997).  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
However, adopting AI in Bangladesh is complex. Implementing AI systems typically requires substantial fixed  
costs, including investments in infrastructure, software, and skilled personnel. the AI infrastructure is usually  
cutting edge, so it is inevitably costly. There is also need to invest in the training the employee to be able to run  
the AI applications. Many firms struggle with the high initial cost of AI implementation (Stancu & Duţescu  
2021). There is also a lack of local expertise and training. Concerns about data security and a weak digital  
infrastructure also slow down adoption (Joshi et.al. 2002) of AI in most of the local firms.  
Despite these difficulties, the opportunities are significant. AI can greatly improve financial transparency. It can  
also boost the accuracy of financial reporting (MDPI, 2025). AI offers new tools for fraud detection and risk  
management. This is vital for a growing economy. The rise of AI also demands new skills. Accountants must  
now learn new skills, like data analysis and financial modeling, to cope with the changing scenario (Zhang,  
Xiong, Xie, Fan, & Gu 2020). This will create a more strategic and valuable workforce.  
This paper explores the impact of AI on the accounting profession in Bangladesh. The article is intended to  
address several research questions.  
Research question 1: what are the probable application of AI in the field of Accounting?  
Research question 2: what are the challenges of implementing AI in accounting?  
Research question 3: How these challenges can be mitigated?  
LITERATURE REVIEW  
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the human-like intelligence exhibited by machines, such as computers or robots  
(IBM 2022). It encompasses a machine's ability to perform all the activities that human can do. Its capabilities  
including decision-making, problem-solving, and language processing. AI can collect data process those and  
take decision of their own. Though natural language processing seems to be the function of most AI, it does  
much more than that. Artificial intelligence (AI) can perceive, synthesize, and take decision based on the  
information (Pritchard 2023).  
Haenlein & Kaplan (2019) traced back the root of AI with early concepts of machines and logic, gaining formal  
recognition in 1956. Alan Turing's foundational work paved the way for advancements. Progress continued with  
machine learning and neural networks, highlighted by milestones like IBM's Deep Blue and Google's AlphaGo.  
Researchers and experts identified seven stages of Ai evolution. The early stage of AI is defined as rule based  
Ai that perform some pre-defined if-then type of task. Then came machine learning which could do some sort  
of predictive tasks. Whereas the deep learning is more advanced form of machine learning. Ai revolution was  
done by generative AI where AI can create completely new contents like texts, images a videos.  
However the mist advanced form of AI are agentic AI, Artificial general intelligence and Artificial  
Superintelligence (ASI).  
Jejeniwa et al. (2024) explain that AI improves efficiency in accounting by reducing errors and speeding up  
processes. Machine learning helps with pattern recognition, forecasting, and fraud detection. On the other hand,  
Natural Language Processing (NLP) supports financial reporting by reading and summarizing large documents.  
These tools help organizations work faster and make better decisions.  
Greenman et al. (2024) also noted that AI changes the roles and responsibilities of accountants. Routine work is  
decreasing. They need to think out of the box to deal with the changing world scenario. Accountants now need  
skills in analytics, technology, and interpretation of AI-generated insights. The profession is becoming more  
strategic and advisory in nature (Altawalbeh et. At. 2025). The early stage of the AI was, focused on expert  
systems (O’Leary & O’Keefe 1997). These systems supported auditing and taxation by storing expert  
knowledge. Although early AI was limited, it showed the way to move forward to the current state of AI  
development. Greenman (2017) shows that large firms like KPMG use tools such as IBM Watson to strengthen  
audits. AI reviews large volume of documents and is able to identify risks quickly. This reduces human workload  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
and improves audit quality. Similar trends are found in Stancheva-Todorova (2018), who highlights that AI  
supports fraud detection, forecasting, and internal controls.  
Other researchers emphasize challenges posed by AI. All sorts of new technologies were blamed to replace  
human being in addition to ease the work load of human being. Many studies note a strong fear of job loss (Wang  
2025). Automation can reduce the demand for clerical and entry-level accounting positions. Accountants need  
new skills, especially in data analytics, programming, and digital tools. Without upskilling, employees may  
struggle. Studies by Li and Zheng (2018) and Mohammad et al. (2020) state that job displacement is a major  
concern in the industry.  
Though there were concerns, the literature agrees that AI offers major opportunities. Studies consistently  
highlight benefits such as greater accuracy, lower costs, faster reporting, and stronger fraud detection. AI also  
allows real-time auditing and continuous monitoring. Managers can use AI-based insights to make better  
strategic decisions. Many authors conclude that AI will not replace accountants entirely. Instead, it will change  
their roles and make them more focused on interpretation, problem-solving, and professional judgment.  
Among all these studies, very few were done in Bangladesh to describe the situation of Bangladesh. However,  
the studies those were conducted in Bangladesh were not addressed the professional accountants like Chartered  
Accountant and Cost and Management Accountants. So there is a gap to be filled. On the other hand there is a  
methodological gap, as none of the studies were conducted using focus group. Most of the studies were  
conducted using a structured or semi-structured questionnaire. Others were done through review of literature.  
In summary, the literature shows that AI has both challenges and opportunities for the accounting profession. It  
automates routine tasks, enhances analysis, and improves audit quality. But it also creates skill gaps, ethical  
concerns, and fears of job loss. The profession must adapt through training, regulation, and curriculum changes.  
Overall, AI is reshaping accounting and pushing it toward a more advanced and knowledge-driven future.  
METHODOLOGY  
This study employed a qualitative research design. This was chosen to explore the complex topic in detail. The  
data were collected by employing a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). This method is ideal for gathering data  
where there are samples who have in depth information (Morgan, 1997). The method allows participants to share  
each other's ideas and brainstorm with the most suitable outcome. Our goal was to capture diverse expert views  
on AI's role in accounting.  
Research design and Approach  
This study employs a qualitative, exploratory design to develop an in-depth understanding of how artificial  
intelligence, a modern and advanced technology is reshaping the accounting profession. As quantitative data on  
the impact of AI on accounting profession is very limited, a qualitative approach was chosen to find out the real  
insights from the experienced professionals (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005).  
Participants and Sampling  
To conduct the current study, purposive sampling was used to select the participants. This ensured inclusion of  
key stakeholders. It was a group with varied but most relevant professional backgrounds. This variety is  
important for a balanced and productive discussion. A total of eight experts were invited. Seven of the invited  
experts attended the session. The final group of seven included four distinct professional categories: two  
Chartered Accountant, two Cost and Management Accountant, an experienced IT expert, an experienced HR  
manager and a CFO of manufacturing company. This composition was designed to provide a 360-degree view.  
The slight non-response (one invited expert did not attend) is a normal part of expert-based research  
(Liamputtong, 2011). The participant were assured that their opinions would be kept confidential and would be  
used for academic and research purposes only. This made the participant comfortable to express their opinions.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
Data Collection Procedure  
The focus group was conducted online. This allowed for easy participation from busy professionals. The session  
followed a semi-structured format. This provided a flexible yet focused discussion. The entire discussion lasted  
for 90 minutes. We obtained prior consent from all participants. The session was then audio-recorded.  
A trained moderator led the discussion. The moderator used a pre-defined discussion guide. The guide covered  
three core themes:  
1. Roles of AI: Current and future applications of AI in accounting tasks.  
2. Challenges in Bangladesh: Specific hurdles for AI adoption in the local context.  
3. Future Opportunities: New business models and skill development needs.  
The moderator actively encouraged interaction. The moderator ensured that all participants contributed equally.  
The use of a semi-structured guide helped maintain focus. It also allowed for the emergence of new, unexpected  
themes.  
Data Analysis  
We transcribed the audio recording. This created a complete text record of the discussion. We used thematic  
analysis to interpret the data (Braun & Clarke, 2006). This involved a systematic six-phase process:  
1. Familiarization: Reading and re-reading the transcripts.  
2. Coding: Generating initial codes from the data.  
3. Theme Searching: Grouping codes into potential themes.  
4. Reviewing Themes: Refining and defining the themes.  
5. Defining and Naming Themes: Creating clear theme titles.  
6. Report Production: Linking the analysis back to the research questions.  
This rigorous process helped us identify key patterns. It allowed us to structure the findings around the main  
challenges and opportunities.  
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION  
The focus group provided very rich and contextualized insights on the transformative roles on AI on accounting  
profession in Bangladesh. The findings contained the challenges of AI implementation in accounting profession  
along with the opportunities coming across with the challenges.  
challenges posed by AI to accounting profession  
Job Displacement & Workforce Reduction: The main challenge posed by AI, as per most of the participant, is  
job displacement and workforce reduction. As AI able to perform a lot of work within a fraction of second, using  
AI will reduce the need for a portion of employees.  
“. . . . From what we see in practice, AI is automating a huge amount of routine work—data entry, reconciliations,  
invoice matching. This is undeniably an opportunity because it improves efficiency and reduces errors.” (A  
senior Chartered accountant)  
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“For sure, AI is able work efficiently and error-freely. Often people blame technology if anything wrong is done  
by it. We have to remember that it is not the mistake of the technology, but of those uses it”. (An IT expert)  
“Let us discuss the ability of the AI. It is not something like automating a hard done work. It is letting machine  
think for you, analysze the situation for you and take decision for you.” (An academic expert in AI and machine  
learning)  
In all of the previous industrial revolutions, new technologies were invented to perform repetitive and labor-  
intensive works. The creative jobs were always free from any risk. But AI is able perform repetitive and also  
creative works. Jobs that require judgement and human decision-making ability are also at stake. AI is not going  
to eliminate the jobs done by accountants but can transform it. Accounting is not more a boring data entry and  
tedious calculation. It has turned into decision making that determines the future and prospect of an entity. It is  
now Most of the expert agree to the fact that accounting profession in Bangladesh is insulated form the risk for  
the time being. But in the near future the risk is supposed to affect us adversely.  
Skill Gaps & Need for Reskilling: AI creates skill gaps by automating routine tasks, increasing the demand for  
advanced AI-specific skills like programming and data analysis, and requiring a new general AI literacy for all  
workers. The same thing applies for accounting jobs.  
“In our country, we are just giving a degree that are not up-to-date and commensurate to the need of the age. Our  
business degrees are specially lagging behind in terms of integration of technology.”  
In most of the universities, business degrees are not updated, modern and skill-based. Though the syllabus is, in  
most of the cases, very updated, the teaching method is not.  
Probable opportunities from AI adoption  
Automation of Routine Tasks: AI can automate repetitive and rule-based tasks such as data entry, voucher  
checking, invoice processing, and bank reconciliations. As these routine tasks take less time, accountants can  
focus more on analysis, insight generation, and decision support. This shift helps accountants move from clerical  
work to more meaningful and value-added activities.  
Enhanced Accuracy, Efficiency & Speed: AI systems reduce human errors by consistently applying accounting  
rules. Automated systems can process large volumes of data quickly and accurately. This leads to higher  
efficiency in tasks such as financial reporting, audit testing, and tax computations. Faster processing also helps  
organizations respond more quickly to regulatory requirements.  
Improved Fraud Detection & Risk Management: AI tools are better able to detect fraud, anomalies and unusual  
transactions. It can scan millions and billions of transactions within a second and can detect errors and frauds.  
Superior Financial Analysis & Forecasting: experts argued that modern and sophisticated AI tools like deep  
learning are expected to analyze past data and forecast the future with much accuracy.  
Cost Savings & Improved Productivity: by automating lions share of work, AI can save huge cost and thereby  
increase productivity. The IT specialist mentioned that it can save not only the money but also the time which is  
very valuable.  
Strategic & Advisory Role Enhancement: cutting edge technologies are able to take even the strategic decision  
and advise the organization on burning issues.  
How to overcome challenges  
The experts suggested that whether we accept or not the rise of AI is inevitable. So we cannot avoid the rising  
development of AI. What we can do is try to adapt AI in our workplace. It is the right time to take necessary  
action to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.  
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Accounting bodies can arrange continuous professional development (CPD) program to enhance the skill and  
capabilities of members.  
Identify skill gaps of our graduates. It can be done in both micro level and macro level. Based on the gap action  
plan can be formed. Each program of each higher educational institute can do it for their own. And the  
government of Bangladesh can perform the same for the entire economy.  
ICAB and ICMAB are two prominent professional accounting bodies in Bangladesh. They can redesign their  
syllabus for coping with the changing scenario. They can assess the preparedness of their graduates regarding  
adoption of AI.  
Government can take programs to create awareness among all concerned.  
CONCLUSION  
Artificial intelligence is a cutting edge technology that is able to do a lot of work previously done by human  
being. In the field of accounting and auditing, AI has already gained much strong footing. It is doing a number  
of jobs from checking voucher to preparing financial statement to checking the authenticity of a transaction. It  
also is able to check the accuracy and authenticity of any transaction. The AI, now-a-days, is trained to imitate  
human thinking and to take necessary action based on that but at a very low cost that the human. This is a great  
opportunity for any large scale business which is able to invest a lot on AI model tailored to its need. By doing  
that, the company is able to cut the cost, automate the work replace man with machine and become profitable.  
But the downside is, the large workforce is scare of layoff created by this genius technology. But even if we  
close the window, the will be sun rise. If we want to avoid the AI, we can’t because others will embrace it and  
advance and we will lag behind. So we need to identify our skill gap develop proper strategy and acquire required  
skill to deal with all new new development like artificial intelligence.  
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