It is concluded that blockchain redefines, rather than eliminates, the role of accountants and auditors, and that its consolidation will depend on regulatory progress, curricular updates, and further empirical evidence on its real-world implementation across diverse institutional contexts.
Abstract
The integration of blockchain technology into accounting and auditing processes has been identified as one of the most significant digital transformations affecting the financial profession over the past decade. This study aimed to synthesize the state of the art on blockchain applications in accounting and auditing, identifying their main benefits, adoption barriers, and research gaps. A narrative literature review was conducted using scientific databases, drawing mostly on sources published between 2018 and 2024 and combining search terms in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Findings show that blockchain supports triple-entry accounting, continuous auditing, and greater transparency of financial information, although its adoption faces regulatory, technological, and training-related obstacles that are particularly pronounced in developing economies and Latin America. A persistent gap was also identified between the competencies demanded by the labor market and the curricular content of accounting programs. The review concludes that blockchain redefines, rather than eliminates, the role of accountants and auditors, and that its consolidation will depend on regulatory progress, curricular updates, and further empirical evidence on its real-world implementation across diverse institutional contexts.
The integration of emerging technologies into accounting and auditing represents a major global challenge, reflecting the ability of financial and organizational systems to adapt to digitization processes. In this context, blockchain technology is considered a key driver of digital transformation, contributing to the redefinition of accounting practices and the enhancement of the reliability of financial information. This study analyzes recent literature on the use of blockchain technology in accounting and auditing, highlighting the main research directions, methodologies used, and implications for professional practices. The research explores how this technology influences accounting and auditing processes, as well as the relationship between digitization, automation, and increased transparency of financial information. The results indicate that blockchain facilitates the development of real-time accounting and continuous auditing, contributing to increased data security and process automation. At the same time, integration with artificial intelligence improves analytical capabilities and risk identification processes. However, the implementation of this technology highlights the existence of persistent challenges related to the regulatory framework, implementation costs, and the level of digital skills. The analysis highlights that blockchain acts as a structural driver of accounting transformation, but its effectiveness depends on the alignment between technological development, the institutional framework, and the adaptation of professional practices
Eliza Cretu, V. Grosu, C. Cosmulese· Development Through Research...· 0 citations
The findings indicate that the main trends in blockchain usage include strengthening audit trails, verifying encrypted data, and integration with advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and smart contracts, which enhance audit efficiency, security, and transparency.
Abdul Rasak, Ayu Dhina Anggraeni, Namra et al.· Global Conference on Busines...· 0 citations
The auditing profession faces increasing challenges related to data complexity, transparency, and
efficiency, necessitating the adoption of innovative technologies. This study empirically
investigates the impact of blockchain technology on audit quality and efficiency within large
corporations, focusing on the specific roles of immutability, transparency, smart contracts, and
data security. Drawing on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework,
Diffusion of Innovations Theory, and Transaction Cost Economics, the research posits that these
blockchain characteristics significantly enhance audit outcomes. A survey research design was
employed, collecting data from 294 auditors and financial professionals in large corporations and
audit firms globally that are utilizing or exploring blockchain technology. Data were analyzed
using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and Multiple Regression
Analysis. The findings reveal that all four independent variables, immutability, transparency,
smart contracts, and data security, are significant positive predictors of both audit quality and
audit efficiency. Specifically, immutability emerged as the strongest predictor for audit quality
(β=0.450, p<0.001), emphasizing its role in enhancing the reliability of audit evidence.
Transparency was identified as the most influential factor for audit efficiency (β=0.400, p<0.001),
highlighting its ability to streamline evidence gathering and reduce information asymmetry. The
regression models explained a substantial portion of the variance in audit quality (R2=0.783) and
audit efficiency (R2=0.740). This study concludes that while blockchain technology holds
significant potential for transforming auditing, its actual impact is contingent on the strategic
leveraging of its core characteristics. The results reinforce the theoretical frameworks, suggesting
that integrating blockchain's inherent strengths into audit methodologies can lead to a more
proactive, continuous, and comprehensive assurance function, thereby fostering greater trust and
transparency in financial reporting for large corporations. Recommendations include developing
specialized training programs for auditors, initiating pilot projects, and designing audit-friendly
blockchain platforms.
Adedoyin Lukman· Journal of Accounting and Fi...· 0 citations
This study analyses the intersection between blockchain technology, accounting and sustainability, examining how blockchain is transforming accounting practices toward greater transparency, traceability and alignment with sustainability goals. It also identifies the main intellectual, geographical and thematic structures of this emerging field, with particular attention to triple-entry accounting, environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, supply chain traceability and regulatory challenges.
The study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 57 articles indexed in Web of Science and Scopus from 2016 to 2024. Using VOSviewer software, it identifies the most influential authors, countries, publishers and thematic clusters, providing a systematic overview of scientific production, knowledge structures and emerging research trends in blockchain, accounting and sustainability.
The results show a strong increase in scientific production, confirming the growing relevance of blockchain in accounting and sustainability research. The findings highlight its application in supply chain traceability, ESG reporting, accounting automation and triple-entry accounting. Five thematic clusters are identified, suggesting future research lines on technology adoption in education, sustainable supply chains, artificial intelligence, smart contract regulation and institutional governance.
This study offers an integrated bibliometric view of the evolution of blockchain and accounting research toward interdisciplinary and sustainability-oriented approaches. Its originality lies in identifying research gaps and emerging trends while proposing a framework to understand accounting digital transformation. It provides guidance for future research and professional practice, supporting more digital, transparent and sustainable accounting systems.
Elisabeth Zafra‐Gómez, Germán López‐Pérez, Laura Sanz Martín et al.· Revista de Contabilidad - Sp...· 1 citation
In Nigeria's oil and gas industry, the problems of inconsistent reporting, lack of inter-agency collaboration, and untrustworthy state institutions continue to persist. This paper analyses the effects of blockchain technology on strengthening the processes of reporting and auditing petroleum production, given the current institutional settings in Nigeria. This analysis does not consider blockchain technology to be the best, or the only option. Rather, the focus is on the extent to which the technology can help provide more reliable audit trails, improve real-time inter-agency communication, and build structures to support the verification and authentication of records. The analysis also explains the institutional and technological frameworks within which the proposed improvements can be realized. This research contributes to the field by managing expectations on the contribution of blockchain technology to governance improvements within the existing socio-institutional structures.
O. Ojerinde, J. Mamman· International Journal of Bus...· 0 citations
The digital transformation of financial and accounting processes has generated growing interest in technologies capable of enhancing the credibility, transparency, and security of financial and accounting information. Among these, blockchain technology is considered one of the most important emerging technologies, with the potential to transform accounting and auditing practices. The purpose of this research is to analyze the perceptions of accounting professionals regarding the credibility of financial and accounting information in the context of digital transformations and to assess the potential of blockchain technology to contribute to increased transparency, security, and trust in financial and accounting information. The research is quantitative in nature and is based on a survey administered to 82 respondents from the fields of accounting, auditing, and academia. The research results highlight that respondents perceive blockchain as a technology with significant potential to increase transparency, data security, and trust in financial reporting. At the same time, the results indicate the existence of significant challenges regarding the implementation of this technology, including low levels of digital literacy, high implementation costs, and an inadequate regulatory framework. The research also highlights a low level of familiarity with blockchain technology at the national level.
Violeta Codrean· Development Through Research...· 0 citations
