Artificial Intelligence in Management Accounting: A Systematic Literature Review on Behavioral and Ethical Dimensions

Devi Natalia Hutabarat, Kristi Indriyani, Sendi Ardian Tampubolon, Hardiono Arron Daud Unas

Abstract


Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in management accounting to support budgeting, cost analysis, forecasting, reporting, and managerial decision-making. However, the implications of these technologies extend beyond operational efficiency to include professional judgment, cognitive biases, and ethical accountability. This study conducts a systematic literature review to examine the development of research on AI in management accounting and explore how behavioral and ethical considerations are represented in the literature. Scopus was used as the sole data source, with searches conducted on 13 October 2026. Following a screening process based on predefined eligibility criteria, 25 articles published between 2015 and 2025 were selected for analysis. The review combines descriptive analysis of publication patterns, journal distribution, and SJR quartiles with keyword co-occurrence analysis and a thematic synthesis of the selected studies. The results show that 80% of the selected articles were published in 2024 and 2025, while the articles were distributed across 22 journals. The thematic findings cover the automation of management accounting processes, AI-supported decision-making and organizational performance, technology adoption and professional competence, and issues surrounding responsible implementation. The synthesis indicates that AI offers opportunities to improve analytical and reporting processes, but its contribution to management accounting also depends on the ability of professionals to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs and on appropriate governance arrangements. Cognitive biases, professional competence, and AI governance emerge as related concerns, although their interplay has not been examined consistently across the selected studies. This review provides an integrated perspective on these issues and identifies opportunities for empirical research into the behavioral conditions and governance mechanisms that shape the use of AI in management accounting.

Keywords


Artificial Intelligence, Behavioral Accounting, Auditing, Accounting Education, Ethics, Sustainability

Full Text:

PDF

References


Abbas, K. (2025). Management accounting and artificial intelligence: A comprehensive literature review and recommendations for future research. British Accounting Review, 58(2), 101551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bar.2025.101551

Abideen, Z. U. I., Ahmed, Z., Qiu, H., & Zhao, Y. (2023). Do Behavioral Biases Affect Investors’ Investment Decision Making? Evidence from the Pakistani Equity Market. Risks, 11(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/risks11060109

Akin, I., & Wilczkowska, L. (2026). Ethical and Data Privacy Risks in AI-Driven Accounting: A Mixed-Methods Study. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1155/hbe2/6048044

Almulla, D., Abbas, M., Al-Alawi, A., & Alkooheji, L. (2024). Process and Impact Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence in Managerial Accounting: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Computing and Digital Systems, 15(1), 1467–1482. https://doi.org/10.12785/ijcds/1501104

Alnor, N. H. A. (2024). Applications of Modern Technology in Developing Management Accounting Systems and How They Affect the Organizational Performance. WSEAS Transactions on Business and Economics, 21, 2591–2601. https://doi.org/10.37394/23207.2024.21.212

Alruwaili, T. F., & Mgammal, M. H. (2022). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Accounting Practices: An Academic Perspective. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2025. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05004-6 1

Anggraini, P. G., Utami, E. R., & Wulandari, E. (2022). What happens to the stock market during the COVID-19 pandemic? A systematic literature review. Pacific Accounting Review, 34(3), 406–425. https://doi.org/10.1108/PAR-11-2021-0184

Anica-Popa, I.-F., Vrincianu, M., Anica-Popa, L.-E., Cismasu, I.-D., & Tudor, C.-G. (2024). Framework for Integrating Generative AI in Developing Competencies for Accounting and Audit Professionals. Electronics (Switzerland). https://doi.org/https:// doi.org/10.3390/electronics13132621

Anica-Popa, I. F., Vrîncianu, M., Anica-Popa, L. E., Cișmașu, I. D., & Tudor, C. G. (2024). Framework for Integrating Generative AI in Developing Competencies for Accounting and Audit Professionals. Electronics (Switzerland), 13(13). https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13132621

Baas, J., Schotten, M., & Plume, A. (2020). Scopus as a curated , high-quality bibliometric data source for academic research in quantitative science studies.

Chen, Y. (2024). A Panoramic Overview of the Opportunities and Challenges Artificial Intelligence Brings to ESG Investing. In Artificial Intelligence Finance and Sustainability Economic Ecological and Ethical Implications (pp. 19–32). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-66205-8_2

Dragulin, B., Stefan, V., Tabirca, A.-I., Scheau, M.-C., Radu, V., & Munteanu, V. (2025). AI-Driven Models for Forecasting Public Expenditures in the Digital Era. Electronics (Switzerland), 1–25. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/ electronics14204047

Fisch, C., & Block, J. (2018). Six tips for your ( systematic ) literature review in business and management research. Management Review Quarterly, 68(2), 103–106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-018-0142-x

Guerrero, W. A., Camacho-galindo, S., Guerrero-martin, L. E., & Carlos, J. (2025). Integration of AI , RPA and Big Data in strategic accounting management and consulting : perspectives and challenges. DYNA, 92, 26–34. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.15446/dyna.v92n238.118759

Gusc, J., Bosma, P., Jarka, S., & Biernat-Jarka, A. (2022). The Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain in True Cost Accounting for Energy Transition in Europe. Energies, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/en15031089

Hoque, Z. (2013). 20 years of studies on the balanced scorecard : Trends , accomplishments , gaps and opportunities for future research. The British Accounting Review, 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bar.2013.10.003

Kerr, D., Smith, K. T., Smith, L. M., & Xu, T. (2025). A Review of AI and Its Impact on Management Accounting and Society. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 1–22. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/ jrfm18060340

Kraus, S., Durst, S., Ferreira, J. J., Veiga, P., Kailer, N., & Weinmann, A. (2022). Digital transformation in business and management research: An overview of the current status quo. International Journal of Information Management, 63(December 2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2021.102466

Lampropoulos, I. C., Aggelopoulos, E., Paraschi, E. P., Georgopoulos, N., & Kalogera, M. (2026). Cognitive Bias and Trust in Digital Accounting Decisions. FinTech, 5(2), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/fintech5020049

Lehner, O. M., Ittonen, K., Silvola, H., & Str, E. (2026). Artificial intelligence based decision-making in accounting and auditing : ethical challenges and normative thinking. Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal, 35(9), 109–135. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-09-2020-4934

Lehner, O. M., Ittonen, K., Silvola, H., Ström, E., & Wührleitner, A. (2022). Artificial intelligence based decision-making in accounting and auditing: ethical challenges and normative thinking. Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal, 35(9), 109–135. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-09-2020-4934

Leitner-Hanetseder, S., Lehner, O. M., Eisl, C., & Forstenlechner, C. (2021). A profession in transition: actors, tasks and roles in AI-based accounting. Journal of Applied Accounting Research, 22(3), 539–556. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAAR-10-2020-0201

Li, L., Liu, L., & Xiang, L. (2025). Optimisation and application of management accounting system based on generative artificial intelligence. International Journal of Accounting and Information Technology, January. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJICT.2025.10072222

Losbichler, H., & Lehner, O. M. (2026). Limits of artificial intelligence in controlling and the ways forward : a call for future accounting research. Journal of Applied Accounting, 22(2), 365–382. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAAR-10-2020-0207

Lu, G. (2025). Artificial Intelligence and Green Collaborative Innovation: An Empirical Investigation Based on a High-Dimensional Fixed Effects Model. Sustainability Switzerland, 17(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/su17094141

Mahapatra, M. S., & Mishra, R. (2020). Behavioral influence and financial decision of individuals: A study on mental accounting process among Indian households. Cogent Economics and Finance, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2020.1827762

Mahboub, R., & Ghanem, M. G. (2024). The mediating role of knowledge management practices and balanced scorecard in the association between artificial intelligence and organization performance : evidence from MENA region commercial banks. Cogent Business & Management, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2404484

Numbi, M., & Elongha, G. (2025). Leveraging AI in managerial decision-making : driving innovation and growth in business management. Issues in Information Systems, 26(2), 508–516. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.48009/2_iis_2025_138 Leveraging

Pantea, M. F., Cilan, T. F., Cuc, L. D., Rad, D., Almas, R. C., & Feher, A. (2024). Optimizing Romanian Managerial Accounting Practices through Digital Technologies : A Resource-Based and Technology-Deterministic Approach to Sustainable Accounting. Electronics (Switzerland), 1–20. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/ 10.3390/electronics13163206

Pasman, H. J., & Behie, S. W. (2024). The evolution to Industry 5.0 / Safety 5.0, the developments in society, and implications for industry management. Journal of Safety and Sustainability, 1(4), 202–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsasus.2024.11.003

Pavlovic, M., Gligoric, C., Zdravkovic, F., & Pavlovic, D. (2024). Revolutionizing Management Accounting: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Predictive Analytics, Automated Reporting and Decision-Making. Business & Management Compass, 68, 23–42. https://doi.org/10.56065/nxn2gx53

Qatawneh, A. M., Al-lozi, E. M., & Al-lozi, N. M. (2024). Internet of Things " IoT " and the Quality of Decision-making during the Covid-19 Pandemic : A Perspective of Accounting Managers within the Jordanian Industrial Sector. Jordan Journal of Business Administration, 20(2), 291–308. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.35516/jjba.v20i2.2012

Qin, J., & Qin, Q. (2021). Cloud Platform for Enterprise Financial Budget Management Based on Artificial Intelligence. Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8038433

Qiu, J. (2021). Analysis of Human Interactive Accounting Management Information Systems Based on Artificial Intelligence. Journal of Global Information Management, 30(7), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.4018/JGIM.294905

Ramaj, B. Z. (2025). The Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Advanced Management Accounting , Evidence from Albania and Implications for International Education Standards in Accounting. European Journal of Social Science Education and Research, 9563(December), 20–43. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.26417/0xkfnh82

Ranta, M., Ylinen, M., & Järvenpää, M. (2023). Machine Learning in Management Accounting Research : Literature Review and Pathways for the Future Machine Learning in Management Accounting Research : Literature Review. European Accounting Review, 8180. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638180.2022.2137221

Rawashdeh, A. (2026). The consequences of arti fi cial intelligence : an investigation into the impact of AI on job displacement in accounting. Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, October. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTPM-02-2023-0030

Rawdhan, A. A. R., & Kaliappen, N. (2024). Strategic Management Accounting in Australian Manufacturing Firms - A Study of Tools and Techniques for Efficiency Improvement In the Current Fourth Industrial Revolution Context. International Journal for Quality Research, 18(3), 699–714. https://doi.org/10.24874/IJQR18.03-04

Rodgers, W., Degbey, W. Y., Söderbom, A., & Leijon, S. (2022). Leveraging international R&D teams of portfolio entrepreneurs and management controllers to innovate: Implications of algorithmic decision-making. Journal of Business Research, 140(January 2019), 232–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.10.053

Shchyrba, I., Savitskaya, M., Fursa, T., Yeremіan, O., & Ostropolska, Y. (2024). Management Accounting: the Latest Technologies, Chatgpt Capabilities. Financial and Credit Activity: Problems of Theory and Practice, 1(54), 160–172. https://doi.org/10.55643/fcaptp.1.54.2024.4307

Sundstrom, A. (2024). AI in management control: Emergent forms, practices, and infrastructures. Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 99(December 2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpa.2023.102701

Thelwall, M., & Pinfield, S. (2024). The accuracy of field classifications for journals in Scopus. Scientometrics, 129(2), 1097–1117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-023-04901-4

Wang, M., & Dai, J. (2025). Research on the application of artificial intelligence in the field of enterprise financial management and strategic decision-making. Artificial Intelligence, Financial Management, Enterprise Management, Strategic Decision-Making., 9(3), 545–551. https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v9i3.5253

Wibbeke, L. M., & Lachmann, M. (2020). Psychology in management accounting and control research: an overview of the recent literature. In Journal of Management Control (Vol. 31, Issue 3). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00187-020-00302-3

Xiao, Y., & Watson, M. (2017). Guidance on Conducting a Systematic Literature Review. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456X17723971

Yahya, A. Z. (2026). Human and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration and the Future Competencies of Professional Accountants. Global Review of Business Innovation and Sustainability, 1, 50–90. https://doi.org/Yahya, Ahmad Zahiruddin, Human and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration and the Future Competencies of Professional Accountants (January 01, 2026). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=7293858 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.7293858




DOI: https://doi.org/10.35308/akbis.v10i2.16504

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.