Artificial Intelligence (AI) replicates intelligent human behaviors, encompassing technologies like machine learning and robotics. AI is one of the fastest-growing areas, with 65% of organizations incorporating AI. This growth is crucial across industries, including auditing. Auditing faces challenges due to rapid digitization, in need to adopt to strategic AI for competitiveness. Deloitte recognizes the importance of AI as a key and evolving technology that must be incorporated into their audit work.

This study addresses three main research questions: fundamentals of AI, including definitions, uses, and types like machine learning and generative AI. Next, AI implementation in audits, focusing on benefits like efficiency and error reduction, and challenges like privacy and ethics. Lastly, AI integration within Deloitte Switzerland's audit department, highlighting tools that automate tasks and improve decision-making, emphasizing the need for training and risk management. The research combines theoretical analysis and interviews from audit professionals from Deloitte.

This thesis shows that specific tools such as Spotlight, the Anti-Fraud Risk Monitoring Platform, Reveal, and the generative AI chatbot PairD are highlighted for their roles in transforming audit processes. These tools have not only increased efficiency at Deloitte Switzerland but have also underscored the importance of ongoing training and strong risk management to maximize AI's potential. This study demonstrates that the implementation of AI significantly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of audit work at Deloitte Switzerland. However, it also underscores the critical importance of training and skill development for auditors. As AI tools become more integrated into audit processes, it is essential for Deloitte to provide ongoing training and education to their auditors to ensure they can use these advanced tools effectively. Continuous professional development is not just beneficial but necessary to adapt to the evolving technological landscape. Furthermore, the implementation of AI has highlighted the need for maintaining professional scepticism and judgment. Auditors must not only rely on AI outputs but also critically evaluate and interpret the results.