Theo Theodoulou
Partner of Audit & Assurance at Kreston Ioannou and Theodoulou
The Future of AI in Audit
May 21, 2026
In the first Kreston Global Audit Group podcast our experts discuss the future of AI in audit, Theo Theodoulou (Group Chair) and Graham Gardner (Head of Audit Quality at Kreston Reeves) explore how artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics are redefining the future of audit, from the way teams work to the skills the next generation of auditors will need.
With experience spanning Deloitte, KPMG and now Kreston Reeves, Graham brings a practical, hands-on perspective to one of the profession’s most talked-about topics: how firms can embrace innovation without compromising audit quality.
Smarter audits
One of the key themes emerging from the discussion is the shift away from traditional manual audit processes.
Technologies such as machine learning, OCR (optical character recognition), and advanced data analytics are already helping firms analyse entire data populations rather than relying solely on sampling techniques. That means auditors can identify anomalies, trends and potential fraud risks with greater precision, often uncovering insights that would be nearly impossible to detect manually.
But as Graham explains, the real story isn’t just about efficiency.
It’s about enabling audit teams to focus more time on judgment, critical thinking and risk assessment, definitive areas where human expertise remains essential.
Why AI is different this time
AI in audit is not entirely new. Larger firms have been experimenting with machine learning and automation for years.
What’s changed, however, is accessibility.
Generative AI tools are making advanced technology usable for a far wider audience, allowing professionals to interact with systems conversationally rather than needing specialist coding or data science skills. That shift could fundamentally change how audit teams engage with information and solve problems.
The podcast also explores how firms are beginning to apply these tools to more complex and judgment-heavy areas of the audit process — particularly around accounting estimates and risk assessment.
Risk
Of course, innovation brings challenges.
The conversation tackles some of the biggest concerns firms face as AI adoption accelerates, including:
- over-reliance on AI-generated outputs
- ethical and copyright considerations
- misinformation and hallucinated results
- maintaining professional scepticism
- ensuring technology enhances — rather than weakens — audit quality
Graham shares practical examples of where generative AI can produce convincing but inaccurate information, highlighting why human oversight remains critical.
The auditor of the future
So what will tomorrow’s auditor look like?
According to Graham, data literacy is rapidly becoming a core professional skill. Future audit teams will need to combine technical understanding with strong analytical thinking, commercial judgement and the ability to interpret increasingly complex information environments.
The discussion also touches on how technology could help make the profession more attractive to younger talent by reducing repetitive manual work and creating broader, more value-driven career paths.
Listen here
This episode offers a thoughtful and practical look at one of the most important conversations currently shaping the profession.
Podcast Host: Theo Theodoulous
Guest Speaker: Graham Gardner, Head of Audit Quality, Kreston Reeves
Listen to the full episode to hear:
- where AI will have the biggest impact on audit
- How firms should balance efficiency with quality
- The risks regulators are watching closely
- Why human judgment will remain indispensable
- What skills auditors need over the next decade
Watch the full video podcast
Listen to the audio version
More episodes from the Kreston Global Audit Group podcast series coming soon.
