Internal Auditors Surveyed on AI Adoption Trends
A Wolters Kluwer webinar revealed that most audit professionals are still in the early stages of experimenting with AI tools.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Internal audit professionals are currently leveraging artificial intelligence primarily for individual experimentation rather than formal enterprise-wide programs. Survey results indicate that while audit teams see significant value in AI for risk assessment, broad adoption remains limited.
Why it matters
Understanding how audit professionals integrate AI is crucial as organizations transition from basic content generation toward using the technology for pattern identification and complex decision support.
Polling data from 2,078 to 2,327 professionals showed that 38.2% value AI for planning and risk assessment, while 31.2% prioritize its use for evidence review and fieldwork.
The players
Wolters Kluwer
This global professional information services company provides software and expert solutions for audit, tax, and accounting professionals.
The details
Audit functions are increasingly moving away from simple content generation to utilize AI for identifying complex patterns in audit information. Despite this shift, teams are still focused on building foundational AI literacy and establishing acceptable-use guidance to mitigate concerns regarding data security and output accuracy.
Timeline
The Wolters Kluwer TeamMate webinar took place on October 6, 2026.
The Tech Race
This development reflects the broader industry transition from isolated AI experimentation to the implementation of structured enterprise governance. It positions firms currently managing the shift from simple automation to complex, AI-supported decision-making against competitors who have already achieved full-scale adoption.
Audit professionals can expect to see increased requirements for AI literacy and adherence to new governance guidelines in their daily workflows. These updates aim to address security concerns while enabling more efficient use of AI for routine evidence review and fieldwork tasks.
The takeaway
Audit teams currently view data privacy and output accuracy as their most pressing concerns regarding agentic AI integration. Organizations looking to advance their AI programs should prioritize the development of clear acceptable-use guidance and comprehensive team literacy training.
Further reading
For more information on how automated systems are changing professional workflows, read our latest updates on Artificial Intelligence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CPA Practice Advisor.
Live Poll
Is now a good time for organizations to adopt AI without established governance protocols?
