Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of the modern economy, bringing significant changes to various fields of activity. It is estimated that by 2030, the contribution of AI to global GDP could reach 13-20 trillion US dollars. With the introduction of AI, companies can significantly increase their efficiency [1].

This trend has not bypassed the audit.

The advantage of Artificial Intelligence in public sector auditing is the use of a large amount of data in the analysis, processing transactional information through analysis, which in turn exceeds the limits of statistical methods. There is no need to apply statistical sampling when using AI. Despite this, time and labor costs for analytical operations are significantly reduced; new opportunities are created to demonstrate comprehensive information and the risk of significant deviation. These factors contribute to reducing the risks of defects in audit reports.

Nonetheless, given the positive aspects of artificial intelligence, do not forget about the alarming and increasing phenomenon of excessive trust in artificial intelligence. As they say, Trust, But Verify.

Another problem with using artificial intelligence is the problem of the final solution, to which people have delegated their right to decide. We should keep in mind that artificial intelligence in public sector auditing is primarily just a tool based on the transparency of algorithms, which should present solutions, and the final decision/choice should be made by the state auditor.

Also, let’s not forget about the issue of retraining and advanced training of employees when switching to digital AI solutions.

According to the expert (Jochen Berbner, managing partner of McKinsey & Company in Kazakhstan), the prospects of artificial intelligence and in-depth analytics in Kazakhstan may become one of the key factors that will allow the country to achieve 5-6% annual GDP growth by 2030.

Together with the potential for economic development, artificial intelligence technologies can have a significant social effect that contributes to improving the quality of life.

In order to be able to use our full potential of AI and in-depth analytics a lot of joint efforts are required on the part of the state, business and the public.

To date, Kazakhstan has laid the foundation of the legislative framework in the field of informatization and the development of artificial intelligence [2].

In addition, by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated April 27, 2024, the Committee for Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Development under the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan was established.

Therefore, the state is responsible for the development and regulation in the field of AI, creating the necessary conditions and stimulating innovative and scientific as well as technical activities of domestic research centers engaged in developments in the field of electronic industry and digital assets.

The role of the state is essential not only in the adaptation of legislation, but also in the planning and creation of projects, including the modernization of existing infrastructure to achieve the priorities and goals of public policy.

All this formed the basis for the Concept of Artificial Intelligence Development for 2024-2029 approved by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

These measures contribute to the fact that research in the field of artificial intelligence is currently being conducted in scientific laboratories in Kazakhstan. Some universities in the country have research centers that are actively involved in this process. At the same time, there are examples of successful use of new technologies in domestic practice.

The Supreme Audit Chamber of the Republic of Kazakhstan understands the challenges that accompany the use of today's technological mainstream, including challenges related to national security, but at the same time it is fully aware that the world is sinking deeper into the field of digital management and control systems, and also recognizes the great possibilities of using AI in public audit.

Taking into account all the possibilities and challenges of using artificial intelligence, the Supreme Audit Chamber is taking steps to create prerequisites for the use of AI in its activities.

So, planned and rational work is being carried out:

- on improving the infrastructure of the institution with contemporary equipment;

- on the formation and maintenance of a Single database that will provide high-quality data;

- on research activities in cooperation with international organizations such as Asian Development Bank;

- on professional development of specialists;

The ongoing work is correlated with the approaches and directions outlined in the Concept of Artificial Intelligence Development for 2024-2029.

Artificial intelligence is becoming a part of our lives – a fact that the supreme audit institutions (SAIs) cannot ignore, given the need to introduce modern technologies to existing business processes in the audit.

Taking into account the significant experience of a number of SAIs, and members of ASOSAI, we suggest cooperating and using ASOSAI's capabilities to share research and best practices in the development of artificial intelligence in public sector auditing.

References:

1. Ikbayev, D., Emelyantsev, D., Ustinov, D., Durov, I., & Tatarenkov, A. (2024, July 6). McKinsey: By 2030, AI's contribution to global GDP will reach $13-20 trillion. Forbes.kz. https://forbes.kz/articles/mckinsey-k-2030-godu-vklad-ii-v-mirovoy-vvp-dostignet-13-20-trln-824162

2. Concept of Artificial Intelligence Development for 2024-2029, p. 9