Digital Tools in the Audit of Consolidated Financial Reporting: New Opportunities for Accounting and Financial Management

Abstract

The article explores the potential of digital technologies to enhance the effectiveness of auditing consolidated financial reporting as a strategic instrument of financial management.

The purpose of the study is to identify the potential of digitalization for ensuring the reliability, analytical completeness, and transparency of group financial reporting audits, as well as to develop a scientifically grounded model for digital audit support.

The methodology includes critical analysis of academic publications from 2021–2025, generalization of case studies from transnational auditing firms, content analysis of digital tools (ERP, BI, AI, blockchain), comparison of international auditing standards, and development of an original step-by-step audit model.

The results confirm that the use of artificial intelligence platforms, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), BI analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau), and blockchain solutions contributes to risk identification automation, enhances the quality of audit evidence, and reduces audit duration. A five-step digital audit model for consolidated financial reporting is proposed, integrating the methodological requirements of ISA 240, 315, 330, 500, 520, and 265 with modern digital approaches. The role of audit is clarified as a source of management analytics for decision-making in complex corporate structures.

The conclusions emphasize the need to harmonize national audit methodologies with international digital standards, develop a regulatory framework for working with electronic reporting, and strengthen auditors’ digital competencies. Future research directions include evaluating the effectiveness of artificial intelligence, automation of audit evidence generation, and integration of digital auditing into financial planning processes within corporate groups.