The effect of blockchain on accounting

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine blockchain's effect on the accounting profession. In other words, this study seeks to answer whether blockchain can affect the accounting profession. Design/methodology/approach The statistical population of this study comprises two groups. The first group includes accountants and external auditors working for Iranian audit firms, and the second group consists of accounting professors. Finally, 743 participants are selected as the research sample using the Cochran sample selection method. In this study, partial least square tests are used to examine the effect of the independent variable on dependent variables. Findings The results of this study demonstrate that blockchain has a positive and significant effect on the payroll system, risk management and financial systems. Moreover, the results indicate that blockchain does not affect the audit process. Originality/value As no research has yet examined the effect of blockchain on the accounting profession in Iran, the results of this study can provide the public with helpful information and add to the relevant literature.