Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming accounting by automating cognitive tasks and redefining mechanisms of governance and risk control. This study examines how AI operates as an intelligent control system—one that substitutes manual accounting procedures while enhancing transparency, internal control, and fraud detection. Inte-grating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with Organizational Information Processing Theory (OIPT), the research develops a behavioral–organizational frame-work linking perceived usefulness, ease of use, AI literacy, technology readiness, social influence, and facilitating conditions to AI adoption and perceived substitution bene-fits. A structured survey was administered to accounting students and practitioners in Northern Italy (n = 185) and analyzed through reliability tests and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that AI literacy, facilitating conditions, and social influence significantly drive adoption intention, while perceived substitution benefits fully mediate the relationship between adoption and governance outcomes. The findings demonstrate that AI adoption enhances governance and risk-management effectiveness by functioning as an intelligent control mechanism. The study introduces the AI-to-Control (A2C) Blueprint to guide responsible integra-tion of AI into accounting systems, reframing AI adoption as a structural evolution in corporate governance rather than a mere technological upgrade.

Abstract: This study investigates the determinants of Fraudulent Financial Reporting (FFR) in the banking sector from 2020 to 2024 by integrating the Fraud Hexagon framework within a risk and financial management perspective. The research employs a robust empirical analysis using financial and governance data to examine six key elements—pressure, opportunity, rationalization, capability, arrogance, and collusion—that shape fraud risk behavior in financial institutions. The findings reveal that internal risk pressures, such as high leverage and performance demands, significantly influence fraud incentives, whereas ineffective monitoring mechanisms, auditor switching, chairperson changes, and CEO visibility show limited effects on FFR. Moreover, cooperation with government entities does not automatically reduce fraud risk unless supported by strong and independent risk governance structures. The study highlights the crucial role of corporate governance mechanisms, including audit committees, institutional ownership, and internal control systems, in mitigating fraud risk and enhancing financial reporting integrity. From a policy perspective, the research provides strategic insights for regulators and supervisory bodies—such as the Financial Services Authority (OJK)—to strengthen governance frameworks, enforce stricter disclosure requirements, and integrate fraud risk management practices into corporate oversight. Overall, the study contributes to the literature on financial governance by demonstrating how effective risk management and governance alignment can reduce fraudulent reporting and improve the sustainability of the banking sector.

Abstract: The research investigates present-day environmental accounting practices in Albania together with organizational-level elements which determine their implementation. The research investigates Albanian business organizations particularly small and medium enterprises to understand their environmental accounting practices under limited institutional support. The research uses stakeholder theory and legitimacy theory and resource-based theory and institutional theory to understand how internal and external elements affect environmental practice adoption. The research uses ordinal logistic regression and OLS linear regression models to test four main hypotheses based on survey data from 151 Albanian non-financial companies and managerial perception analysis. The research findings demonstrate that enterprise size stands as the primary structural element which determines the extent of environmental accounting implementation but sector type and ownership structure and commercial focus do not show statistical significance. The study demonstrates that internal organizational factors which includes EA knowledge levels and sustainability attitudes and absence of implementation barriers leads to positive and significant results. The external forces which include regulatory requirements and social expectations and institutional backing fail to create direct effects on adoption rates. The research develops an empirical framework which demonstrates how internal and external elements influence environmental accounting readiness in Albania's developing economy. The research demonstrates that environmental accounting readiness in Albania requires better regulatory support and environmental education programs and specific training programs for small and medium enterprises.

Abstract: The article examines the challenges associated with implementing and applying the new valuation approaches introduced by IPSAS 46 in the public sector, specifically fair value and current operational value. The analysis is based on thematic survey data collected from professionals engaged in public sector ac-counting and reporting, as well as a diverse range of documentary sources. Although the study does not include a factor analysis and its conclusions are limited to the Georgian context, thematic grouping revealed key determinants influencing the implementation of IPSAS: professional competence, resource availability, and managerial motivation. Additional situational limitations existed, as the study was conducted prior to the official translation of IPSAS 46 and its incorporation into the national guidance. Despite these constraints, the findings may hold relevance for other countries facing similar challenges of limited resources, professional capacity, and managerial attitudes. The study provides recommendations for integrating IPSAS 46 principles into local standards.

Abstract: Financial statement fraud (FSF) is more prevalent in economies with high information asymmetry and weak institutional control, threatening investor trust and financial stability. This study proposes an integrated, decision-centric framework combining machine learning (ML), explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), and decision curve analysis (DCA) to improve detection under class-imbalanced conditions. Using financial statement data from 132 Mongolian companies (2013–2024; 969 firm-year observations and 21 ratios), Random Forest, XGBoost, LightGBM, and a Stacking Ensemble were implemented. Data imbalance was corrected with SMOTE and class weighting. Model performance was evaluated using PR-AUC, F1-score, and Recall, while interpretability was analyzed through SHAP, LIME, and counterfactual explanations. DCA and audit cost simulations were conducted to assess decision utility. The Stacking Ensemble achieved the best performance (PR-AUC = 0.93; F1 = 0.83). SHAP and LIME identified leverage and liquidity ratios as key predictors consistent with agency and signaling theories, with a SHAP Stability Index (SSI) of 0.87 confirming interpretability. DCA results indicated a 7–9% improvement in decision efficiency, 3–4% lower audit costs, and annual savings of MNT 80–100 million. The study introduces a transparent, cost-efficient framework integrating XAI, DCA, and audit cost simulation for optimized FSF detection and data-driven financial supervision.

Abstract: The recent expansion of sustainability studies has reshaped the conceptual and practical foundations of corporate governance. The environmental responsibilities of businesses have not only increased but also become more diversified, requiring new approaches to oversight. Consequently, inspection and auditing mechanisms have gained heightened importance, as international regulatory and supervisory authorities emphasize their role in ensuring long-term corporate sustainability. In this context, the restructuring of environmental auditing emerges as a critical instrument for aligning business responsibilities with sustainability goals and corporate governance culture. This study conducts a comparative examination of environmental auditing practices in Moldova and Bulgaria during the period 2020–2025. The research seeks to deter-mine the current status, scope, and trajectory of both practical initiatives and scholarly contributions in this field. Data were collected from national database platforms specific to Moldova and Bulgaria and analyzed through descriptive content analysis with attention to structural, substantive, and procedural dimensions. The findings reveal that, while Bulgaria demonstrates a higher degree of institutional implementation capacity and Moldova exhibits notable legislative innovation, both countries face pressing needs in enhancing transparency, public participation, and the allocation of targeted resources for rural infrastructure through digital auditing mechanisms.

Abstract: This paper proposes an adaptive explainable artificial intelligence framework designed to enable proactive tax risk prevention and control for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Traditional tax risk detection models suffer from issues such as lagging performance and black-box decision-making, making them ill-suited to dynamic tax policies and the fluctuating operations of SMEs. By integrating a policy-aware module, a few-shot incremental learning mechanism, and a dynamic feature iteration strategy, this study constructs a risk prediction system capable of real-time response to policy changes, continuous learning, and high interpretability. Experimental results demonstrate that the framework maintains high accuracy (>0.8) and AUC (>0.8) in dynamic tax environments while precisely pinpointing risk sources through interpretability techniques like SHAP. Case studies further validate its capability to provide visual risk explanations and targeted corrective recommendations in real-world scenarios. This paper charts a technical pathway for SMEs to transition from “passive auditing” to “proactive prevention” in tax compliance.

Abstract:

Analyzing 2,309,573 tweets by S&P 500 firms along with 2,498,767 public replies, we examine how firms’ ESG communication tactics on social media influence the micro-level accumulation of reputational capital. Leveraging prior communication literature, we categorize firms’ ESG messages based on three primary communication functions: Information, Community-Building, and Action. Information-based tactics unidirectionally disseminate knowledge but do not directly engage stakeholders; Community-building tactics foster engagement and relationship-building; Action-based tactics seek to mobilize stakeholders to take direct action. Our results indicate that information-focused ESG messages drive reputational awareness, whereas community-building tactics influence reputational favorability. Additional analyses reveal different audience response patterns between ESG-specific and general corporate messaging as well as between B2C and B2B firms. This study provides evidence of new, non-reporting-based ESG communication tactics and illustrates how firms accumulate reputational capital on a micro, message-by-message, day-to-day level. Our findings offer insights into the strategic use of ESG communication to enhance corporate reputation.

Abstract: The presence of the Indonesia Carbon Exchange (ICE), puts pressure on management to carry out its active role in reducing the potential of climate change through business strategies such as disclosure and improving carbon performance. This study seeks to prove the significant difference in carbon disclosure and performance after the launch of the ICE, as well as to reviews the profound differences in the increase in carbon disclosure and performance in the high and low polluting sectors in the population of companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2022 and 2024 periods. The two research models used in formulating the results are the Wilcoxon Test and the Diference-in-Diference Model. The results of this study indicate a significant difference in carbon disclosure and performance after the launch of ICE, which illustrates the changing dynamics of environmental regulations encouraging companies to improve transparency and corporate carbon performance in an effort to maintain their legitimacy. This study show there was no significant difference in the comprehensiveness of carbon disclosure or the improvement in carbon performance between high and low-polluting sector after the launch of ICE.

Abstract: Tax inspection is a universal phenomenon, but little is known about the use of innovative technology to arm tax auditors with tools in monitoring it. Particularly, tracking goods and commodities to mitigate control risks and avoiding tax fraud and evasion. This study examines a quasi-experiment of development of innovative tools to implement controls aimed at providing the tax inspector with effective artefact to combat tax evasion. Toeing the legitimacy theory, there is an agreement between taxpayers and the tax authorities on adequate compliance with tax legislation. The use of systemic controls by tax authorities is quintessential to track stakeholders’ contract and ensure mandate. The case study is exploratory, using a participatory interventionist approach of a tax auditor. Results indicate that partnership between experienced Tax auditors and IT tax auditors brought several tangible benefits in the developing and monitoring innovative application. It also indicates that OCR supports a data lake to inspectors in which stored information is available standby during inspection. Furthermore, the use of mobile applications instead of searches on mainframes has streamlined the inspection process. The integration of professional scepticism, empathy among users and technological innovation surges independence among tax auditors and ensures focus. The use of a single tool developed according to users’ needs has generated an awareness and a standardized way of working, bringing greater agility to the work and maximising resources. The information necessary for analysis and decision-making is now at the tip of inspectors’ hand on their mobile phones and no longer on the other side of the road in client-server or mainframe applications awaiting consultation. The contribution of this study presents technological innovation developed to guarantee the legitimacy that the legislation, in the case of tax policy, is being complied with through systemic controls. The implication is that this is a peak of Isberg as innovation in the public administration presupposes efficiency. This is the beginning of the process of automating controls, now it is possible to evolve and mitigate frauds of undue appropriation of taxes and undue competition.

Abstract: Accommodation tax can be viewed as a policy tool to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on destinations and as a destination management tool. Accommodation tax could contribute to improving, amongst other things, the destination for both visitors and residents, as well as the quality of life for residents, if it is used effectively. Accommodation tax has become increasingly important to destinations worldwide to internalize the external costs of tourism and to support tourism investments, provide social services and to protect the environment. Even though the accommodation tax is a practice of several countries and even though the accommodation tax brings several advantages for the destination, not much academic attention is paid to its issue. Therefore, the aim of our study is to bridge the gap between accommodation tax and destination management, providing insights from selected countries Europe. A quantitative approach was applied in this study. Statistical data were processed using descriptive statistics, and the impact of accommodation tax on sustainable development was determined using the Spearman's correlation coefficient. Our study can be used as a basis for policy makers, destination managers, and academics for future research on accommodation tax.

Abstract: This study systematically analyzes the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate reputation through a literature review of 48 selected articles published between 2014 and 2024. The findings reveal that CSR significantly influences corporate reputation across various sectors, with key emphases on social empowerment, environmental management, and disclosure transparency. Well-designed CSR programs not only enhance corporate image but also foster customer loyalty and build stakeholder trust towards sustainable development. Moreover, transparent CSR disclosures via digital media play a critical role in shaping public perceptions, particularly regarding social and environmental issues closely linked to sustainable development. This study provides practical insights for companies, regulators, and academics in developing effective CSR strategies that strengthen corporate reputation while contributing to sustainable development in the era of globalization.

Abstract: This research paper investigates the integral role of managerial accounting in strategic decision-making within contemporary organizations. Managerial accounting offers a blend of financial and non-financial data that is crucial for managers as they make decisions regarding the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of organizational activities. It focuses on how key managerial accounting techniques, such as cost analysis, budgeting, variance analysis, and performance measurement, contribute to the effectiveness and accuracy of strategic decisions. The paper reviews a wide array of literature to highlight the growing necessity of incorporating accounting data into strategic planning processes, demonstrating how financial insights can align operational activities with overarching organizational goals. Furthermore, the study evaluates the influence of managerial accounting practices on organizational performance, addressing both its potential advantages and the challenges that may arise from its application. These challenges include resistance to data-driven decision-making, gaps in financial literacy, and organizational silos that inhibit effective information flow. Finally, the paper proposes several strategies to enhance the role of managerial accounting in decision-making processes, such as improving managerial training, fostering a culture of data utilization, and ensuring the seamless integration of accounting data with broader strategic frameworks. The findings aim to provide valuable guidance for organizations striving to leverage managerial accounting as a tool for sustainable growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage.

Abstract: Artisanal gold mining provides critical livelihoods for many Zimbabwean communi-ties but also causes severe environmental degradation and social challenges that un-dermine sustainable development. This study investigates these impacts through qual-itative interviews with miners, residents, officials, and environmental experts in min-ing areas. Key findings reveal significant ecological damage, including deforestation and water contamination, as well as adverse effects on community health and liveli-hoods, reflecting a trade-off between immediate economic benefits and long-term sus-tainability. It is recommended that training and support be implemented to help min-ers adopt safer, environmentally friendly techniques that mitigate these impacts. By evaluating current policies and proposing practical interventions, the study contrib-utes to the discourse on balancing economic development with environmental conser-vation, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Abstract: This study examines the impact of corporate sustainable tax strategies on investment scale and firm value using signaling theory. Following McGuire et al., we measure tax strategy sustainability through the coefficient of variation of cash effective tax rates over a five-year period. Using 3,121 firm-year observations of Korean listed companies from 2010 to 2023, we employ Two-Stage Least Squares regression to address endogeneity concerns. Our findings support two main hypotheses. First, firms pursuing sustainable tax strategies engage in significantly larger capital investments, suggesting that consistent tax policies signal effective risk management capabilities and enable systematic long-term investment planning. Second, the interaction effect between sustainable tax strategies and capital expenditures positively influences firm value, indicating that sustainable tax planning enhances investment efficiency. The results demonstrate that firms with lower tax rate volatility send positive signals to external stakeholders about their predictable cash flows, superior internal control systems, and strategic management capabilities. This study contributes to the literature by applying signaling theory to tax strategy research and provides practical insights for corporate managers regarding the importance of long-term tax planning over short-term tax minimization. The findings also support UN Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9, and 12 by demonstrating how sustainable financial practices promote responsible corporate decision-making.

Abstract: This research studies the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), environment performance, and good governance on financial performance, as measured by Return on Assets (ROA) as well as Price to Book Value (PBV), with managerial strategy as the moderator. Applying SEM-PLS to the dataset from quoted companies in Indonesia and Malaysia (2020–2024), we find that all three ESG parameters significantly contribute to both ROA as well as PBV. Managerial strategy, as represented by employee training, however, is found to not significantly moderate CSR or environment performance to financial performance. Only the effect of good governance is moderately influenced by managerial strategy. This identifies a new finding that internal strategy may selectively work according to the ESG parameter. Theoretically, the research contributes to Stakeholder Theory, Legitimacy Theory, as well as the Resource-Based View by applying human capital as a strategic resource. Practically, applying the study identifies that enhancing the quality of governance as well as employee abilities is important to advance ESG performance as well as long-term value in emerging economies.

Abstract: As part of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ecosystem, this paper evaluates fundamental success factors that influence external auditors and relevant stakeholders to be proactive and efficacious in sustaining corporate governance practices in emerging economies. The study presents a conceptual policy framework aimed at enhancing sustainable corporate governance, to ensure effective auditing in the public sector, by applying an extensive approach based on agency and corporate risk management theories. Applying an online qualitative technique, exploratory focus groups were held in three countries. The participants were selected by their respective Supreme Audit Institutions, based on their experience and proficiency in public sector auditing. Among the fundamental success factors identified were capacity building for auditors, poor governance arrangement at SOEs, outdated legislative requirements, skills and specialisation of auditors, continuous training of auditors, synergy between external and internal auditors, financial and logistical constraints, expertise required for audit assignments, understanding of auditee systems/environments and institutional experience, collaboration with stakeholders, lack of commitment culture of auditee leadership, technology limitations, and unhealthy accountability ecosystem and human resources. Validation interviews were conducted after the success factors to improve the suggested government auditor capacity policy framework were determined. The executive governments, legislatures, legislative oversight bodies, citizens, and worldwide communities can benefit greatly from the empirical segment of this study to enhance sustainable corporate governance in emerging economies and obtain greater contributions from government auditors.

Abstract: This comprehensive literature review delves into the dynamic role of Internal Audit (IA) in addressing sustainability, resilience, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations within organizations. It addresses two fundamental inquiries: Firstly, it examines how Internal Audit actively contributes to an organization's sustainability and resilience initiatives through the effective implementation of ESG strategies. Secondly, it investigates methods for quantifying the additional value generated by ESG implementation. The review underscores the pivotal role of corporate responsibility (CR) and sustainable responsible investment (SRI) in shaping the value proposition of ESG practices. Synthesizing diverse research findings, the review reveals that robust ESG practices not only foster enhanced profitability but also bolster market value. Significantly, it underscores the indispensable role of Internal Audit in effectively navigating the complex and evolving ESG landscape, thereby ensuring organizational resilience and sustainable growth.

Abstract: The study objects for determining how independent practicing auditors perceive the effect of employing big-data technology in performing the tasks od financial statements auditing, on the level of audit risk. A questionnaire is used as the key instrument for the collection of data from respondents. A sample of 190 practicing independent auditors in Jordan had been selected following the random sampling method. Employing the one sample t-test in hypotheses testing, the results demonstrated that the practicing independent auditors in Jordan perceive that employing big data in performing audit risk, leads to a reduction in the level of audit risk, and each of the five big-data techniques plays a role in the entire effect, based on the perceptions of independent auditors. The findings of the study can be applied by audit profession all over the word. More and more investigations for big-data and other artificial intelligence technologies and its implications in the overall accounting field is recommended.

Abstract: Investment is essential for sustainable corporate growth and can be financed through debt or internally generated after-tax cash flows. This study investigates how financial risk management and tax-saving efforts interact to influence capital expenditures in Korean listed firms. Using panel data for 4,275 firm-year observations from 2017 to 2023, we employ OLS regressions with year and industry fixed effects, controlling for firm size, leverage, operating cash flow, profitability, market uncertainty, auditor quality, firm age, and foreign ownership. We find that lower effective tax rates, as a proxy for greater tax-saving efforts, are significantly associated with higher capital expenditures. Moreover, the interaction between strong financial risk management and greater tax-saving efforts magnifies investment, suggesting a synergistic effect on capital spending. Specifically, the coefficients of interactions with cash and GAAP effective tax rates are positive and statistically significant. These results highlight that aligning robust financial risk oversight with proactive tax-saving efforts strengthens investment capacity and supports sustainable growth. The findings offer managerial and policy implications regarding integrated financial–tax governance as a pathway toward long-term corporate value creation.