AI in Audit & Advisory
Hi Tassilo, how did your journey lead you to Rödl & Partner?
Before my position at Rödl & Partner, I completed my doctorate at the University of Ulm. My research focused not only on the technological possibilities for implementing use cases through AI but also on integrating AI into the risk-oriented audit approach. This included the application and implementation of AI systems, particularly with regard to generative AI. I often bridged the gap between the research worlds of computer science and auditing. The contact with Martin Wambach and Frank Reutter (partners in auditing at Rödl & Partner) was established through the publication of a scientific article on the auditing of provisions using generative AI models. This opened up the opportunity for me to give several lectures on AI at our World Assurance & Advisory Conference for Rödl & Partner. Subsequently, I met with Martin Wambach and Frank Reutter in person at our location in the Kranhaus in Cologne, and we discussed the possibility of joining Rödl & Partner, and that’s how things took their course.
The topic of AI is relatively new in auditing. What are your tasks and projects?
I am responsible for implementing AI initiatives within our auditing service line. I oversee multifaceted projects aimed at enabling Rödl & Partner to fully benefit from the possibilities of AI and further establish Rödl & Partner as one of the leading auditing firms in the field of AI. My enthusiasm for the diverse applications of artificial intelligence in auditing drives me in this area. Additionally, I am fascinated by the complexity of the research field, which constantly brings new insights and challenges. This allows me to tackle and manage highly varied and challenging tasks.
What is the biggest challenge in implementing AI in your projects?
Rödl & Partner operates as an auditing firm in a highly regulated profession. Therefore, issues related to compliance with professional confidentiality obligations and adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are fundamentally important and indispensable prerequisites that must be fully met by our in-house AI systems.
What are your future plans at Rödl & Partner?
My primary goal is to fully and sustainably integrate artificial intelligence into the risk-oriented audit approach at Rödl & Partner. My personal goals for the future include becoming an auditor at Rödl & Partner in addition to my role as the person responsible for AI initiatives.
What do you particularly like about Rödl & Partner as an employer?
I am especially grateful to Rödl & Partner for the trust they have placed in me to take responsibility for a highly relevant area for our company. Additionally, I appreciate the enthusiasm within our firm for AI and the acceptance of me as a person by our colleagues in implementing the corresponding AI initiatives.
Thank you for the interview!