A partner at KPMG thought he/she could pass an Artificial Intelligence test using AI tools, and come out with flying colours. However, the move backfired badly, and the partner at KPMG Australia was handed a fine of 10,000 Australian dollars (USD 7,000) for cheating.
It has come to light that the partner resorted to using AI tools to clear an internal training course that was on the topic of Artificial Intelligence.
After being caught, the KPMG made the unnamed partner take the test again. The partner’s move to answer questions on AI by uploading training materials onto an AI platform did not really go well with the Big Four accounting firm.
In fact, in the ongoing financial year, KPMG has caught about two dozen staff for resorting to using AI tools for clearing internal exams.
Ever since the advent and rapid progress of AI, big firms have come to believe that the fast-evolving technology would make staff and processes efficient. However, the same technology is also becoming a challenge in upholding the sanctity of some of these processes, like training courses and examinations.
Andrew Yates, chief executive of KPMG Australia, was quoted as saying by the Financial Times that many organisations, including theirs, are grappling with the role and use of AI, especially with regard to internal training and testing. Yates said the society’s quick adoption of the technology has made it more difficult for the firms to deal with such issues.
However, while embracing the technology for broader use, these firms are also taking a serious view of the breach of policies with regard to the use of AI.
The development comes close on the heels of the world’s biggest accounting body, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, cancelling remote tests in 2025, stating safeguards put in place were unable to tackle the sophistication of cheating systems.