PCAOB, CAQ Offer Academic Research Funds

The PCAOB and the AICPA-affiliated Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) are offering funds to support academic research on auditing and oversight topics.

The PCAOB’s Academic Fellowship Program is seeking an experienced accounting researcher and academic, with an active interest in auditing and oversight matters, to serve as an academic fellow at the regulator’s Washington headquarters for up to 12 months during the 2010–2011 academic year. The fellow will provide analytical support in the PCAOB’s Office of Research and Analysis, which identifies and analyzes emerging accounting and auditing issues and other risk areas that may contribute to audit failures.

Specific assignments will depend upon the PCAOB’s current needs and the fellow’s interests and qualifications. Frequently Asked Questions about the program, including how to apply, are available at the PCAOB’s Web site. Applications are due Jan. 30.

The CAQ issued a request for proposals (RFP) for independent academic research on audit-related topics to support the organization’s mission to advance audit quality. The CAQ, through its Research Advisory Board (RAB), anticipates making available a total of $200,000 to fund multiple projects addressing the following topics: 

• Value of the Audit
• Fraud Deterrence and Detection
• Impact of Communication Information Technologies on the Audit
• Professional Judgment
• Audit Quality
• Professional Skepticism

The activities are intended to stimulate academic interest in auditing and accounting research. The number of projects selected for funding will depend on the quality and number of proposals received and the total dollar amount of funds requested. Proposals are due March 1. More information on the RFP and submission details are available at the CAQ’s Web site.