The percentage of internal audit leaders reporting staff and budget reductions in 2025 rivaled numbers during the global financial crisis nearly two decades ago. Strategic alignment was linked to sufficient funding for the function, an annual report showed.
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Audit & assurance
What to know about AI guardrails, leasehold improvements, and the latest ASB developments
The March A&A Focus webcast featured discussions on balancing innovation and risk in AI adoption, determining the accounting owner of leasehold improvements under FASB ASC 842, and updates and proposed attestation changes from the Auditing Standards Board.
PEEC proposes revised definition of ‘attest engagement team’
The AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee seeks comment on a revised definition to gather input on whether the definition appropriately reflects the roles that should be excluded from an attest engagement team. The comment deadline is June 1.
Auditing Standards Board proposes changes to attestation standards
An exposure draft approved by the AICPA board updates baseline standards and addresses sustainability and other emerging areas of assurance.
What to know about engagement quality reviews (SQMS No. 2)
The February A&A Focus webcast featured discussions on upcoming engagement quality reviews, special-purpose frameworks in practice, and highlights of the AICPA’s Profession Ready Initiative.
Change at the top: PCAOB will feature new chair, 3 new board members
The SEC appointed a retired EY partner as chair to “usher in a new day at the PCAOB.”
How to prevent late-stage engagement quality review surprises
Find out how to get EQ reviewers involved early and comply with audit-quality standards.
How AI is transforming the audit — and what it means for CPAs
New AI tools promise to automate a growing number of audit tasks, but the need for human review remains.
Promises of ‘fast and easy’ threaten SOC credibility
CPAs warn that an ongoing push for high-volume SOC services may come at the cost of quality and objectivity.
Why stablecoin controls create a solid foundation in an evolving environment
Jeff Trent, CPA, a PwC partner, joins the podcast to break down the AICPA’s updated criteria for stablecoin controls.
Fraud and technology: How to handle the double-edged sword
As audit committees get down to business, they face risks related to technology but also can empower their organizations to use technology as a tool to fight fraud.
How AI can improve audit quality and efficiency
The January A&A Focus webcast featured discussions on artificial intelligence in audit, assurance considerations with tariffs, and small firm challenges.
Stablecoin reporting: AICPA’s updated criteria includes controls
A new section in the AICPA’s guide to stablecoins supports operations related specifically to the reporting of asset-backed fiat-pegged tokens.
5 imperatives for auditors from the PCAOB chair
George Botic, using his signature colorful language, shares the focus areas that auditors should prioritize for the coming year.
Key signals from the SEC-PCAOB conference point to a busy new year
Susan S. Coffey, CEO–Public Accounting at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, shares her top takeaways from last week’s Conference on Current SEC and PCAOB Developments, including observations on audit quality improvements and hints of significant SEC activity in early 2026.
Reviewing accounting standards updates for 2025
The December A&A Focus webcast reviewed FASB ASUs becoming effective for calendar year-end engagements and looked forward to 2026, delivered practical insights on determining lease terms under FASB ASC Topic 842, and took a look at the nuances of your client’s tax-basis accounting framework.
Audit transformation road map: New report lays out the journey
A CPA.com and AICPA survey of more than 50 firms unearthed five key themes for audit transformation and a step-by-step approach for a smooth rebuild.
Governmental Audit Quality Center analyzes 2025 OMB Compliance Supplement
Several GAQC resources are available to assist practitioners involved in single audits and federal grant compliance with putting the delayed OMB supplement to use.
New SEC chair to CPAs: ‘Back to basics’
Paul Atkins, appearing at the AICPA Conference on Current SEC & PCAOB Developments, asked accounting professionals to focus on financial materiality and provided his thoughts on the future of the PCAOB, crypto, and IPOs.
PEEC releases clarifying guidance on independence in SSAE engagements
The AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee’s revisions clarify independence requirements and will be effective June 15, 2026.
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