How firms are seizing the ESG opportunity
Sustainability teams are breaking new ground in accounting firms — but staffing and training remain a challenge.
Audit & assurance
PCAOB seeks comments on interim attestation standards
The PCAOB issued a staff request for information and comment on the application and use of the board’s interim attestation standards.
Quiz: Test your knowledge of the new quality management standards
Every firm that performs engagements in accordance with SASs, SSAEs, or SSARSs will be affected by the new quality management (QM) standards. Take this quiz to gauge your understanding of QM.
A quick tour of student loan forgiveness, a quiz, and a letter to the IRS
This express podcast episode with transcript hits the highlights of recent Journal of Accountancy news coverage of student loan debt forgiveness, an AICPA letter urging penalty relief from the IRS, and more.
Quiz: New and revised risk assessment terms under SAS No. 145
How familiar are you with SAS No. 145, which details an auditor’s responsibility relating to risk assessment in an audit of financial statements? Take this quiz to test what you know and get better prepared.
Significant risk revised: Concept changes under SAS No. 145
SAS No. 145 revises the definition of significant risk. The revisions alter how you conduct elements of your risk assessments. Get the updated information you need and be ready for your 2023 audits.
SEC to auditors: Use care with Chinese engagements
Public audit firms must make sure issuers in China and Hong Kong will grant new lead auditors appropriate access to previous engagements, an SEC official warns.
The ‘mixed bag’ of economic sentiment; recent IRS news; a PCAOB update
Economic optimism is dimming, bringing revenue and profit projections down as well, but more than half of U.S. finance decision-makers say they can use more workers. Learn more about quarterly sentiment, along with a look at IRS news and more, in this podcast episode with transcript.
Using Benford’s Law to reveal journal entry irregularities
Benford’s Law can help uncover indicators of fraud — and anomalies that arise from legitimate business practices.
PCAOB releases review of 2021 inspections, looks forward to 2022 review
The board’s target team provides insights in four areas of focus to provide guidance for public company auditors and shape the PCAOB’s approach to future inspections.
PCAOB, China sign agreement opening door for inspections
The Statement of Protocol allows the PCAOB access to inspect Chinese companies the same way it does in other countries. The PCAOB said it plans to put the agreement “to the test” by mid-September.
PCAOB report: Quality of audits improves in 2021 but still lacking
Deficiency rates decreased in 2021 broker-dealer audits reviewed by the PCAOB, but the board’s report calls for more progress.
PCAOB seeks public comments on 5-year strategic plan
The PCAOB’s Strategic Plan 2022–2026 aims to modernize standards, enhance inspections, strengthen enforcement, and improve organizational effectiveness.
SEC approves PCAOB standards for multi-firm audits
New standards target the growing number of public company audits that feature multiple firms, aiming to strengthen the requirements for lead auditors.
IAASB issues new FAQs for reporting going concern matters
The IAASB has issued a nonauthoritative publication to address some of the common questions related to reporting going concern matters in the auditor’s report.
More companies obtaining ESG assurance, according to global survey
The percentage of companies worldwide providing assurance on ESG reporting increased between 2019 and 2020, but are auditors getting their share of the work?
Fraud is suspected: Now what?
Follow these do’s and don’ts for auditors when potential wrongdoing surfaces.
Untangling client affiliates
The AICPA Code of Professional Conduct requires CPA firms to identify all their financial statement attest client affiliates.
PCAOB, SEC chairs look to strengthen oversight of auditing practices
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act created the PCAOB in 2002 to oversee public company audits. Twenty years later, the PCAOB — backed by the SEC — is emphasizing inspection and enforcement as ways to strengthen investor protections.
What’s new in SAS No. 145: Enhanced definitions mean stronger audits
Don’t delay. Understand SAS No. 145, from the AICPA Auditing Standards Board (ASB), and be ready.
