Revenue recognition issues for employee benefit plans are addressed in proposed implementation guidance issued by the AICPA Financial Reporting Executive Committee.
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Audit & assurance
New standard addresses investments, specialist matters
A new standard issued by the AICPA Auditing Standards Board provides guidance on auditing the fair value of financial instruments, with a focus on the use of pricing services. The ASB also modernized its standards related to the use of specialists by management and auditors.
Internal audit has pivotal role in ESG reporting
Reporting on environmental, social and governance information is becoming increasingly important. Internal audit’s independent advisory and assurance work can help organizations get it right.
Duhnke removed as PCAOB chair as transition to new board begins
PCAOB Chair William Duhnke III was removed from his position on the board as the SEC named Duane DesParte as acting chair. The SEC announced that it intends to seek candidates to fill all five positions on the PCAOB.
Auditors may see increased demand for ESG attestation
Regulators and standard setters are promulgating new requirements for environmental, social and governance information, and that may lead many companies to call upon external auditors to examine their ESG disclosures.
AICPA & CIMA issue new nonauthoritative guidance for auditing digital assets
AICPA & CIMA released additional nonauthoritative guidance addressing issues related to the auditing of digital assets such as bitcoin and ether. The material covers topics such as risk assessment; processes and controls; laws and regulations; and related parties.
A new road map for risk assessment, audit work
Careful analysis and thought-provoking discussion contribute to high-quality risk assessment in auditing. A proposed new standard is designed to lead to improvement in this area.
PCAOB proposal addresses international oversight challenges
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board proposed a framework that would guide its actions when its oversight activities are stymied by authorities in other jurisdictions.
Single audit: Pandemic aid and major program determinations
As pandemic relief adds to funding that needs to be considered in a single audit, it’s important to remember that the rules in the Uniform Guidance still prevail.
What auditors and audit committees need to know about SPACs
Interest in special-purpose acquisition companies is growing among investors and regulators. The Center for Audit Quality has considerations for auditors and audit committees to keep in mind regarding SPACs.
Making audits more effective through data visualization
The right displays can make a big difference in spotting trends and communicating with clients.
Lorin Venable, CPA, CGMA
Lorin Venable, CPA, CGMA, of Arlington, Va., is assistant inspector general for Audit in the Financial Management and Reporting Directorate of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General.
Burns hired as Association chief auditor
Jennifer Burns joined the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants as chief auditor.
EBP audits: Document so your steps can be retraced
Thorough documentation demonstrates the quality that a practitioner has delivered in any audit. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, documentation provides auditors an opportunity to show they are on top of the many changes that plans may have undergone.
EBP tax compliance testing tips
Employee benefit plan tax professionals need to dig deep in search of affiliates under common control and must carefully assess whether plans are skewed in favor of highly compensated employees.
ASB extends comment period for quality management ED
The AICPA Auditing Standards Board has extended the comment period through Aug. 31 for an exposure draft of three interrelated proposed standards that would change the way firms manage quality in their accounting and auditing practices.
PCAOB’s 2021 inspections target pandemic concerns, predictability
The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on companies’ financial reporting will be a focus of the PCAOB’s inspections in 2021. The board also will strive to become less predictable in the audits and subject areas reviewed by inspectors.
GAO: Guidance for single audits should be more timely, responsive
A US Government Accountability Office report has concluded that yearly federal guidance provided to single audit practitioners should be more timely and more responsive to auditors’ input and needs.
PCAOB establishes new advisory group for standard setting
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board has formed a new, 18-person advisory group that will provide insights for the board’s standard-setting activities.
NOCLAR: Proposals aim to help CPAs find the right balance
It can be difficult for a CPA to decide how to proceed if they identify or suspect a client’s or employer’s noncompliance with laws or regulations. New proposals are designed to help CPAs fulfill their ethical responsibilities.
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