The August webcast explored accelerating mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the profession, practical insights on special purpose (non-GAAP) frameworks, and how peer review will address implementation of the new quality management standards.
Audit & assurance
AICPA unveils new QM resources to help firms meet Dec. 15 deadline
The AICPA updated its SQMS No. 1 practice aid, released a new resource on monitoring and remediation, and is hosting live webcasts to help firms implement the new quality management standards by Dec. 15. Key features of the 2025 practice aid on complying with SQMS No. 1 include expanded discussions, tailored guidance for firms of all sizes, and tools for documentation, evaluation, and effective compliance.
8 steps to build your firm’s quality management system on time
Firms that haven’t started establishing their quality management system can get it done by the Dec. 15 deadline by following these steps.
PCAOB chair to resign
Erica Williams, who had held the position since 2022, is being replaced on an interim basis by George Botic.
US House passes stablecoin regulatory framework
Already approved by the Senate and on its way to the president for signature, the GENIUS Act will require stablecoin issuers to undergo a monthly examination of disclosures. Larger issuers also will be subject to an annual audit.
A&A Focus recap: New fraud exposure draft, building AI trust, and a not-for-profit update
The July webcast explored proposed revisions to the fraud auditing standard, evolving frameworks for AI assurance, and recent developments affecting not-for-profit financial reporting.
Auditing Standards Board proposes a new fraud standard
The AICPA board issued an exposure draft of a Statement on Auditing Standard (SAS), The Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to Fraud in an Audit of Financial Statements.
Elimination of PCAOB can’t remain in budget bill, Senate official rules
The Senate parliamentarian’s office determined that a provision aimed at folding the PCAOB into the SEC doesn’t qualify for the budget reconciliation process.
A&A Focus recap: Auditing Standards Board chair; a new COSO framework; stablecoin criteria
The June webcast featured updates from the Auditing Standards Board, discussion of a new corporate governance framework from COSO, and an overview of a new AICPA exposure draft on control criteria for stablecoin operations.
AICPA proposes controls framework for stablecoin issuers
The Assurance Services Executive Committee is seeking public comments on an exposure draft designed to ensure an effective system of controls is in place in connection with recently issued reporting guidelines focused on stablecoins.
A&A Focus recap: AICPA CEO, revenue recognition step 5, and quality management
The May webcast featured AICPA CEO Mark Koziel providing his view of the A&A landscape, a deep dive into step 5 of the five-step revenue recognition process outlined in FASB ASC Topic 606, as well as more discussion of quality management.
State of Play: How firms are helping smooth sustainability reporting
The latest data from research by the International Federation of Accountants, the AICPA, and CIMA reveals that nearly three-fourths of the largest global companies obtained assurance of sustainability disclosures in 2023, with the majority depending on audit firms. U.S. companies rank ahead of the pack when it comes to obtaining assurance but behind the pack when it comes to depending on audit firms.
AICPA monitoring proposed changes to public company auditing oversight
Changes have been proposed by the House Financial Services Committee related to PCAOB inspection and enforcement activities involving firms that audit public companies. In a statement, the AICPA said it believes that healthy oversight of accounting firms performing audits of public companies “protects the public interest.”
A&A Focus recap: PCC credit loss relief, federal funding freeze impact, and EBP audit updates
The April A&A Focus webcast featured a deep dive into step 4 of the five-step revenue recognition process outlined in FASB ASC Topic 606, as well as news on new auditing standards exposure drafts.
Tax legislation, audit oversight, and other AICPA advocacy focus areas
An AICPA executive vice president details points of emphasis related to advocacy in Washington and offers advice to members on managing legislative and regulatory uncertainty. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A with Mark Peterson.
A&A Focus recap: Rev rec, AICPA standard setting update, and stablecoins
The March A&A Focus webcast featured a deep dive into step 4 of the five-step revenue recognition process outlined in FASB ASC Topic 606, as well as news on new auditing standards exposure drafts.
AICPA Auditing Standards Board names Creps as chair
Catherine “Halie” Creps, CPA, a current ASB member and a partner at KPMG, will replace Sara Lord in May, when seven new board members begin their tenures.
PCAOB offers reporting guidance on a number of fronts
The board offers advice to public company auditors about Form AP, upcoming standards on quality control and confirmation, and in the form of free PCAOB-led forums.
Auditing Standards Board releases consultation paper on its forward strategy
The ASB seeks input on the draft of its 2026–2030 strategic plan. The comment deadline is June 13.
AICPA auditing board approves two exposure drafts for public comment
The AICPA Auditing Standards Board voted Thursday to separately expose for public comment proposed changes related to attestation review engagements and external confirmations in the AICPA Professional Standards.
Features
FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE
Tax season quick guide
Get ready for tax season with the JofA’s annual filing season quick guide, an easy-to-use compilation of dollar thresholds, tax tables, standard amounts, credits, and deductions. Download and print for quick reference this tax season.
