The Securities and Exchange Commission proposed an amendment that would correct an error published in 2013 in the exemption provisions in the broker-dealer annual reporting rule.
Audit & assurance
Checking risk oversight can inform audits
A strong or weak commitment to addressing risks may be an indicator of management’s focus on financial reporting risks.
Proposed standard would revise SSAE No. 18
If approved, the standard would give practitioners added flexibility.
GAO issues revised government auditing standards
Changes to the Yellow Book reinforce the principles of transparency and accountability.
Awards connect researchers with audit personnel
Three research projects received awards through the Access to Audit Personnel program.
Updated guidance highlights key changes in the auditor’s report
The PCAOB has issued updated staff guidance to assist practitioners as they implement the board’s new auditor’s reporting model.
3 areas of top concern in broker-dealer audits
Independence issues identified in the PCAOB’s 2017 staff inspections fell compared with the previous year, according to a report the board.
Quiz: Test your knowledge of employee benefit plan audits
How well do you know the basics of employee benefit plan auditing? Take this quiz and find out.
New compilation and review report requirements issued
Provisions take effect June 15, 2019.
Taking the risk out of risk assessment
Compliance with risk assessment standards is a prerequisite for a high-quality audit. Following these tips can help practitioners avoid common mistakes.
Using drones to enhance audits
Hermann Sidhu, CPA, global assurance digital leader at EY, walks us through EY’s exciting new project to use drones to help audit large warehouses and outdoor inventories.
In unified voice, leaders reaffirm profession’s commitment to audit quality
Leaders in the auditing profession are committed to continuous improvement in audit quality at a time of significant change, seven prominent executives in the profession said in a joint statement.
Tips for understanding critical audit matters
A new report explains what audit committees and financial statement users need to know about critical audit matters.
GAO issues revised Yellow Book standards for government auditors
The revised standards are designed to provide a framework for high-quality work by government auditors.
Proposed SSAE would increase flexibility for practitioners in performing attestation engagements
The AICPA Auditing Standards Board issued a proposal that would make numerous changes to the attestation standards, including changing the terminology for what have been known as “review engagements.”
EBP audits: Don’t let your guard down
A healthy dose of paranoia and specialized expertise can help practitioners overcome challenges in employee benefit plan audits.
Strategies for quality work in single audits
Careful testing and thorough documentation are among the keys for quality single audit performance described by Laurie De Armond, CPA, in her summary of observations from the AICPA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference.
Add value to audits with client-focused analytics
Audit data analytics provide an opportunity for auditors to provide more value to clients. But first, firms need to let clients tell them what kind of insights would be helpful.
New FAQs address familiarity threats
Safeguards for long-tenured personnel are suggested.
AICPA issues nonauthoritative guidance for payroll audits
The TQAs discuss engagement and representation letters.
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SPONSORED REPORT
Preparing clients for new provisions next tax season
As the 2025 filing season approaches, H.R. 1 introduces significant tax reforms that CPAs must be prepared to navigate. These legislative changes represent some of the most comprehensive tax updates in recent years, affecting both individual and corporate taxpayers. This report provides in-depth analysis and guidance on H.R. 1.
