Audit & assurance news and resources -- Journal of Accountancy

TOPICS

December 6, 2017

How firms can continue to improve audit quality

PCAOB member Jeanette Franzel is calling for audit firms to dedicate additional resources to ensure high-quality audits.

December 6, 2017

Audit committee considerations for the PCAOB’s new audit report

A new Center for Audit Quality tool provides audit committees with important considerations related to the new auditor’s report.

December 4, 2017

Blockchain considerations for management and auditors

Distributed ledger technology, also known as blockchain, presents a twofold challenge for accountants and auditors.

December 4, 2017

PCAOB issues staff guidance on new auditor’s report

The PCAOB issued staff guidance that describes important considerations related to the new auditor’s reporting model.

December 4, 2017

Why are we still auditing on-site?

This article explores reasons for remote auditing.

December 1, 2017

Lessons to learn from SEC accounting and auditing enforcements

Five principles can help prevent, detect, or correct the most frequent securities law violations adjudicated by the SEC.

December 1, 2017

How to audit fair value measurements

The subjective nature of fair value measurements makes them a challenge for auditors. These tips—and a new framework for use by valuation professionals—can make the job easier.

December 1, 2017

What to consider when auditing revenue recognition implementation

The PCAOB warned of increased risks of material misstatement.

November 29, 2017

ASB addresses auditor’s report, other information, standards alignment

Three proposals issued by the AICPA Auditing Standards Board are designed to enhance the relevance and usefulness of the auditor’s report for audits of nonissuers.

November 21, 2017

Attestation guidance for third-party due-diligence services for asset-backed securities

The ASB issued a statement of position providing guidance for attestation engagements related to third-party due-diligence services performed in connection with asset-backed securities.

November 10, 2017

PCAOB identifies 3 areas with most frequent 2016 audit issues

Board inspectors found audit deficiencies most often in three recurring areas and suggested steps firms may want to follow to improve performance in the future.

November 1, 2017

Companies continue to increase transparency of external audit oversight

Investors and other stakeholders continue to gain access to more information about how audit committees choose and oversee external audit firms.

November 1, 2017

4 strategies for efficient, effective audit documentation

Although compliance with audit documentation standards can be a challenge, smart planning, standardized working papers, and other best practices can help practitioners avoid problems.

November 1, 2017

ARSC proposals seek flexibility, harmony

A new attestation service and international issues are addressed in separate proposals.

October 24, 2017

SEC approves PCAOB’s new auditor’s reporting model

The SEC granted unanimous approval to the new auditor’s reporting standard created by the PCAOB.

October 11, 2017

Potential areas of risk for the 2017 audit cycle

An alert published by the Center for Audit Quality discusses some of the more judgmental or complex areas that may be relevant during the 2017 auditing cycle.

October 6, 2017

What to consider when auditing revenue recognition implementation

A new PCAOB alert can help auditors apply the board’s guidance to their clients’ implementation of the new accounting standard.

October 1, 2017

PCAOB urges improvement in broker and dealer audits

The board observed slightly more audit deficiencies in 2016.

October 1, 2017

Cathy Clarke, CPA

Building trust with members of the firm as well as clients is essential for the success of an audit firm’s quality-control system, according to Cathy Clarke, CPA, chief assurance officer for CliftonLarsonAllen LLP in Minneapolis.

October 1, 2017

Cybersecurity: A new engagement opportunity

CPAs who possess the appropriate expertise can perform new consulting and attest services for clients under a recently released AICPA framework. Developing expertise in this area is the key.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Drafting an AI policy that actually works

As AI use accelerates, many firms are discovering their policies haven’t kept pace. This article breaks down what CPAs and finance leaders should consider when drafting an AI policy that’s practical, flexible, and fit for real world use.