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.
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TOPICS / AUDIT & ASSURANCE
Audit
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Lessons learned from the first year of SAS 145
Implementing SAS 145, the new audit standard, has changed one firm’s documentation and brought about efficiencies.
A&A Focus recap: FASB and ASB chair recap and preview activities
The February webcast included one-on-one discussions with the chairs of the accounting and auditing standard setters.
PCAOB withdraws proposed rules requiring extensive firm and engagement metrics
The AICPA had urged the SEC to refrain from approving the rules, warning they would “pose significant challenges” to small and midsize firms. An AICPA statement said that the “PCAOB’s decision not to move forward with the rules is the right one.”
A&A Focus recap: Quality Management FAQs and a 2024 ASU rundown
The January webcast also included a deep dive into step 3 of the five-step revenue recognition process outlined in FASB ASC 606.
AICPA asks SEC to reject PCAOB rules that pose ‘significant challenges’
A comment letter sent Thursday urges the SEC, which oversees the PCAOB, to “refrain from approving” final rules issued last month that call for certain PCAOB-registered public accounting firms to report on a list of firm and engagement metrics.
PCAOB shares inspection priorities for 2025
The board, facing an uncertain future following the presidential election, plans to prioritize inspections in the financial, real estate, and information technology sectors in 2025.
How the new QM standards may affect peer review
Follow these tips to ensure a smooth peer review process once the new standards take effect.
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