Practitioners are not required to provide an opinion on non-GAAP measures during a financial statement audit, but they can be engaged to perform additional procedures related to this information, according to a new Center for Audit Quality report.
Accounting & reporting
SEC amends rules for whistleblowers, shareholder proposals
The SEC voted to amend rules that govern its whistleblower program and the amount a shareholder must hold to have a proposal included in a company’s proxy statement.
New FAQs address health care entity pandemic accounting
Pandemic-related accounting issues for health care entities are addressed in new AICPA guidance that has been added to a list of previously posted frequently asked questions.
New ESG reporting metrics released by World Economic Forum
Environmental, social and governance measures and disclosures released by the World Economic Forum are designed to make it easier for companies to benchmark their sustainable business performance.
FASB proposes expedient for private company franchisors
FASB issued a proposal that would provide a practical expedient for private company franchisors in how they analyze certain activities when determining their performance obligations in a franchise agreement under the board’s new revenue recognition standard.
Treasury report on CECL standard is inconclusive
The coronavirus pandemic and current market conditions prevent a definitive assessment of the impact of the FASB’s new standard on accounting for credit losses, according to a new report released by Treasury.
FASB alters not-for-profit accounting rules for gifts-in-kind
Not-for-profit financial statements will include more information on contributed nonfinancial assets, also known as gifts-in-kind, under a new standard issued by FASB.
Consistency sought in sustainability, corporate reporting through global effort
IFAC called for the creation of a new sustainability accounting standards board, and five global organizations committed to working together toward unified corporate reporting.
SEC changes disclosure rules for banks
The SEC announced rule changes that will change the disclosures bank and savings and loan registrants are required to provide investors.
TQAs discuss nongovernmental health care entities’ pandemic-related issues
Technical Questions and Answers issued by the AICPA address nongovernmental health care entities’ accounting for governmental assistance related to the coronavirus pandemic.
TQAs address lease accounting for retirement communities
Background and nonauthoritative guidance on lease accounting for continuing care retirement community Type A life care contracts is provided in Technical Questions and Answers (TQAs) published by the AICPA.
How lenders should account for forgivable PPP loans
The forgivable portion of a Paycheck Protection Program loan should be accounted for by the lender as an interest-bearing loan until payment for that loan is received from the SBA, according to new Technical Question and Answer Guidance issued by the AICPA.
SEC changes disclosure rules, redefines ‘accredited investors’
The SEC voted to amend its rules for public company disclosures of the description of business, legal proceedings and risk factors. The commission also changed its definition of “accredited investor.”
FASB addresses valuation of private company share-based awards
Private company share-based awards can be difficult to value because such shares often are not actively traded. FASB proposed guidance that is designed to make this valuation less costly and complex.
Pandemic-related FAQs for health care entities
Health care entities’ financial statement preparers and auditors can benefit from an FAQ document developed by the AICPA on issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.
FASB simplifies accounting for convertible instruments, contracts in own equity
FASB issued a new standard that is intended to simplify accounting for convertible instruments and contracts in an entity’s own equity.
End of LIBOR: How all industries, not just banks, can prepare
The adoption of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate affects any company that has borrowed money through rate-referenced debt or has an agreement that references the London Interbank Offered Rate.
Laura Felice, CPA, CGMA
Asking good questions and providing direction for strategic decisions is essential for finance employees in today’s business environment, according to Laura Felice, CPA, CGMA, senior vice president and controller at BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc.
Government financial reporting model would change under GASB proposal
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board has proposed changes to the state and local government financial reporting model.
Answers to 4 common accounting and auditing questions
New FASB rules have led to a host of new accounting and auditing questions for financial statement preparers and auditors. Some of the most frequently asked questions were answered at the AICPA’s ENGAGE 2020 virtual conference.
Features
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Tax-efficient drawdown strategies in retirement
Want to stretch retirement funds and avoid tax pitfalls? This article shares tips and models for smarter drawdown strategies that maximize after-tax wealth, manage Social Security and Medicare impacts, and minimize surprises. Also see: Tax season preview and quick guide.
