Learn how to use the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and the standards for attestation engagements to address key ethics and independence threats with SOC tool providers, including conflicts of interest, advertising, referrals, and audit evidence.
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Ethics
IESBA to assess need for standards on alternative practice structures
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants will examine whether new standards are needed to address ethical considerations related to the prevalence of private-equity investment in the accounting profession — a topic already being addressed by the AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee.
PEEC proposes revised definition of ‘attest engagement team’
The AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee seeks comment on a revised definition to gather input on whether the definition appropriately reflects the roles that should be excluded from an attest engagement team. The comment deadline is June 1.
AICPA proposes changes to independence guidelines related to private equity
The Professional Ethics Executive Committee voted to issue an exposure draft of Proposed Revisions Related to Alternative Practice Structures.
PEEC releases clarifying guidance on independence in SSAE engagements
The AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee’s revisions clarify independence requirements and will be effective June 15, 2026.
Navigating outside investors: Safeguarding ethics and independence in evolving practice structures
The AICPA’s Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) is updating guidance for firms navigating private-equity investments and alternative practice structures. Find out more in this JofA article.
PEEC releases guidance on attest client association, simultaneous employment
The Professional Ethics Executive Committee guidance in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct adds a new interpretation that includes a reporting requirement triggered by a member’s intent to accept an attest client’s offer of employment.
PEEC seeks feedback on guidance for providing tax services to attest clients
An exposure draft addresses potential threats to independence when members perform tax advisory and tax planning services. The comment deadline is Dec. 15
PEEC exposure draft seeks to clarify requirements for SSAE engagements
PEEC released for comment proposed changes to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct related to engagements subject to the AICPA Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements.
Professional liability Q&A: AI disclosure, retired-partner risk, and more
An author of the JofA’s Professional Liability Spotlight column explains why the answer to the question “Should I disclose my use of generative AI to clients?” isn’t simple. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.
AICPA seeks feedback on independence rules related to private equity
In response to increasing private-equity investment in accounting firms, a Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) task force has issued a discussion memorandum related to independence rules in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.
PEEC releases final revised guidance for Sec. 529 plans
The revisions focus on monitoring challenges and independence threats related to an account owner’s financial interest in Sec. 529 plans.
AICPA ethics committee corrects authoritative guidance
The Professional Ethics Executive Committee updated a list of examples related to meeting independence standards when providing recruiting services for attest clients.
PEEC issues recruiting guidance, exposure draft on simultaneous employment
The Professional Ethics Executive Committee’s guidance is related to recruiting services for attest clients, and the exposure draft includes a new definition and interpretation of simultaneous employment or association.
Analysis, clarity, and a quiz: A preview of the National Tax Conference
Two tax experts detail sessions of note and what practitioners can gain from the event in mid-November in Washington. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.
PEEC releases ethics exposure draft for Sec. 529 plans
The proposed revisions relate to monitoring challenges and independence threats related to an account owner’s direct financial interest in Sec. 529 plans.
A&A Focus recap: The ethics of using AI in an audit
The July installment of the monthly newscast series also featured a look at the recently released ACFE Report to the Nations, and the first in a series of conversations about revenue recognition and digital assets.
PEEC releases exposure drafts on recruiting and tax services
The proposed changes to several interpretations were identified to keep the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct “fit for purpose.”
PEEC releases new ethics guidance related to public interest entities
The committee’s actions include a new definition of publicly traded entity and a revised definition of public interest entity. The changes will have two-tiered effective dates.
Auditor independence threats and malpractice claims
When questions of independence arise in malpractice claims related to audit services, plaintiff ’s counsel often second-guesses the firm’s independence, painting a picture that the auditor’s professional skepticism was tainted.
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