Audit & assurance news and resources -- Journal of Accountancy

TOPICS

May 29, 2026

PCAOB works to form Inspections Modernization Council

The board is accepting applications through June 15 to help “modernize PCAOB inspections so they remain relevant and resilient.”

May 28, 2026

What CPA.com’s CEO sees next for AI, tax, and the profession

AI is rapidly reshaping accounting, and this episode explores how firms can use it to transform tax, audit, and client advisory services. Erik Asgeirsson also reflected on Town Hall’s 2020 launch and previews ENGAGE. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.

May 14, 2026

How to monitor a firm’s system of quality management

Explore resources and examples that explain how small firms can perform monitoring procedures, document results, and turn SQMS No. 1 into an executable process.

May 14, 2026

AICPA guides peer reviewers to address SOC 2 risks

The AICPA Peer Review Board provides guidance for peer reviewers to identify risks and reinforce quality in SOC 2 engagements.

May 7, 2026

The Auditing Standards Board’s priorities for 2026 and beyond

The chair of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board outlines the projects that are top of mind for auditors. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A with Halie Creps, CPA.

May 7, 2026

Proposed new sustainability information AT-C sections

Learn about the proposed new subject matter-specific sections of the attestation standards for examination or review engagements on sustainability information.

May 6, 2026

Proposed revisions to examination and review engagements in the attestation standards

Part 2 of a three-part series explores the approach taken when revising the attestation standards and highlights selected significant matters that more broadly affect examination and review engagements.

May 5, 2026

AICPA urges use of its stablecoin criteria in GENIUS Act rulemaking

A comment letter to the office responsible for establishing final rules for the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act makes the case for leveraging the AICPA’s established framework.

April 24, 2026

Proposed attestation changes: What CPAs should know

With increased demand for assurance beyond financial statements, proposed updates aim to make the attestation standards easier to navigate and more responsive to emerging engagement opportunities. Learn more in this JofA web exclusive.

April 20, 2026

AICPA comments on assurance standards for California climate law

In a comment letter to the California Air Resources Board, the AICPA and California Society of CPAs call for increased minimum assurance requirements related to greenhouse gas data that must be reported later this year.

April 6, 2026

SOC engagements: Ethics risks with tool providers

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.

March 24, 2026

Audit report card: More internal audit teams suffered cuts in 2025

The percentage of internal audit leaders reporting staff and budget reductions in 2025 rivaled numbers during the global financial crisis nearly two decades ago. Strategic alignment was linked to sufficient funding for the function, an annual report showed.

March 16, 2026

What to know about AI guardrails, leasehold improvements, and the latest ASB developments

The March A&A Focus webcast featured discussions on balancing innovation and risk in AI adoption, determining the accounting owner of leasehold improvements under FASB ASC 842, and updates and proposed attestation changes from the Auditing Standards Board.

March 16, 2026

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.

February 26, 2026

Auditing Standards Board proposes changes to attestation standards

An exposure draft approved by the AICPA board updates baseline standards and addresses sustainability and other emerging areas of assurance.

February 13, 2026

What to know about engagement quality reviews (SQMS No. 2)

The February A&A Focus webcast featured discussions on upcoming engagement quality reviews, special-purpose frameworks in practice, and highlights of the AICPA’s Profession Ready Initiative.

February 2, 2026

Change at the top: PCAOB will feature new chair, 3 new board members

The SEC appointed a retired EY partner as chair to “usher in a new day at the PCAOB.”

February 1, 2026

How to prevent late-stage engagement quality review surprises

Find out how to get EQ reviewers involved early and comply with audit-quality standards.

February 1, 2026

How AI is transforming the audit — and what it means for CPAs

New AI tools promise to automate a growing number of audit tasks, but the need for human review remains.

February 1, 2026

Promises of ‘fast and easy’ threaten SOC credibility

CPAs warn that an ongoing push for high-volume SOC services may come at the cost of quality and objectivity.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

4 ways solo practitioners can stand out

Five years ago, a grieving Angel Zhen started his own CPA firm with no clients and no revenue. Today, he has 300 clients, $600,000 in revenue and 12 weeks of annual vacation. In this JofA article, he shares how he set up his firm and how you could do the same.