Audit & assurance news and resources -- Journal of Accountancy

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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.

January 29, 2026

Why stablecoin controls create a solid foundation in an evolving environment

Jeff Trent, CPA, a PwC partner, joins the podcast to break down the AICPA’s updated criteria for stablecoin controls.

January 21, 2026

Fraud and technology: How to handle the double-edged sword

As audit committees get down to business, they face risks related to technology but also can empower their organizations to use technology as a tool to fight fraud.

January 20, 2026

How AI can improve audit quality and efficiency

The January A&A Focus webcast featured discussions on artificial intelligence in audit, assurance considerations with tariffs, and small firm challenges.

January 12, 2026

Stablecoin reporting: AICPA’s updated criteria includes controls

A new section in the AICPA’s guide to stablecoins supports operations related specifically to the reporting of asset-backed fiat-pegged tokens.

January 12, 2026

5 imperatives for auditors from the PCAOB chair

George Botic, using his signature colorful language, shares the focus areas that auditors should prioritize for the coming year.

December 22, 2025

Key signals from the SEC-PCAOB conference point to a busy new year

Susan S. Coffey, CEO–Public Accounting at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, shares her top takeaways from last week’s Conference on Current SEC and PCAOB Developments, including observations on audit quality improvements and hints of significant SEC activity in early 2026.

December 15, 2025

Reviewing accounting standards updates for 2025

The December A&A Focus webcast reviewed FASB ASUs becoming effective for calendar year-end engagements and looked forward to 2026, delivered practical insights on determining lease terms under FASB ASC Topic 842, and took a look at the nuances of your client’s tax-basis accounting framework.

December 10, 2025