Q1 2021 in Review
The first quarter of 2021 is a wrap. It was a light quarter for standard setting and given everything else we have going on, that’s probably not a bad thing! This blog covers the few standards that were finalized in Q1.
GASB Proposal: Compensated Absences
GASB has issued a proposal to address diversity in practice as well as common deficiencies related to reporting compensated absences. The proposal addresses PTO and sabbaticals as well as provides a single method of accounting for leave. The proposal includes the use of FIFO to account for the amount due in one year as well as a provides guidance on using the current pay rate for recognition of the liability. Comments are due June 4th.
Third Party Assessments
The AICPA has issued a Technical Q&A to address common questions regarding what qualifies as a third party assessment and which standards including independence should be applied by the third party. The TQA provides guidance on what qualifies as a TQA, which independence rules apply and which standards can be used by CPAs.
Proposed NOCLAR Ethics Interpretation
The AICPA’s Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) has issued an updated proposal around reporting noncompliance with laws and regulations (NOCLAR). Originally issued in 2017, PEEC has been trying to converge with the international standards while addressing unique US issues. The proposal includes separating the requirements for those in public practice between those providing attest services and those providing services that are not attest services. It also provides other clarifications in response to the comment letters received in the first proposal. Comments are due June 30.
Proposed NOCLAR SAS
The AICPA has issued a very narrow proposal to add a new requirement for successor auditors to discuss suspected fraud and NOCLAR with predecessor auditors if granted permission by management as part of the client acceptance process. This is the first of two blogs addressing new requirements regarding NOCLAR.
Quality Management Proposal: Part 3
The final blog in our QM series addresses the proposed audit standard. The audit standard assists the engagement team to understand their responsibilities on applying the system of quality management to an individual audit engagement. Comments are due June 11, 2021.
Quality Management Proposal: Part 2
This week’s blog continues with the discussion of the AICPA’s proposed changes to Quality Management. SQMS 2 addresses the role and responsibilities of the engagement quality reviewer. We’ll look at the proposal including the proposed cooling off period and qualifications to give you an overview of the proposed standard.
Quality Management Proposal: Part 1
The AICPA has issued three new proposals related to quality management. The new SQM Standards will replace the extant quality control (SQCS) and provide a more scalable and risk based QM methodology. This is the first of three blogs which will dive into the details of each proposal. This blog addresses A Firm’s System of Quality Management and the components of a system of quality management.
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