Updates to the CPA Exam
The AICPA has released its new CPA Exam Blueprint which outlines the format and content of the exam. Following a deep review of the topics covered in 2019, the Final Practice Analysis provides insights into the changes to the current exam. This update is much smaller than the expected impact of CPA Evolution which will overhaul the structure of the exam.
Updates to Virtual Currency Guidance
The AICPA has updated their Practice Aid on Accounting for and auditing of digital assets to address more niche Codification topics. The update includes discussion of accounting for broker dealers as well as investment companies. It also provides guidance on determining principal markets for fair value. The Digital Assets Working Group has been great in providing accounting and auditing guidance for entities as this topic is not well addressed in authoritative literature.
GASB Implementation Guidance Update—2021
This week’s blog looks at the recently proposed GASB Implementation Guide for 2021 which provides questions and answers on a variety of topics ranging from derivative instruments and fiduciary activities to leases and nonexchange transactions. Comments are due February 15, 2021.
SLG Client Affiliate IG
The AICPA has rolled out a Toolkit to Assist Firms in identifying affiliates under the new ET Section 1.224.020. In June 2019, the PEEC rolled out a new definition of affiliate for State and Local Governments. However, the new rules were complex so the AICPA has released a decision tree for identifying affiliates as well as a variety of tools that firms can use to determine their compliance with the independence standards.
Proposed SAS – Use of Specialists and External Pricing Sources
The AICPA’s Auditing Standards Board has issued some proposed targeted improvements to guidance on the use of specialists and external pricing sources. The proposal incorporates some PCAOB guidance and provides additional application guidance for AU-C 501, 540 and 620. Comments are due February 4, 2021.
Proposed Targeted Improvements to Leases & Scope of Reference Rate Reform
https://youtu.be/kmSPaQrk_IQ This week's blog includes two proposals from the FASB. The first proposed ASU addresses three implementation issues identified in implementation of ASU 2016-02, Leases. The second proposal addresses the scope of reference rate reform. Both...
2020 Report to the Nations
https://youtu.be/S83NcpsWbcQ Biennially the Association for Certified Fraud Examiners releases its Report to the Nations. The 2020 version provides insight into the type of fraud that were most common, who perpetrated the fraud and how they were caught. The report...
Fraud & COVID – A 2020 ACFE Report
https://youtu.be/LOyi7k9xqZ8 We all know that COVID is impacting businesses in more ways than one. Unsurprisingly, we've seen an uptick in fraud during the COVID era. The ACFE has issued its September 2020 report providing interesting insights into fraud during COVID...
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