Virtual Currency – New Practice Aid
Cryptocurrency is becoming a more recognized transaction with more entities participating in this ecosystem. The AICPA has issued non-authoritative guidance on accounting and auditing digital assets. Current FASB does not have authoritative guidance in this area, so the practice aid addresses some common considerations. In addition, it addresses the questions firms need to address before accepting a client and provides procedures to ensure that digital asset risks are properly identified and an appropriate audit response is performed. We’ll take a high-level look at some of the considerations for those contemplating moving into this area.
Proposed Changes to Risk Assessment Standards
The AICPA has issued a proposed SAS to clarify and improve the risk assessment standards. For the past few years, the AICPA has focused its audit quality initiatives on risk assessment. Now that the IAASB has issued a final standard, the AICPA is proposing changes to align with the ISAs but also help firms better understand how to use risk assessment to plan and perform effective and efficient audits. This video blog covers the major changes in the standards. Comments are due November 25th.
Materiality Considerations for Attestation Engagements
The AICPA has issued nonauthoritative guidance from its Materiality Working Group of ASEC designed to assist practitioners in determining when there is a material misstatement in an attest engagement. As many attestation engagement include subject matter that are not quantifiable, the guidance provides examples of how to insure compliance with the attest standards and truly evaluate findings in a variety of subject matter.
PCC ED for Share-Option Awards
FASB has proposed its newest PCC alternative for private company GAAP. The proposal would permit the use of 409A valuations for GAAP purposes when valuating equity based options. Comments are due October 1.
COVID19: GAGAS Audit Alert
https://youtu.be/u3mp8yA8YZc GAO has issued an audit alert to provide some considerations for auditors as to how COVID19 will impact Yellow Book audits. The alert addresses risk assessment, audit evidence, quality control. While nonauthoritative, the alert can help...
Proposed Concept Statement: Elements
FASB has issued a proposed Concept Statement addressing the definition of elements of financial statements. The 10 key elements (assets, liabilities, equity etc.) are getting an update to better define the key components that describe an element. Comments are due November 13th.
GASB’s Proposed Changes to the Financial Reporting Model
GASB has proposed its Exposure Draft which would improve the financial reporting model. The proposal includes changes to MD&A, extraordinary items, presentation of proprietary funds, and implements the short-term financial resource measurement focus for governmental funds which was introduced in an ED earlier this month. Comments are due February 26, 2021.
Proposed ASU: Insurance Effective Date
FASB has issued an exposure draft that would delay the effective date of ASU 2018-12 which provides updated guidance on financial reporting for long duration insurance contracts. The ED would also provide for transition relief for entities who early adopt. Comments are due August 24th.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this blog is provided for informational purposes only. Viewing this material does not qualify for CPE credit. Additionally, this general knowledge is not intended to substitute for obtaining accounting, legal, or financial advice from a professional accountant with specific knowledge of your organization. Finally, watching this blog and/or subscribing to the newsletter do not create an accountant-client relationship.
