Use of a Service Provider in the Confirmation Process
The PCAOB has issued a staff spotlight looking at some auditor considerations when using a service provider in the confirmation process. It encourages auditors to evaluate whether they have maintained control over the confirmation and to what extent they can rely on third party controls. This is nonauthoritative guidance to help improve audit quality.
FASB ED: Reference Rate Reform
FASB has issued a proposal to amend the sunset provision in ASU 2020-04 due to the extension of LIBOR into 2024. In addition, it has proposed to expand the definition of SOFR due to market changes. Comments are due June 6.
OMB Updates Compliance Requirements
OMB has updated the 2021 Compliance Supplement for two programs – Provider Relief Funds and Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. DHHS can remove the special test & provisions requirements for Provider Relief Funds (93.498) which related to out of network patient expenses. In order to reduce burden on smaller entities, the Treasury is now offering an alternative examination engagement in lieu of requiring a Program Specific Audit or Single Audit for entities that would not have required this level of audit had it not been for the receipt of CSLFRF funds (21.027). Treasury estimates 10,000 entities will be able to forego a Single Audit in lieu of this new compliance examination which has been added to Appendix VII thereby still maintaining accountability but reducing costs and complexity.
Exposure Draft: AU-C 600 & Group Audits
The AICPA has proposed significant changes to AU-C 600 and the requirements of a group audit. Some changes are definitional but the new standard also includes a more risk based approach for addressing financial statements that contain multiple components. Comments are due June 21, 2022.
Q1 2022 in Review
The first quarter of 2022 has come to an end. It brought with it the publication of four ethics interpretations, two final ASUs, and two proposed SASes. This blog will provide you with what was issued and proposed in Q1 of 2022.
Executive Order on Digital Assets
On March 9, President Biden issued an executive order encouraging the federal government to research and respond to the use of digital assets including cryptocurrency. It goes so far as to ask the Federal Reserve to research a Central Bank Digital Currencies. The EO focuses primarily on research requirements.
SEC Proposes ESG Reporting
The SEC has proposed new environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting and disclosure requirements for public companies. For larger companies, it would also include an attestation requirement regarding greenhouse gas disclosures. Comments are due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, or May 20, whichever is later.
CPA Exam Transition
As NASBA gets ready to transition the CPA exam to its new format, current students were eager to know what happens if a part they passed changes and how that would be considered for the new exam. Thankfully, NASBA has issued a very easy to understand transition model for students. The new exam is set to launch in 2024!
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