CPA Evolution Curriculum Update
The AICPA and NASBA have issued information about the changes coming to the CPA exam. They have released the new model curriculum which provides insight into the 3 core areas of the CPA exam content (broadly described as accounting, auditing and tax with a focus on IT and data) as well as the 3 discipline areas (accounting, IT and tax). The topics are broken out into modules and learning objectives for a new look at what we expect from the CPA of the future.
FASB ED: Discount Rate for Nonpublic Lessees
The FASB has issued an exposure draft regarding the use of the discount rate alternative offered to nonpublic entities. After receiving feedback that the risk free rate was not as widely adopted due to relatively low interest rates, the FASB is now proposing permitting the use by class of assets as opposed to the current requirement at the entity level. Comments are due July 16, 2021.
GASB ED – Accounting Changes and Error Corrections
The GASB has issued an exposure draft, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections an amendment of GASB Statement No. 62, to update an area of accounting that hasn’t seen much change. The original guidance came from FASB standards that date back to the 1970s. The GASB reviews the guidance through the lens of a governmental entity and provides definitions as well as accounting guidance on accounting changes and error corrections. Comments are due August 31, 2021.
Executive Order on Climate-Related Financial Risk
President Biden has issued an executive order requiring federal agencies to look at financial risk related to climate change including potentially requiring public entities to disclose certain items. ESG disclosures are a growing area for disclosures and entities like the SASB and GRI have been providing best practices.
QM Proposal Comment Period Extended
The AICPA has extended the comment period for the trio of Quality Management proposals from June 11, 2021 to August 31, 2021; likely due to the extended tax season and lots of other exciting happenings. They have also provided a few glossary documents that provide executive summaries about the proposals and a sample comment letter template for those who may not be comfortable with writing feedback from scratch. They are also hosting a series of round tables in May and June that are open to the public that will feature a summary of the proposed statements followed by a live Q&A. Each roundtable will offer up to 1.5 hours of CPE and be limited to no more than 50 participants.
IESBA Ethics Changes
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants® (IESBA®) has issued two new ethics standards. The first addresses fee-related prohibitions. Firms may not permit the audit fee to be influenced by the provision of services other than the audit to the audit client. In addition, they revised the non-assurance services rules to clarify the circumstances in which firms may provide nonassurance services to an audit or assurance client.
Yellow Book Technical Update
GAO has issued a technical update to Yellow Book. In a very rare move, GAO has made modifications to a handful of paragraphs in the 2018 Yellow Book. The updates address the concept of equity, SKE for nonaudit services and changes to evaluation of internal controls for performance audits. Updates were effective upon issuance.
Renaming the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
The GASB has issued an exposure draft to amend the name of the comprehensive annual financial report to the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The current spoken acronym is offensive in some cultures and reordering the terms will alleviate unintended insults. There are no changes to the contents or use of the report, just the title. Comments are due July 9, 2021.
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.
