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.
The AICPA’s Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) has issued a Temporary Policy Statement regarding the recent changes by the SEC to their independence rules. Because the rules do not align with the AICPA Code, while PEEC evaluates whether any changes are needed, PEEC has provided a temporary enforcement permitting auditors who follow both to be compliant if they adopt the new SEC rules. The policy is effective until rescinded.
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.
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.
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.
