Genuine Learning Blog
The Genuine Learning Blog is a video series designed to keep you abreast of the latest developments in accounting and auditing. This is a not a teaser, marketing tool. This blog breaking down new proposals from GASB, FASB, and the AICPA into short manageable videos. Watching this series will make you better informed than your peers!
Engage 2022
The GLS team had a great time this week in Las Vegas for the ENGAGE conference. The team was able to interact with clients and colleagues both at the exhibit booth and at various evening functions. We also had a wonderful client reception on Monday, which included the cover reveal of Melisa’s new book Money Matters for Nonprofits. This book demystifies financial statements and basic accounting, empowering nonprofit board members and other stakeholders to better advise their organizations and make an even greater difference in the world. At ENGAGE, Melisa enjoyed presenting on Nonprofit Hot Topics and attending some CPE for a change. But all good things come to an end. The team is heading home with ideas to build on this momentum.
AICPA Issues TQA on OI
The AICPA issued a TQA in May addressing reporting and dating issues related to Other Information (OI) received after the date of the auditor’s report. SAS 137 added some additional performance and reporting requirements. The TQA clarifies some common questions the AICPA was receiving with regard to these changes.
FAF Issues Draft Strategic Plan
The FAF has issued a draft strategic plan for the FASB, GASB and FAF for public comment. The draft reviews the vision, mission and values of the FAF and also 6 key goals that they hope to achieve. Comments are due July 22, 2022.
GAO 2022-2027 Strategic Plan
GAO has issued its 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. It includes the identification of 12 trends impacting the United States as well as 4 key efforts which are near-term priorities to provide the Congress with timely and fact-based analysis of the most important issues facing the nation.
OMB Issues 2022 Compliance Supplement
OMB has issued its 2022 Compliance Supplement. While originally promised in April of 2022, OMB issued it on May 12 which is much better than the previous years that were issued in August. The Compliance Supplement includes new ARPA programs that were not addressed in the 2021 Supplement so this can be very helpful to auditors wrapping up some outstanding 2021 audits. The Supplement should be used for 6/30/22 year ends and beyond.
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!
New Tools for Auditing Provider Relief Funds
The AICPA’s Government Audit Quality Center has released 4 tools that can help auditors make sense of auditing provider relief funds. It addresses the unique HHS audit requirements as well as how to handle Parent / Subsidiary relationships. It also has a tool for auditors new to performing single audits as well as a checklist for organizations getting their first single audit. The GAQC has made these available to the public and you do NOT need to be a GAQC member to access (although the membership is more than worth the investment!)
Yellow Book Report Updates
While much of the focus of the implementation of SAS 134-140 have been on the financial statement report and the Single Audit report, it is important to note that when the AICPA issued updated examples in their A&A guide, it included changes to the Yellow Book report as well. We’ll review some of the biggest changes to make sure these minor edits are included when issuing GAGAS reports.
Accounting for Vaccines
The AICPA’s Healthcare Expert Panel has issued a Technical Q&A regarding the accounting for vaccines that were provided during the pandemic. The guidance applies to nonprofits and for profit entities. The TQA requires entities to evaluate whether the transaction is exchange or nonexchange and if nonexchange whether the entity is acting as a principal or an agent.
Proposed Changes to AU-C 935
The AICPA has issued an exposure draft addressing AU-C 935, Compliance Audits. This section is used when performing Single Audits. The appendix references were in need of an update from other recently issued SASes. This would correct the appendix to ensure auditor’s understood what paragraphs in various AU-C sections do not apply when performing Single Audits. Comments are due May 16.
Chapter 7, Presentation
FASB has issued a new Chapter to the Concepts Statements focusing on Presentation. Presentation includes how the elements are presented as totals and subtotals on the face of the financial statements. While Concept Statements are not GAAP, they are the theory used by the board to create GAAP.
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.
