Useful guidance for audit firms of all sizes

The Center for Audit Quality (CAQ), an AICPA affiliate, describes itself as an autonomous public policy organization dedicated to enhancing investor confidence and public trust in global capital markets by fostering, among other things, high-quality performance by public company auditors. Time and time again, polls have given high marks for the public trust of accountants in various regards. For example, a January 2019 survey taken by three international accounting bodies found a much higher trust level in accountants than in governmental tax systems. Maintaining the high confidence of the public is critical for public accountants who hold the exclusive franchise for audit reports on financial statements.

Even though the resources generated by the CAQ are specifically directed toward public company auditors, they provide beneficial insights and tools that can be helpful to private company auditors as well.… Read More

Financial Reporting Council report considers the impact

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is the regulator of auditors in the United Kingdom, as well as the standard setter for corporate governance. The FRC’s goal is to promote transparency and integrity in business for the investors and others who rely on company reporting.

In response to the call for improved corporate reporting, the FRC established the Financial Reporting Lab (Lab) in 2011, as a means for investors and companies to together develop pragmatic solutions. To address technology related challenges, the Lab initiated two projects. Digital Present looked at the current state of technology tools and how to best employ them. Digital Future, building on the results of Digital Present, “is designed to identify what benefits the new mediums and technologies should offer, consider which technologies might do this and how companies can make the most of the digital opportunity.”… Read More