On-Call Consultations
How we've helped firms:
Addressing an Independence Violation
Audit Conduct has helped firms evaluate the ramifications of a breach of AICPA, SEC, PCAOB, GAO, DOL or other auditor independence rules or regulations in an audit or other attest engagement and determine what actions should be taken.
Typically, we work with a firm to review the relevant facts and circumstances, help determine the impact of the breach on the firm's independence, and recommend corrective actions in accordance with professional and regulatory standards. If needed, we can assist the firm in communications with the appropriate regulatory body.
Litigation Support
We advise attorneys and state accountancy boards when they are litigating or investigating CPA professional conduct, for example, advising on the AICPA, SEC, PCAOB and other rules and regulations.
Interpreting Subjective Rules
AICPA, SEC, and PCAOB auditor independence rules can be subjective and some rules and regulations provide very limited guidance. The appearance of independence is a key component of the independence rules of all standard-setters and regulators and we can provide an objective, third-party opinion of the factors you should consider in evaluating your firm's independence.
Complying With Multi-layered Independence Requirements (DOL, AICPA, FDIC, SEC, PCAOB)
The maze of auditor independence requirements can be tricky to navigate; our job is to guide you through. For example, multiple independence rules can apply to audit services performed for an employee benefit plan or a benefit plan's sponsor, e.g. , DOL, AICPA, FDIC, SEC, and/or PCAOB. We have worked with firms to create tools (e.g., charts or matrices) that the firm's quality control personnel and/or its professionals can use to facilitate review of similar matters going forward.
I had the opportunity to work with Cathy on some technical projects including the “modernization” of the AICPA independence rules back in 2001. I gained an immediate appreciation for her knowledge of the independence rules. Currently our firms uses Cathy as our outside independence consultant. Cathy has been very responsive to our inquiries which is greatly appreciated as often these are very time sensitive. She is a valuable resource for consulting on AICPA, DOL and SEC/PCAOB independence topics. We appreciate her perspective as someone who is outside of our firm.
Accountancy Board Regulations
We have advised firms on the impact of state accountancy board regulations and other relevant professional rules on their CPA firm's practice. For example, a firm may wish to acquire a financial advisory firm, provide new types of nonaudit services or use certain types of fee arrangements. We can provide a synopsis of the relevant rules and regulations, and the options that are available.
Policies and Procedures Review
We have evaluated policies and procedures for independence regulatory compliance, both broadly, (e.g., with AICPA, SEC and PCAOB auditor independence rules), and more specifically, (e.g., for nonaudit services or business relationships under AICPA, SEC and PCAOB rules), to ensure these policies and procedures support compliance with the relevant auditor independence rules. We have also advised firms on how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their quality controls over independence.
Content Development
Audit Conduct is a leading provider of content pertaining to audit ethics and independence. Cathy Allen has written everything from articles for industry journals to questionnaires, survey and courses for in-firm training and compliance.
