Data analytics and “big data” have become a game changer for internal auditing, as firms search for opportunities to provide more value to clients and respond to new regulations and increased pressure from stakeholders. Integrating data analytics into the internal audit approach isn’t easy, but the investment of time and money will help firms and […]
Displaying: 2019
Auditor Risk Assessment
In recent years, a constant mantra of the AICPA’s peer review and technical staff has been that auditors are struggling with the risk assessment standards (primarily AU-C sections 315 and 330). Common deficiencies cited by the AICPA include: [1] auditors failing to gain an understanding of internal control when identifying the client’s risks; [2] incomplete […]
Getting Ready for the New World of Peer Review
From those whose firms have recently gone through a peer review as part of the AICPA’s Peer Review Program (PRP), the feedback is consistent. Things have changed. While the underlying requirements of the PRP are the same, a review of a sample of an accounting firm’s engagement workpapers in order to assure compliance with applicable […]
A Timely Reminder to Take Grants Seriously
Sometimes, not-for-profits and governments can be tempted to not take their grant applications and reporting seriously. However, entities which choose this path do so at their own peril. For example, in March 2019, Duke University agreed to pay the federal government $112,500,000 to resolve claims that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting applications […]
Filing Relief for 2018 Partnership Returns
On July 25, 2019, the announcement of Rev. Proc. 2019-32 provided welcomed relief for Form 1065 filers. Under Section 6031(b), partnerships under the centralized audit regime are prohibited from amending, after the return’s due date, K-1 information required to be provided to partners. For 2018 returns, the K-1s show for the first time Line 20 […]
Now is the Time to Become Familiar with the New Yellow Book
The 2018 Yellow Book is effective for financial audits for periods ending on or after June 30, 2020. However, that does not mean that auditors can wait until 2020 to become familiar with the new standards. A prime example of why early familiarity is necessary lies in the area of independence. Under the Yellow Book, […]
Choices Not-for-Profits are Making in Implementing ASU No. 2016-14
Throughout 2019, not-for-profit entities (NFPs) are implementing ASU No. 2016-14, Presentation of Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Entities. ASU No. 2016-14 allows flexibility in how and where certain information is presented. Recently, I reviewed the audited financial statements for 20 NFPs which have implemented ASU No. 2016-14 to see the choices they are making. NFPs are […]
President Signs Taxpayer First Act of 2019
The Taxpayer First Act of 2019 was signed into law on July 1, 2019. The Act contains numerous provisions largely dealing with customer service to taxpayers and IRS organization. As such, there is little for professionals to digest in terms of substantive planning or practice. Two points, though, are noteworthy. The Act established the IRS […]
Millennials in the Workforce: Hiring, Retaining, and Managing in the 21st Century
To the Baby Boomers and Generation Xers who currently comprise the majority of the workforce, the Millennials among us can be a challenge to understand. They seemingly have different needs and different career priorities than the generations that have come before. Many employers simply think that Millennials will need to adjust their thinking and work […]
Safe Harbor for SALT Credit
IRS issued final regs (T.D. 9864) reiterating if a taxpayer receives or expects to receive a state or local tax deduction exceeding the amount of the payment or fair market value of the property, the federal charitable contribution deduction faces mandatory reduction. The final regs largely mirror the proposed regs of August 2018 with little […]