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    Insights for Modern CPA Firms

    Field-tested writing on offshore strategy, tax operations, security, and scaling U.S. accounting practices.

    15 articles ยท updated weekly

    15 articles
    Engagement Letters for Audit, Review, and Compilation Audit & Assurance

    Engagement Letters for Audit, Review, and Compilation

    What each engagement letter must include under AU-C 210, AR-C 80, and AR-C 90 for audit, review, and compilation engagements, and where these letters most often fall short.

    Jul 4, 2026 6 min
    Subsequent Events in Auditing: AU-C 560 Documentation Guide Audit & Assurance

    Subsequent Events in Auditing: AU-C 560 Documentation Guide

    What CPA firms need to document under AU-C 560 for subsequent events in auditing, covering the three responsibility periods, Type I versus Type II classification, and dual-dating.

    Jul 4, 2026 6 min
    Group Audits for CPA Firms: AU-C 600 Essential Guide Audit & Assurance

    Group Audits for CPA Firms: AU-C 600 Essential Guide

    Group audits for CPA firms with subsidiaries, joint ventures, or multiple locations run under AU-C 600, and the standard is about to change. Here is what governs component auditor work today and what SAS No. 149 changes starting December 15, 2026.

    Jul 4, 2026 7 min
    Nonprofit Audit Findings: Essential Guide to 8 Common Issues Audit & Assurance

    Nonprofit Audit Findings: Essential Guide to 8 Common Issues

    Nonprofit audit findings most often involve conditional grants, functional expense allocation, net asset classification, and Uniform Guidance compliance. This guide covers the 8 issues CPA firms encounter most in nonprofit engagements.

    Jun 23, 2026 8 min
    Audit Committee Communications: 5 Essential Rules for Small Firm Auditors Audit & Assurance

    Audit Committee Communications: 5 Essential Rules for Small Firm Auditors

    Audit committee communications under PCAOB AS 1301 and AU-C 260 impose specific timing, content, and written documentation requirements that many small firm auditors underestimate. Here are 5 essential rules.

    Jun 23, 2026 8 min
    Fraud Red Flags Auditors Look For: 9 Critical Self-Audit Checks Audit & Assurance

    Fraud Red Flags Auditors Look For: 9 Critical Self-Audit Checks

    The fraud red flags auditors look for usually appear in the books months before an audit. Here are 9 warning signs and how your clients can self-audit.

    Jun 23, 2026 7 min
    Going Concern Opinion: 5 Essential Rules for CPA Firms Audit & Assurance

    Going Concern Opinion: 5 Essential Rules for CPA Firms

    A going concern opinion requires the auditor to evaluate substantial doubt, assess management's mitigation plans, and communicate findings before the report is issued. Here are 5 essential rules for CPA firms handling this opinion.

    Jun 23, 2026 9 min
    Sampling Techniques in Auditing: 5 Essential Rules for Sample Size Audit & Assurance

    Sampling Techniques in Auditing: 5 Essential Rules for Sample Size

    Sampling techniques in auditing determine whether your sample is actually large enough to support your conclusion. Here are 5 essential rules for attribute sampling, MUS, projection of exceptions, and the documentation your workpapers need.

    Jun 23, 2026 9 min
    Internal Controls Checklist Small Business Audit Readiness: 5 Essential Areas Audit & Assurance

    Internal Controls Checklist Small Business Audit Readiness: 5 Essential Areas

    An internal controls checklist for small business audit readiness covers five control areas auditors examine. Here is what your clients need in place , and how to address segregation of duties when the team is small.

    Jun 23, 2026 9 min
    Risk Assessment in Auditing: 5 Essential Gaps in Small Firm Practice Audit & Assurance

    Risk Assessment in Auditing: 5 Essential Gaps in Small Firm Practice

    Risk assessment in auditing is where audit quality is won or lost. Here are 5 areas small CPA firms consistently underestimate, from the SAS 145 spectrum of inherent risk to management override in owner-managed clients.

    Jun 23, 2026 9 min
    Preparing Clients for Their First Financial Statement Audit: An Essential 9-Step Guide Audit & Assurance

    Preparing Clients for Their First Financial Statement Audit: An Essential 9-Step Guide

    Preparing clients for their first financial statement audit is harder than subsequent years. Here is the 9-step process that gets your clients audit-ready and keeps fieldwork on schedule.

    Jun 23, 2026 7 min
    PCAOB Audit Deficiencies Small Firms Keep Repeating: 7 Critical Areas to Fix Audit & Assurance

    PCAOB Audit Deficiencies Small Firms Keep Repeating: 7 Critical Areas to Fix

    PCAOB audit deficiencies small firms trigger inspection findings on remain stubbornly high. Here are the 7 areas inspectors flag most, with what your firm should address before your next inspection cycle.

    Jun 23, 2026 8 min

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