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On Monday, the PCAOB adopted two new standards. First, the PCAOB adopted a new audit quality control standard, replacing the existing AICPA standard that pre-dated the creation of the PCAOB. The new standard requires all PCAOB registered firms to identify their specific risks and design a quality control system that includes policies and procedures to address those risks. The PCAOB’s announcement notes the following key provisions of the new audit quality standard:

– The new standard strikes a balance between a risk-based approach to QC (which should drive firms to proactively identify and manage the specific risks associated with their practice) and a set of mandates (which should assure that the QC system is designed, implemented, and operated with an appropriate level of rigor).

– All PCAOB-registered firms would be required to design a QC system that complies with the new standard. Firms that perform audits of public companies or SEC-registered brokers and dealers would be required to implement and operate the QC system they design, monitor the system, and take remedial actions where policies and procedures are not operating effectively – creating a continuous feedback loop for improvement.

– Those firms would be required to annually evaluate their QC system and report the results of their evaluation to the PCAOB on new Form QC, which would be certified by key firm personnel to reinforce individual accountability.

– Firms that audit more than 100 issuers annually would be required to establish an external oversight function for the QC system, referred to as an External QC Function (EQCF), composed of one or more persons who can exercise independent judgment related to the firm’s QC system. In response to comments, the new standard clarifies that the EQCF’s responsibilities should include, at a minimum, evaluating the significant judgments made and the related conclusions reached by the firm when evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of its QC system.

The new audit quality standard will apply to all PCAOB-registered firms. Subject to approval by the SEC, the new standard and related amendments will take effect on December 15, 2025.

The PCAOB also adopted AS 1000, General Responsibilities of the Auditor in Conducting an Audit, along with related amendments to other PCAOB standards. The PCAOB’s announcement of the new standard notes: “AS 1000 enhances and consolidates a group of standards that were adopted on an interim basis by the PCAOB in April 2003 and that address the general principles and responsibilities of the auditor, such as due professional care, professional skepticism, competence, and professional judgment.” This new standard will apply to all audits conducted under PCAOB standards. Subject to approval by the SEC, the new standard and related amendments will take effect for audits of financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2024. For certain firms, the amendment relating to the documentation completion date will take effect for audits of financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2025.

– Dave Lynn