The CPA Profession,Chapter 2,Certified Public Accounting Firms,The legal right to perform audits is granted to CPA firms by regulation of each state.,CPA firms also provide many other services to their clients, such as tax and consulting services.,Certified Public Accounting Firms,The five largest CPA firms in the United States are called the “Big Five” international CPA firms.,Three CPA firms in the United States are called national firms because they have offices in most major cities.,Certified Public Accounting Firms,There are only approximately 100 regional and large local CPA firms with professional staffs of more than 50 people.,More than 95% of all CPA firms have fewer than 25 professionals in a single-office firm.,Management Consulting Services,Tax Services,Accounting and Bookkeeping Services,Activities of CPA Firms,Organizational Structure,Proprietorship,General Partnership,General Corporation,Professional Corporation,Limited Liability Company,Limited Liability Partnership,Hierarchy of a Typical CPA Firm,Staff Level,Staff Assistant,Senior Auditor,Experience,Typical Responsibilities,0-2 years,Performs most of the detailed audit work,2-5 years,Responsible for the audit field work, including supervising staff work,Hierarchy of a Typical CPA Firm,Staff Level,Manager,Partner,Experience,Typical Responsibilities,5-10 years,Helps the plan, manages the audit, reviews work, and works with the client,10+ years,Reviews audit work and makes significant audit decision,The AICPA sets professional requirements for CPAs, conducts research, and publishes materials on many different subjects related to accounting, auditing, attestation and assurance services, management consulting services, and taxes.,AICPA,The AICPA is empowered to set standards (guidelines) and rules that all members and other practicing CPAs must follow.,The requirements are set by committees made up of AICPA members.,Establishing Standards and Rules,Establishing Standards and Rules,1. Auditing Standards,2. Compilation and Review Standards,3. Other Attestation Standards,4. Code of Professional Conduct,Other AICPA Functions,Supports research by its own staff and provides grants to others,Writes and grades the CPA examination,Provides seminars and education in a variety of subject matters,Practice standards,Practice standards are general guides for the quality of professional work. CPAs standards issued by the AICPAs Auditing Standards Board - GAAS generally accepted auditing standards and attestation standards Internal Auditors standards are issued by the IIA Institute of Internal Auditors Governmental audit standards are issued by the GAO.,GAAS,Generally Accepted Auditing Standards 10 Standards divided into General, Field Work and Reporting Standards SAS (Statements on Auditing Standards) Considered interpretations of GAAS SAS issued by ASB, Numbered,GAAS - General Standards,Audit performed by persons having adequate technical training and proficiency as an auditor. Independence in mental attitude is to be maintained by the auditor. Due professional care is to be exercised in the performance of the audit and the preparation of the report.,GAAS - Field Work Standards,The work is to be adequately planned and assistance are to be properly supervised. A sufficient understanding of internal control is to be obtained to plan the audit and to determine the nature, timing and extent of tests to be performed. Sufficient competent evidential matter is to be obtained through inspection, observation, inquiries and confirmations to afford a reasonable basis for an opinion.,GAAS - Reporting Standards,The report shall state if the financial statements are in accordance with GAAP. The report shall identify those circumstances in which such principles have not been consistently observed. Informative disclosures in the financial statements are to be regarded as reasonably adequate unless otherwise stated.,Reporting Standards - Continued,The report shall either contain an expression of opinion regarding the financial statements, taken as a whole, or an assertion to the effect that an opinion cannot be expressed. When an overall opinion cannot be expressed, the reason therefor should be stated. In all cases where an auditors name is associated with financial statements, the report should contain a clear-cut indication of the character of the auditors work, if any, and the degree of responsibility the auditor is taking.,Audit Quality,Auditing standards are guidelines of quality that should be followed in all audits. Failure to follow GAAS is considered a deficient audit. Auditing procedures are the tasks used to audit specific clients.,GAAS Acronym General Standards,T - Adequate technical training and proficiency as an auditor I - Independence in appearance and fact P - Due professional care in performing the audit.,Continued Fieldwork Standards,S - Adequate supervision and planning in performing the audit. I - Understanding of internal control to plan the audit.