Close-up on sources of substantive audit evidence

Organizations that understand how auditors verify account balances and transactions can minimize disruptions during audit fieldwork and maximize the effectiveness of financial statement audits. Here’s a summary of the types of “substantive evidence” auditors gather to help them form opinions regarding your financial statements. Original source documents Auditors can verify an account balance or record […]

Tap into specialized functions in QuickBooks

QuickBooks® provides an all-in-one solution that helps some small and medium-sized businesses manage their finances. While QuickBooks provides the accounting backbone for many companies, it has advanced features that go beyond basic bookkeeping tasks. For example, the time-tracking functionality in QuickBooks captures the hours spent on a specific project and makes it easier to bill […]

Use visual aids to enhance financial reporting

Graphs, charts, tables and other data visualizations can be inserted in your financial statement disclosures to improve transparency and draw attention to key accomplishments. As your organization prepares its year-end or quarterly financials, consider presenting some information in a more user-friendly, visual format. Reimagine data presentation In business, the use of so-called “infographics” started with […]

Now hiring: 10 questions to ask bookkeeper candidates

Are you looking for someone to manage the books and records for your small business? Whether you’re operating a startup or an established business that recently lost its bookkeeper, hiring the right person for these tasks can be challenging. Selecting a candidate in today’s job market requires a rigorous process. It’s important not to be […]

Coming soon: 5 accounting rules that take effect in 2023

It can be challenging to keep track of which accounting rules are changing, when the changes kick in and for which types of entities. Plus, implementing the necessary revisions to your organization’s procedures and systems often takes time and resources. Here are five updates that go live for certain entities this year. 1. Targeted improvements […]

Common accounting pitfalls for startups to avoid

Accounting is a critical element when launching a successful business venture. Unfortunately, it’s also an area where startups tend to make mistakes. Here are some common (and avoidable) errors that entrepreneurs should watch out for. Failing to track expenses Starting a new business is exciting — and it’s natural to focus on generating revenue and […]

Auditing accounting estimates

When companies report financial results, they often rely on estimates made by management. Examples include the allowance for doubtful accounts, warranty obligations, costs of pending litigation, goodwill impairment and the fair values of acquired intangible assets. How do auditors evaluate whether amounts reported on the financial statements for these items seem reasonable? Inquiry and testing […]

New report shows a decrease in CAMs in 2022

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) recently published its second post-implementation review on critical audit matters (CAMs). The report found that, while the proportion of auditor’s reports that have a single CAM has increased, the average number of CAMs has declined over time. Here’s what you should know. Defining CAMs Auditors of public companies […]

5 benefits of outsourcing your accounting needs

CPA firms do more than audits and tax returns. They can also help you with everyday accounting-related tasks, such as bookkeeping, budgeting, payroll and sales tax filings. Should your organization outsource its accounting needs? Here are five potential advantages to consider when evaluating this decision. 1. Professional advice. Outsourcing to an experienced CPA firm provides […]

Update on remote auditing

Remote work became a buzz topic when the United States went into lockdown mode in 2020 to combat the effects of COVID-19. Like many companies, audit firms quickly shifted to remote auditing with video conferencing and drones. Now that the country has largely reopened, will auditors continue to work remotely? Remote auditing “definitely continues to […]