Surgent's The AICPA Independence Rule: An Introduction for Audit, Assurance, and Attestation Professionals

Overview

Independence is the foundation of credible audit, assurance, and attestation reporting. This course introduces the AICPA independence rule for early-career professionals and others new to attest work. Participants will learn what independence means, how financial interests and relationships can threaten independence, and which safeguards can reduce those threats. Upon completion, participants will be able to evaluate independence for prospective clients and engagements and maintain independence throughout the engagement.

Highlights

• Foundation of accounting ethics
• Independence in fact vs. appearance and common impairment triggers
• AICPA Independence Rule
• AICPA Independence Interpretations issued by the Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC)
• Application of the AICPA's Conceptual Framework
• Threats to independence and safeguards to those threats
• Covered members

Prerequisites

None

Designed For

CPAs and accounting professionals who perform audit or assurance engagements or who may be subject to AICPA independence rules

Objectives

• Apply the AICPA's conceptual framework to independence threats in engagements
• Understand what is required to be independent on an attest, audit, or assurance engagement
• Identify and address activities that impair independence
• Implement effective safeguards to maintain independence in complex situations

Preparation

None