AUP engagements: A middle ground between audits and consulting services
Your CPA offers a wide menu of services. An audit is a familiar type of attestation service that provides a formal opinion about whether the company’s financial statements conform to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Consulting services, in contrast, provide advice or technical assistance that’s only for internal purposes. That is, lenders and other […]
Measuring “fair value” for financial reporting purposes
The standard for valuing certain assets and liabilities under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is “fair value.” This differs from other valuation standards that may apply when valuing a security or business interest in a litigation or mergers and acquisitions (M&A) setting. FASB guidance The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Codification […]
Predicting future performance
CPAs typically report historical financial performance. But sometimes they’re hired to predict how a company will perform in the future. Prospective reporting options There are three types of reports to choose from when predicting future performance: Forecasts. These prospective statements present an entity’s expected financial position, results of operations and cash flows. They’re based on […]
Close-up on financial statements
There are three types of financial statements under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Each one reveals different, but equally important, information about your company’s financial performance. And, together, they can be analyzed to help owners, management, lenders and investors make informed business decisions. Profit or loss The income statement shows revenue and expenses over […]
Comparing internal and external audits
Businesses use two types of audits to gauge financial results: internal and external. Here’s a closer look at how they measure up. Focus Internal auditors go beyond traditional financial reporting. They focus on a company’s internal controls, accounting processes and ability to mitigate risk. Internal auditors also evaluate whether the company’s activities comply with its […]
Close-up on professional standards for CPAs
The accounting profession is largely self-regulated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Part of its mission involves the development and enforcement of a broad range of standards for the profession. Why do these standards matter to you? By having a little familiarity with the guidance that accountants and auditors follow, business owners […]
Put a QOE report to work for you
An independent quality of earnings (QOE) report can be a valuable tool in mergers and acquisitions. It’s important for both buyers and sellers to look beyond the quantitative information provided by the selling company’s financial statements. Quality matters There’s a lack of guidance from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) regarding scope and […]
Now or later? When to report subsequent events
Financial statements present a company’s financial position as of a specific date, typically the end of the year or quarter. But sometimes events happen shortly after the end of the period that have financial implications for the prior period or for the future. Here’s a look at what’s reportable and what’s not. Classifying subsequent events […]
Auditing accounting estimates and the use of specialists
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) recently voted to finalize two related standards aimed at improving audits of accounting estimates and the work of specialists. Though the new, more consistent guidance would apply specifically to public companies, the effects would likely filter down to audits of private entities that use accounting estimates or rely […]
Simplifying the accounting rules for convertible debt and equity
Distinguishing between liabilities and equity on a company’s balance sheet may seem straightforward. But difficulties arise when it comes to the terms of complex securities and financial contracts like redeemable equity instruments, equity-linked or indexed instruments, and convertible instruments. The good news is that the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) is currently working on a […]
