Internal Audit & Control

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has released a proposal aimed at enhancing accountability for individuals who contribute to violations committed by registered public accounting firms. The proposed amendment seeks to update PCAOB Rule 3502, Responsibility Not to Knowingly or Recklessly Contribute to Violations, originally enacted in 2005. This move is intended to better protect investors and align the rule with industry expectations.

As a result of the aftermath of the winter storms that ravaged the state of California in December of last year and into January of 2023, the IRS has decided to provide businesses within the state who were affected with tax relief, allowing them to defer their payments until next month.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken action against Alfonse Gregory Giugliano, CPA, the former National Assurance Services Leader at Marcum LLP, a prominent public accounting firm. Giugliano has been charged with failing to adequately address and rectify a multitude of deficiencies in Marcum's quality control system, a role critical to maintaining the integrity of the audit process.

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various industries. One area that stands to benefit significantly from AI's capabilities is internal audit. AI has the ability to revolutionize the landscape of internal audit and controls, making processes more efficient, insightful, and adaptable, but nevertheless, concerns persist. However, as businesses navigate a rapidly evolving and competitive risk environment, harnessing AI's potential could prove essential for staying ahead of the curve.

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has taken action against Warren Averett, LLC, imposing a fine in response to violations of auditor independence rules in connection with two issuer audits.

In a recent announcement, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has revealed that AJ Robbins CPA, LLC and its principal, Allan Jeffrie Robbins, CPA, are facing disciplinary actions for their involvement in various violations of PCAOB rules and standards. The sanctions come as a result of their failure to uphold essential professional responsibilities, signaling the PCAOB's commitment to safeguarding investor interests.

Instinet, LLC, a prominent player in the financial sector, has been hit with a substantial penalty of $3.8 million by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for its failure to meet Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) reporting obligations. The fine comes as a result of Instinet's deficient and inaccurate reporting of order event data to the CAT Central Repository.