The Year of the Ampersand Part I: Completeness & Accuracy, Relevance & Reliability

In 2014, Denver Eater published an article: What’s in a Name: The Year of the Ampersand. Essentially, for the foodies out there, in 2014, it seemed all new, trendy restaurants used the ampersand (yes, the “&” symbol) to link two words (sometimes entirely unrelated) together and then suddenly, voilà, you had yourself the next hottest restaurant. In Denver, top of mind are Stoic & Genuine, Work & Class, Guard & Grace, and Williams & Graham, to name a few.

In an entirely different industry (arguably less exciting), the same naming trend seems to be picking up heat today. It’s almost impossible to talk about audit without using the words “completeness & accuracy” or “relevance & reliability.” Whether supporting teams on PCAOB inspections or performing in-flight reviews, these paired words seem to surface time and again. In fact, in October 2021, the PCAOB published guidance specifically addressing this topic: Staff Guidance – Insights for Auditors – Evaluating Relevance and Reliability of Audit Evidence Obtained From External Sources.

Quantity & Quality (there’s that ampersand again)

Information technology is enabling the aggregation of more and more data as well as allowing access to these vast sums of data. The more data, the more evidence and thus logic would dictate, the better the audit. However, we’re all familiar with the concept of “fake news” and so, it’s important to evaluate the quality of that information.

As with almost everything related to an audit, it all starts with risk assessment. As the risk increases, so too does the quantity and the quality of the audit evidence needed to address the risk. In its publication, the PCAOB stated:

The concepts of sufficiency and appropriateness of audit evidence are interrelated – the quantity of audit evidence needed is affected by both the risk of material misstatement (in the audit of financial statements) or the risk associated with the control (in the audit of internal control over financial reporting) and the quality of the evidence (i.e., its relevance and reliability).

Quantity is often driven by the nature, timing and extent of procedures. Quality is driven by the relevance and reliability of the information obtained or used in those procedures. Relevant information but from an unreliable source doesn’t hold much value for the auditor. Similarly, reliable information that is irrelevant renders audit evidence useless.

Factors to Consider

Relevance

The PCAOB states: The relevance of audit evidence refers to its relationship to the assertion or to the objective of the control being tested and depends on the design and timing of the audit procedure.

Essentially, how well does the evidence pertain and/or relate to the assertion being tested? For instance, if an auditor is using industry data to corroborate management’s assumptions, how comparable are the companies underlying the industry data? If you’re auditing a start-up company, pulling information from long-established Fortune 500 companies may not be relevant information.

How disaggregated is the data? Often, the more disaggregated data is, the more relevant it becomes since you can select the data that is most pertinent/similar.

Another factor when considering relevance of data is its age. Typically, current data is more relevant than data from a decade ago. However, it really all depends. Arguably, data from 2020 (the year of COVID) may not be the most relevant data to represent “typical” operations. So perhaps 2019 is more relevant than 2020. Similarly, if we were to have another global pandemic in 2030, well, then the data from 2020 (even if it’s ten years old) may be the most relevant data since it would show how companies fared during a global pandemic (which has not been a common occurrence).

Reliability

As it relates to reliability, the PCAOB states: The reliability of audit evidence depends on the source and nature of the evidence and the circumstances under which it is obtained.

Source of information

When considering the source, consider the expertise and reputation of the source of the data. We inherently do that ourselves when we read the news: headlines from NPR are generally more trusted than the sensational scandals reported by grocery store tabloids. The same concept applies to audit evidence. Factors that might increase the reliability of the source include regulatory oversight and statutory mandates and reporting. US Banks, for instance, are generally accepted as providing reliable information given the incredibly stringent regulatory environment. Finally, auditors need to consider conflicts of interest. A research study on the effects of leaded gasoline funded by the manufacturers of lead additives is a clear conflict of interest (and yes, this was the case for years when cars used leaded gasoline). Obviously, auditors need to consider the source of information and the potential relationship to the company being audited.

In addition to analyzing each source, the more sources that can be obtained, generally, the more reliable the information becomes. For instance, if a company is using a market multiple approach to determine the enterprise value of a company, the more multiples that can be obtained (assuming they’re all relevant), the more reliable the information becomes.

Nature of information

Once the source has been vetted, the auditor must consider the nature of the information being obtained. To the extent the information is “raw data” that has not been manipulated, it is considered more reliable. As data is aggregated, manipulated, and/or synthesized, the data becomes less reliable (given the increased risk of error). However, data that has been reviewed or subject to some sort of “attestation” would inherently become more reliable.

How information is obtained

Auditors should also consider how information is obtained. External data obtained directly by the auditor is more reliable than data provided by a client. Further, the more complex the process to obtain the data, the less reliable it becomes as there is greater risk of error.

Ultimately, all of these factors need to be considered in combination. And there are likely many other factors that could impact relevance and reliability. While no single factor renders information relevant or reliable on a standalone basis, I would caution that one single factor could render the information irrelevant and unreliable.

As auditors consider these factors and review data from various sources, it’s important to maintain professional skepticism. To the extent inconsistent data or contradictory evidence surfaces, the auditor needs to evaluate this; you can’t just ignore it.

Most of the time, it’ll be a matter of professional judgement, so document these considerations.

Difficulties with Relevance & Reliability

In working with teams on various audit quality initiatives, there have been a few sources of frustration that perpetually surface: availability of external data, ability to audit external data, and inconsistent application of the “guidance” above.

Availability of external data

While information technology has made it generally easier to access data, there are some companies that operate in largely “uncharted” territory. Many of my clients who audit start-up companies struggle to find “comparable data” in these emerging industries; there just isn’t any historical data, often because the other start-ups are so small and/or private and it’s a brand new product. In these cases, there just isn’t a lot of information to obtain. For the limited information that is available, auditors often struggle to conclude on the relevance and reliability of that information. For instance, if there is only one public competitor that launched a similar product ten years ago, given the guidance above (single source with ten-year old data), arguably, the information is no longer relevant. But if that is the ONLY information available, it’s the most relevant. I’ve seen these cases time and again and the best thing I can advise is to document all considerations.

Ability to audit external data

Sometimes, external data is available, but how can an auditor really assert completeness and accuracy of that information? The auditor has the ability to audit the client, but there’s no guarantee that a client has contractual rights to audit external information (say, from its customers). Take software services. I’ve worked with many clients who audit software companies. Sometimes the revenue is generated through use of the software. Sometimes the client has insight to that usage. Other times, it must rely on the customer to report usage in order to bill for revenue. Given the auditor cannot necessarily go out and audit these customers, how can the team really assert completeness and accuracy?

In its publication, the PCAOB states: …[W]e understand that some firms are considering using as audit evidence new information from nontraditional external sources that has become available because of the advances in information technology. To determine the nature and strength of any relationship between this information and the company’s transactions, and to substantiate conclusions reached, the auditor may need to perform additional procedures (e.g., correlation or regression analyses). The PCAOB seems to indicate analytics may be sufficient. The key is that “additional procedures” need to be performed. Again, this will come down to risk, professional judgment, and documentation.

Inconsistent application of the “guidance”

What is frustrating, perhaps, is the inconsistency with which the guidance seems to be applied, or the implicit expectations that have formed over time through inspection findings. Take the example above: AR confirmations (from customers) are considered best practice to obtain comfort over the existence of AR; in fact, it’s required under PCAOB auditing standards. However, in a recent audit inspection, the PCAOB challenged the use of a customer-provided list of revenue transactions indicating the team had failed to test the completeness and accuracy of that information. Why is an AR confirmation considered relevant and reliable but a list of revenue transactions from the customer not? Obviously, it’s more complicated than just that, but it seems inconsistent.

Or take another example: bank confirmations and similarly, bank statements (which include cash transaction history), are generally accepted as relevant and reliable audit evidence. It’s external data from a third party that is highly regulated. All that makes sense and is in line with the PCAOB’s recent guidance. However, let’s go to the broker-dealer industry. Talk about regulation! This industry arguably has just as much oversight and regulatory reporting as banks. Clearing firms act very similar to a bank (in fact, they often are a part of banks) except they deal in securities, which then clear in cash. Although very similar, through my experience supporting clients with broker-dealer inspections, the PCAOB appears to have different expectations asking engagement teams if they obtained a SOC 1 report (which provides reliance over the controls in place at a service provider) over the clearing broker. Why is a bank generally accepted as providing complete and accurate information without the need for controls testing but a clearing broker requires a SOC 1 report for its information to be considered C&A? Again, it’s more nuanced than that, but this also seems inconsistent.

I think this is starting to surface more and more within the PCAOB and that’s partly why they issued this guidance. It’s becoming a very hot topic.

Moral of the Story

Ultimately, the PCAOB is trying to get firms to understand that getting data is one thing, but there is still more work to be done (and documented). Sometimes, the relevance and reliability is incredibly obvious. Sometimes it’s not as clear.

Regardless the frustrations, perhaps the key is to document the considerations to evidence that the engagement team considered the relevant factors and to capture IN WORDS the professional judgment exercised at the time of the audit. As long as audits incorporate professional judgement, so too will PCAOB inspections incorporate professional judgment. And so, the only way to defend your position is to ensure it was documented at the time of the audit. And when you think you’ve documented enough, add more.

As is the way with any trend, the “AMPERSAND” naming convention seems to be coming to a close. Sadly, one of my favorite restaurants, Church & State in LA, closed its doors in 2019. In Denver, Beast + Bottle closed its doors during the pandemic. And so it goes. But unlike restaurants, the trend in auditing is not going to fade away. Rather, I anticipate the concepts of “completeness & accuracy” and “relevance & reliability” will only become more critical concepts.

In fact, the rise of AI and data analytics threatens to automate much of the audit profession and will disrupt the industry as we know it. Maybe my role will be obsolete in 15-20 years as traditional auditing may go by the wayside, but it will be entirely predicated on the concept that data is complete, accurate, relevant and reliable. Hopefully by then, I’ll be in retirement running a cozy little bed and breakfast which of course will be called “C&A, R&R.” To former auditors, it’ll be an homage to “Completeness & Accuracy, Relevance & Reliability,” but to everyone else, it’ll simply be known as “Cocktails & Accommodations, Rest & Relaxation.”

Dane Dowell is a Director at Johnson Global Accountancy who works with PCAOB-registered accounting firms to help them identify, develop, and implement opportunities to improve audit quality. With over 12 years of public accounting experience, he spent nearly half of his career at the PCAOB where he conducted inspections of audits and quality control. Dowell has extensive experience in audits of ICFR and has worked closely with attorneys in the PCAOB’s Division of Enforcement and Investigations. Prior to the PCAOB, he worked with asset management clients at PwC in Denver, Singapore, and Washington, DC.

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JGA Makes First Contribution to The Daughters of The American Revolution

May 28, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Johnson Global is proud to announce our first charitable contribution in support of the daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) —a historic nonprofit organization founded in 1890 and dedicated to historic preservation, education, and patriotism. With over 130 years of tradition and more than one million members since its founding, the DAR continues to make a meaningful impact through local, national, and global initiatives. "We are honored to support an organization whose enduring mission aligns with our values and commitment to community" said Jackson Johnson, JGA President. "This partnership marks a significant milestone for Johnson Global Advisory as we expand our philanthropic efforts and invest in organizations creating lasting, positive change". "Thank you JGA for this impactful donation will allow our chapter to continue our mission" said Jill Mathieu, Regent of DAR. To explore more about the impact of DAR, visit: www.dar.org/discover About Johnson Global Advisory Johnson Global partners with leadership of public accounting firms, driving change to achieve the highest level of audit quality. Led by former PCAOB and SEC staff, JGA professionals are passionate and practical in their support to firms in their audit quality journey. We accelerate the opportunities to improve quality through policies, practices, and controls throughout the firm. This innovative approach harnesses technology to transform audit quality. Our team is designed to maintain a close pulse on regulatory environments around the world and incorporate solutions which navigate those standards. JGA is committed to helping the profession in amplifying quality worldwide. Visit www.johnson-global.com to learn more about Johnson Global.

Joe Lynch to speak at 40th Midyear SEC Reporting & FASB Forum

May 28, 2025

Johnson Global Advisory ("JGA") is proud to announce that Joe Lynch, Shareholder and Managing Director, will be speaking on a panel at the 40th Midyear SEC Reporting & FASB Forum . Joe will deliver the PCAOB update on June 6, with attendance available both in person and virtually. This panel will summarize the activities of the PCAOB including: • Understand the current regulatory landscape and emerging issues under new SEC leadership • Summarize rulemaking from the FASB’s technical agenda, including segment reporting and disaggregation of income statement expenses • Anticipate accounting and reporting issues incurred with income taxes, including ASU 2023-09 “Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” • Identify changes from the FASB on accounting for financial instruments • Prepare for disclosure requirements on ESG and climate change, including the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the requirements of California’s ESG disclosures legislation and the status of the SEC final rule • Recall recent developments and the most frequent comment areas in the SEC review process Click here to register and learn more. About Johnson Global Advisory Johnson Global partners with leadership of public accounting firms, driving change to achieve the highest level of audit quality. Led by former PCAOB and SEC staff, JGA professionals are passionate and practical in their support to firms in their audit quality journey. We accelerate the opportunities to improve quality through policies, practices, and controls throughout the firm. This innovative approach harnesses technology to transform audit quality. Our team is designed to maintain a close pulse on regulatory environments around the world and incorporate solutions which navigate those standards. JGA is committed to helping the profession in amplifying quality worldwide. Visit www.johnson-global.com to learn more about Johnson Global.

QC 1000 Implementation: Key Themes and Guidance from the PCAOB Workshop

May 28, 2025

On May 13th, 2025, the PCAOB held a QC 1000 workshop in Washington, DC, providing critical insights into the upcoming quality control standard. With the effective date of December 15th, 2025 , firms must proactively identify and manage quality risks by setting quality objectives, assessing risks, and implementing responses. Examples and case studies with breakout groups played a crucial role to help firms understand and apply each stage of the implementation process, from risk assessment to monitoring and remediation. Many attendees are still early in their understanding of the standard, highlighting the need for clear guidance and support. In a live poll, a significant portion of the workshop attendees indicated they have not yet started implementation. The inspection approach of QC 1000 has not been finalized. As such, they did not take any questions regarding how this would be inspected in its formative years. However, we did read between the lines from a different question around audit documentation, that it’s possible they may select components on a test basis during an inspection. Background of the Standard The QC 1000 standard emphasizes the integration of eight components: the risk assessment process, governance and leadership, ethics and independence, acceptance and continuance of engagements, engagement performance, resources, information & communication, and monitoring and remediation process. For more background information on QC 1000, please see these JGA resources: Applying the QC 1000 and Other Standards to Your Firm Understanding the Broader Benefits of ISQM 1 and SQMS 1 Applying the Benefits of ISQM 1 & SQMS 1 Across the Firm Key Topics from the Workshop Key terms such as applicable professional and legal requirements (APLR), firm personnel, other participants, and third-party providers were defined to clarify roles and responsibilities within the firm's QC system. The workshop included a walkthrough of Appendix A2 of the standard. The firm’s system must consider the APLRs that are applicable to the firm, which is unique to each firm. APLR is defined in the standard as: Professional standards, as defined in PCAOB Rule 1001(p)(vi); Rules of the PCAOB that are not professional standards; and To the extent related to the obligations and responsibilities of accountants or auditors in the conduct of engagements or in relation to the QC system, rules of the SEC, other provisions of U.S. federal securities law, ethics laws and regulations, and other applicable statutory, regulatory, and other legal requirements. It is important to be able to clearly identify the type of resource in your QC 1000 implementation journey. Paragraph .05 also discusses the terms firm personnel, other participants and third-party providers. These are defined in Appendix A.5 (firm personnel), A.7 (other participants) and A.13 (third -party providers). 1. Firm personnel include: EQR (inside the firm), Staff at shared service centers, secondees and leased staff, specialists employed by the firm. 2. Other participants include other auditors, EQR (outside the firm), internal auditors of the client that provide direct assistance to the auditors, specialists engaged by the firm, Networks, and external QC function. 3. Third-party providers include audit software providers, system security vendor, audit methodology provider, confirmation intermediary, pricing services, and broker-dealer monitoring systems. There are four distinct roles and responsibilities as described in paragraphs .11 -.17 of the QC standard. The first two roles are the certifiers of the Firm’s QC results: 1. The principal executive officer and 2. Individual responsible for the operational responsibility and accountability for the QC system as a whole. The principal executive officer (PEO) is ultimately responsible for the design, implementation, operation, and evaluation of the firm’s QC system. Only firm personnel are permitted to fill the roles required by QC 1000 . JGA Insights: 1. Not all “participants” of a firm’s structure must be included in a firm's quality control policies and procedures, which is especially important for shared service centers and outsourced staffing arrangements. These roles must be clearly defined and applied as the different levels of participants within an organization are considered differently by the standard. 2. PCAOB-registered firms of all sizes – regardless of whether the firm currently audits issuers – must adhere to these components, ensuring consistency with international quality control frameworks. 3. While it was expressed in the session by PCAOB Staff that firms are not expected to reengineer their process (e.g. more than 1 set of QC documentation), firms may need to align or “top-up” their processes with multiple standards to ensure comprehensive compliance. Keep in mind here that the top-up may not just be for QC 1000. In fact, a system in compliance with QC 1000 may need top-up considerations for SQMS 1 and/or ISQM 1. Risk Assessment Principles There were several examples and case studies to go through among table groups during the session. These activities helped illustrate the importance of getting risk assessment right, since this drives what the firm focuses on for an effective system. When it comes to implementing QC 1000, there are some key takeaways from the risk assessment process that can really guide firms in the right direction. JGA Insights: Here are a few important points to keep in mind as you work through identifying and assessing quality risks 1. The QC 1000 standard does not prescribe a specific method for identifying and assessing quality risks. This gives firms flexibility but also places responsibility on each firm individually based on their circumstances. It’s more work upfront from a “cookie-cutter” approach but ensures the design of a process that fits a firm’s unique context. 2. Quality risks should not be viewed as the opposite of quality objectives . Instead, they are factors that could potentially hinder the achievement of those objectives. 3. The threshold of “reasonable possibility of occurring” applies to all risks, including risks of intentional misconduct by firm personnel and other participants. This means that firms must consider the likelihood of risks occurring and their potential impact on the quality objectives. The PCAOB staff shared during the workshop that the concept of reasonably possible follows the same definition as used in FASB ASC Topic 450 on Contingencies. Ethics and Independence Considerations The QC 1000 standard does not alter existing ethics and independence requirements under PCAOB or SEC standards. Firms must continue to comply with those as currently written. Compared to other standards like ISQM 1 and SQMS 1, QC 1000 is more stringent in certain areas. For example, it requires: 1. Creating and maintaining a restricted entity list; 2. Periodic review of the list to ensure accuracy; 3. Appropriate certifications related to independence; and 4. Audit committee approvals where applicable. Register for the next workshop and get going on implementation To gain a deeper understanding of the QC 1000 standard and its implementation, we strongly encourage you to attend the PCAOB Smaller Firm Workshop on June 17, 2025, in Irving, Texas. This in-person-only session will provide valuable insights and practical guidance for firms navigating the new quality control standard. Register now to secure your spot. As always, reach out to your JGA Expert with any questions. About Johnson Global Advisory Johnson Global partners with leadership of public accounting firms, driving change to achieve the highest level of audit quality. Led by former PCAOB and SEC staff, JGA professionals are passionate and practical in their support to firms in their audit quality journey. We accelerate the opportunities to improve quality through policies, practices, and controls throughout the firm. This innovative approach harnesses technology to transform audit quality. Our team is designed to maintain a close pulse on regulatory environments around the world and incorporate solutions which navigate those standards. JGA is committed to helping the profession in amplifying quality worldwide. Visit www.johnson-global.com to learn more about Johnson Global.

Joe Lynch, JGA Managing Director to Speak at AICPA® & CIMA® ENGAGE 25+

April 25, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Johnson Global is pleased to announce that Joe Lynch, JGA Managing Director will speak at the AICPA® & CIMA® ENGAGE+ 25 on May 15, 2025, and will be attending the full conference on June 9–12, 2025, at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV and live online. This CPE-eligible event is the premier annual event for accounting and finance professionals, bringing together thousands of peers, experts, and industry leaders for top-tier learning, networking, and career growth opportunities. Register by May 1, 2025, to take advantage of Early Bird rates— $1,995 for members ( regularly $2,095 ) and $2,445 for nonmembers ( regularly $2,545 ). *PCPS, Tax and PFP section members and CITP®, PFS™, CGMA® credential holders save an additional $150 . Discount reflected in section member/credential pricing during checkout. Register Today ! About Johnson Global Advisory Johnson Global partners with leadership of public accounting firms, driving change to achieve the highest level of audit quality. Led by former PCAOB and SEC staff, JGA professionals are passionate and practical in their support to firms in their audit quality journey. We accelerate the opportunities to improve quality through policies, practices, and controls throughout the firm. This innovative approach harnesses technology to transform audit quality. Our team is designed to maintain a close pulse on regulatory environments around the world and incorporates solutions which navigates those standards. JGA is committed to helping the profession in amplifying quality worldwide. Visit www.johnson-global.com to learn more about Johnson Global.

JGA to Sponsor 2025 ALI-CLE Accountants' Liability Conference

March 21, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Johnson Global Advisory (JGA) is proud to sponsor the Accountants' Liability Conference hosted by ALI-CLE. This two-day event will take place in Washington, D.C. and virtually on June 2nd and 3rd. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights into a wide range of critical issues. The 2025 conference will focus on audits and oversight, providing essential guidance to help you navigate the evolving landscape of regulatory compliance and better protect your firm and clients. “We are pleased to sponsor this conference for the last several years. This event brings together top law firms, internal counsel, and risk experts for dynamic discussions on trending topics such as accounting liability and other important issues affecting the profession,” said Jackson Johnson, JGA President. “I look forward to personally engaging with participants, presenters, and stakeholders at this conference.” This year’s program is still being finalized but planned topics include: Recent Trends in Accounting Litigation Living in a post- Jarkesy world The future of enforcement PCAOB inspection program update SEC perspectives on gatekeeper liability AI and emerging technologies in the accounting industry Accounting firms entering the legal space International firm considerations Alternative practice structures and AICPA independence rules Register by April 25 to attend in-person and use the code “ JGA ” to save $250 off . OR, for webcast attendance, use the code " JOHNSON " to save $125 off the tuition. Click here to register. About Johnson Global Advisory JGA is dedicated to helping public accounting firms around the globe achieve the highest level of audit quality. All CPAs and former PCAOB inspection staff, JGA professionals are passionate and practical about working alongside firm leadership to ensure the right controls, policies, and practices are implemented throughout the organization. Visit www.johnson-global.com to learn more about Johnson Global.

JGA Makes Third Annual Contribution to The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City

March 21, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Johnson Global Advisory (JGA) makes third annual contribution to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City. The 29th Annual Kids Night Out is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, and promises to be an unforgettable evening, bringing together over 1,500 guests to support the children served by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. “We’re thrilled to continue our support for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City. This marks our third year backing this chapter, and I know that many of our JGA employees have personally benefited from the programs the Boys & Girls Clubs offer nationwide,” said Jackson Johnson, JGA President. “Kids Night Out is Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City’s biggest fundraiser each year– and all dollars raised stay right here in Kansas City”, said Andy Burczyk, Board Member and Chair of Kids Night Out. “This organization is doing extraordinary things, and it is because we as a community invest in their impact.” For over 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City has provided a safe, supportive environment for youth. Serving over 8,000 kids and teens annually across 11 locations, the organization helps young people achieve their full potential through programs that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development. Through mentoring and leadership training, they equip members with the skills needed for success now and in the To learn more information on the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City and their work with the youth, please visit www.bgc-gkc.org . About Johnson Global Advisory JGA is dedicated to helping public accounting firms around the globe achieve the highest level of audit quality. All CPAs and former PCAOB inspection staff, as well as JGA professionals, are passionate and practical about working alongside firm leadership to ensure the right controls, policies, and practices are implemented throughout the organization. Visit www.johnson-global.com to learn more about Johnson Global.

Johnson Global Advisory Supports Sustainable Harvest International

March 21, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Johnson Global Advisory (JGA) is proud to provide a financial contribution to Sustainable Harvest International (“SHI”). SHI is a nonprofit helping Central American farmers adopt sustainable farming practices for over 27 years. Their mission is to address the destruction of tropical forests caused by slash-and-burn farming and logging. SHI’s mission benefits both current and future generations by equipping farmers with the knowledge to farm sustainably. “We’re proud to partner with Sustainable Harvest International in their important work,” said Jackson Johnson, JGA President. “This collaboration helps drive lasting, positive changes and by backing such vital organizations, we stay true to our mission of giving back and making a real difference. JGA’s philanthropic efforts focus on supporting organizations that are important to our people. I appreciate Vernon sharing his experience as a board member and we are grateful to work with him to amplify this organization.” Vernon Johnson, JGA Director, is a Board Member and Treasurer for SHI. He is actively involved in this organization. "My nonprofit work has helped me maintain perspective in both life and at work,” said Vernon. “It’s taught me to stay calm during challenges and focus on the bigger picture. This experience has improved my relationships and made me more resilient in stressful situations. My advice to busy professionals is to step back, appreciate the simple things, and not sweat the small stuff—being thankful and present can make a big difference." To learn more about SHI, visit www.sustainableharvest.org/donate . About Johnson Global Advisory JGA is dedicated to helping public accounting firms around the globe achieve the highest level of audit quality. All CPAs and former PCAOB inspection staff and JGA professionals are passionate and practical about working alongside firm leadership to ensure the right controls, policies, and practices are implemented throughout the organization. Visit www.johnson-global.com to learn more about Johnson Global.

ISQM 1, SQMS 1: Influencing the Firm on the Benefits Beyond Compliance (Part II)

February 26, 2025

The implementation of the System of Quality Management (SQM) is not just a compliance requirement but an opportunity to drive significant business value. By aligning firm-wide goals, improving internal processes, and optimizing controls, firms can streamline their operations, reduce inefficiencies, and improve overall performance. The process also provides an opportunity for firms to gain valuable insights through key metrics, enabling data-driven decisions which provide strategic business insights, enhances audit quality, and promotes employee retention. In addition, early adopters who focus on the business value from the outset see improvements that reach across different practices within the firm, making the SQM implementation a strategic investment that benefits the whole firm long-term. We have seen that our work in this area results in meaningful improvements to the way the business of audit and assurance is conducted, and many of these improvements will have benefits that reach across other practices of the firm. This is part II of a series on the benefits of SQM implementation. This article builds on our insights from 2022 in Part I of this series . Compliance as a Driver Compliance is the main driver of the new System of Quality Management (for all standard-setters, referred to as “SQM”) standards issued by the IAASB, AICPA, and the PCAOB. There is no disputing that. However, for the early adopters, what we are finding is immense business value that come out of this process; more so if you start the process with business value in mind. Our ability to anticipate the benefits of executing ISQM 1 years ago is a key strength. Some firms have already implemented ISQM 1 at some level (partial adoption for group audits, for example). For SQMS 1 and QC 1000, since firms are all in various stages preparing for the December 15, 2025, go-live date, now is the time to lay out the strategic value drivers from this compliance exercise. Related: See a breakdown of the various implementation dates here . SQM implementation requires firms to take a closer look at their internal process; every process that touches the value chain of getting an audit done. To demonstrate how this requirement goes beyond the confines of the “audit practice”, consider these examples: Employee onboarding, training, and retention; Software tools and technology used to monitor internal aspects like independence; Tools used by engagement teams, for example, to test 100 percent of smart contracts or select journal entries to examine for fraud; Archiving of binders on time, and in compliance with audit documentation requirements; or Monitoring programs that identify and fix deficiencies in both audit performance and the underlying functions supporting the audit. Getting Buy-In, Aligning Goals, and Engaging Personnel We have seen firm quality leaders struggling to get the buy-in needed from stakeholders across the business (IT, HR, Tax, Advisory) for effective SQM implementation. And we have heard leadership from firms around the world ask: “What’s in it for us?” “All this investment just for a compliance exercise?” “Why do I need to be involved in something the audit group has to do?” But the best question we’ve heard is: “How can the system of quality management implementation improve our business?” When everyone is working toward the same objectives and goals, implementation becomes a cohesive and streamlined process. It’s important to have goals that are aligned throughout the organization, with them tailored to the component and roles within those areas. This includes: Getting the invested support from the partnership board down to process owners; Having goals that are specific and measurable (e.g. documenting the current process and eventually operating controls consistently and timely); Aligning the firm’s tone-at-the-top helps get everyone in sync; and Reinforcing management’s responsibility to establish a culture of quality and its importance in all the services performed by the firm. Management should: Lay out the long-term benefits of improved business performance, reduced risks, more timely and accurate data created which leads to insightful decisions; Emphasize the benefits of overall reduced costs related to non-compliance with network, firm, peer review, and regulators requirements; and Evaluate the potential for lower costs of insurance upon implementation and overtime. Understanding Current Processes Conducting interviews, gathering data, and documenting the processes within the firm’s system of quality management allows visibility of how these processes currently work (or don’t work). When SQM implementation project leaders invite personnel involved in a process together into one room and facilitates an open discussion, a clear picture of how each process really works materializes, and this strengthens cross-functional teaming. For instance, these meetings often result in the realization that two (or more) people are doing the same tasks (inefficiency) or discovering that no one is performing an important review check (gap). Formalizing and Optimizing Processes Once the current process is understood (“As-Is”) and with the right people in the room, the identification of areas where procedures can be more uniform, streamlined or simplified emerges. We often find that processes can be improved without adding more controls. This optimization effort incorporates standardization and normalization across the firm’s services and business functions providing benefit beyond the compliance exercise of the audit practice. Gaining Business Insights A sound system of quality management will bring new business insights and transparency to make confident decisions with reliable data. The optimization process will identify the key information used in the system of quality management (a similar concept to the work auditors performs with their companies as described here). This information provides new insights to help process owners and firm leaders make decisions. A firm can develop key quality metrics that are used to measure and improve the operation of the firm and audit quality which results in a modernized competitive firm. When a firm establishes a system to monitor the SQM environment, these insights allow for timely monitoring which enables leaders to quickly make decisions that address anomalies or negative trends as they arise. Getting Started Early Getting started early begins with: Firm leadership embracing the need for a consistent and well-monitored SQM to improve the business; Aligning objectives and goals for all firm personnel based on their role within the SQM; Disseminating to all firm personnel the importance of how their role contributes to the SQM; and Incentivizing all firm personnel to commit to their SQM objectives and goals which contributes to the benefits of these modern practices that lead to competitiveness. While compliance may be the hand forcing you forward, the upside to this “exercise” is that undoubtedly you will be a stronger, more efficient firm when executed correctly. We see firms that begin with such a mindset have more success internally and in the marketplace. Conclusion The journey of implementing a quality management system is transformative. Beyond compliance, it reveals deep insights and benefits, positioning firms at an advantage in our profession. For more information, reach out to your JGA audit quality expert. Jackson Johnson , JGA President and Founder, is a seasoned expert in audit quality and technical accounting matters. With nearly six years of experience at the PCAOB, he has worked with small and medium-sized accounting firms globally, focusing on firm quality control and ICFR audits. Jackson advises firms in PCAOB and SEC investigations related to cryptocurrency audits and has served on the Enforcement Advisory Committee of the California Board of Accountancy. Before his tenure at the PCAOB, he worked with public and private clients at Grant Thornton LLP in Boston, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. Jackson is also a frequent speaker on quality control and enforcement issues in the accounting industry. Joe Lynch , JGA Managing Director and Shareholder, and a member of the AICPA Quality Management Implementation Task Force. Joe works with mid-market public accounting firms worldwide to implement quality management programs that integrate technology and process to improve the delivery of audits. Joe spent more than six years as an Inspection Leader at the PCAOB, he conducted inspections of quality control and global issuer audits at large firms in the US as well as foreign affiliate firms, focusing on examining quality control and the design and implementation of audit work. Joe also has experience supporting financial service industry audit teams at a Big Four firm. In addition, his experience includes active-duty service in the US Air Force and supporting companies with IT strategic initiatives such as designing the IT framework for technology departments as well as leading implementations of ERPs and systems.

PCAOB Withdraws Firm & Engagement Metrics Rule from SEC Approval Process

February 25, 2025

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) recently decided to withdraw proposed rules that would have required registered firms to report a significant new set of firms and engagement metrics. It was also set to mandate that large accounting firms submit financial statements to the U.S. Regulator, as part of a wider effort to enhance oversight. This decision came after criticisms from a variety of stakeholders from both the PCAOB and SEC comment process. For example, the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) expressed concerns that these requirements could harm U.S. capital markets and negatively impact small and midsized audit firms, potentially driving them out of the public company auditing practice. The PCAOB's decision to withdraw the rules was seen as a positive move by the AICPA, which had urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to refrain from approving the rules due to the significant challenges they posed. JGA commented to the SEC on the proposal; you can read our position on the proposal here .

Johnson Global Advisory Releases Updated 2025 Guide to Help PCAOB-Registered Firms Navigate the Inspection Process

January 17, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Johnson Global Advisory (JGA) has published a new third edition guide examining the key considerations faced by public company auditors during their PCAOB inspections. Drawing experience as audit and audit regulation experts and advisors to firms worldwide on all aspects of audit quality improvement, the JGA team has authored NAVIGATING PCAOB INSPECTIONS: Understanding the Inspection Process from Start to Finish.