The Evolution of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Auditing Standards

Field: Auditing | Delivery Method: Self Study | CPE Hours: 1.5

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Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) are Standards against which the quality of audits is performed and judged. In the U.S., Standards are promulgated by the Auditing Standards Board (ASB), a division of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Since SOX passage, PCAOB has developed standards for publicly traded companies. Sections 103(a)(2)(A) and 404(b) of the SOX Act directed the Board to establish: Professional standards governing the independent auditor's attestation and reporting on management's assessment of the effectiveness of ICFR.


Auditing Standard 2 was the initial standard released to provide public accounting firms guidance regarding the requirements to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley. Due to the many difficulties faced by firms and issuers in the early years of compliance, the PCAOB released AS5 in 2007 which superseded AS2. AS5 was designed to provide clearer guidance and eliminate some of the questions that had plagued firms and companies through the initial years of attestation. AS5 is the auditing standard currently used when complying with SOX. However, it is important to have an understanding of AS2, it’s expectations and challenges be able to appropriately scope and understand the transition to AS5. This course will provide an outline of both legislations and highlight the challenges and applications of the standards. It is important for professionals to have a strong understanding of the concepts outlined in both auditing standards and the impetus for change that resulted in AS5. This course is designed to provide a strong understand of these concepts.

Lesson Objectives:
  • Background and purpose of auditing standards
  • Auditing Standard 2 (AS2)
    • Management assessment process
    • Top down approach
    • Fraud
    • Terms
    • Entity level controls and walkthroughs
  • Auditing Standard 5 (AS5)
    • Key changes
    • Top down approach
    • Entity controls
    • Significant Accountants
    • Definitions
  • Bottom Line
  • Next Phase – COSO 2013


Field: Auditing
CPE: 1.5
Delivery Method: Self-Study
Format: Video



Your Instructor


Lynn Fountain
Lynn Fountain

Consultant, CPA, CGMA, CRMA, MBA, Past Chief Audit Executive

Business Consultant, Trainer, Author


Ms. Fountain has over 40 years of experience spanning public accounting, industry accounting and consulting. Sixteen years of that experience has been in the field of internal audit, risk managment and process improvement. She is well adept to assist your organization evaluate business strategy, perform risk assessments, establish a Sarbanes-Oxley process, synergizing internal audit processes or perform process improvement projects.


As a past corporate executive Lynn has a passion for working with professionals to enhance their processes and provide leading edge education. She has authored and delivered hundreds of training courses for accounting, finance and audit professionals. Her training is filled with not just theory but real world application.


Ms. Fountain has authored three technical publications:

-Leading the Internal Audit Function 

-Raise the Red Flag

-Ethics and the Internal Auditor's political dilemma


Lynn is a recognized leader in the internal audit profession as well as a recognized business professional.  


Ms. Fountain obtained her BSBA from Pittsburg State University and her MBA from Washburn University in Kansas. She has active, current CPA, CGMA, and CRMA credentials.


https://www.lynnfountain.net/


Frequently Asked Questions


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The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
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