This online course presents a practical, question-and-answer–based review of common and emerging audit and attestation issues encountered by accounting professionals. Drawing from questions originally identified by the AICPA’s Technical Hotline and related practice resources, the program focuses on real-world application of recently issued auditing and attestation standards rather than abstract theory.
Participants will examine how newly issued Statements on Auditing Standards (SASs), attestation guidance, and Quality Management requirements apply to unusual or frequently misunderstood financial statement issues. Topics include classification challenges, disclosure requirements, interim financial reporting considerations, and quality management implementation deadlines. By walking through practitioner-focused Q&A scenarios, this course helps professionals avoid common errors, strengthen compliance with current standards, and improve the quality and consistency of audit and attestation engagements.
Publication Date: May 2026
Designed For
This course is designed for professionals seeking clear, practical guidance on everyday audit and attestation questions and the application of current standards.
Topics Covered
- Impact of newly issued Statements on Auditing Standards on audit reporting formats and disclosures
- Classification issues commonly encountered in financial statements
- Comparative financial statement presentation and disclosure requirements
- Accounting and audit treatment of outstanding checks and cash classifications
- Liquidity restrictions and related disclosure considerations
- Classification and disclosure of convertible debt
- Financial statement title considerations when reporting a net loss
- Additional practitioner Q&A addressing frequently asked audit and attestation issues
Learning Objectives
- Identify common and unusual financial statement preparation issues encountered in audit and attestation engagements
- Apply appropriate audit and attestation procedures to address complex or non-routine accounting issues
- Interpret recently issued Statements on Auditing Standards (SASs) and attestation standards affecting reporting and disclosures
- Determine required financial statement disclosures under current auditing standards
- Apply Quality Management requirements, including identifying implementation and documentation responsibilities under SQMS No. 1
- Identify the ASC topic governing recognition, measurement, and disclosure in interim financial information
- Determine key compliance dates related to the design and implementation of systems of quality management
Level
Basic
Instructional Method
Self-Study
NASBA Field of Study
Accounting (1 hour), Auditing (Governmental) (1 hour)
Program Prerequisites
None
Advance Preparation
None
Instructor
Pat Patterson
Cecil Patterson, (Pat), CPA, MBA, is an award-winning, nationally recognized author, speaker, and discussion leader for continuing education courses and numerous state societies. He has experience at the local and national CPA-firm level and as an adjunct university professor.
Pat holds an MBA from the University of North Florida and is a CPA and owner of the firm of Cecil Patterson, CPA. His firm provides, accounting, tax preparation and tax planning services, wealth management services, and consulting for businesses and other professional firms.
Pat has served on the AICPA Council, the FICPA Council, and the FICPA Educational Foundation Board of Trustees.