This online update course focuses on the most challenging and frequently encountered preparation, compilation, and review issues faced by accounting professionals today. Designed as the companion to Part 1, this course concentrates on SSARS-related developments and GAAP accounting updates that directly affect non-audit engagements in 2026 and beyond.
Participants will explore newly issued and recently effective FASB Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs), significant revisions to SSARS guidance, and evolving requirements related to engagement letters, reporting formats, documentation, and disclosures. Special emphasis is placed on practical application, including preparation of personal financial statements, assurance levels in attest engagements, and implementation of quality management standards across firms. Ethics and compliance considerations, including NOCLAR guidance and responsibilities under the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, are also addressed. This course equips practitioners with the tools needed to confidently apply current standards, manage engagement risk, and deliver high-quality client services while meeting regulatory and CPE requirements.
Publication Date: June 2026
Designed For
This update course is designed for accounting professionals who perform or oversee preparation, compilation, and review engagements and need current, practical guidance on evolving standards
Topics Covered
- Selected SSARS updates affecting preparation, compilation, and review engagements
- GAAP accounting issues impacting non-audit services in 2026 and future periods
- Preparation of personal financial statements and applicable AR-C guidance
- Engagement letter requirements, reporting formats, and disclosure considerations
- Quality Management standards and firm-wide implementation considerations
- Professional ethics updates, including NOCLAR and compliance responsibilities
Learning Objectives
- Recognize newly issued and recently effective GAAP and SSARS pronouncements impacting preparation, compilation, and review engagements
- Identify key FASB Accounting Standards Updates affecting recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure in non-audit engagements
- Apply recent SSARS changes related to engagement letters, reporting formats, and documentation requirements
- Determine the level of assurance provided in preparation, compilation, review, and attestation engagements
- Identify the applicable AR-C sections governing the preparation of personal financial statements
- Identify professional ethics and NOCLAR considerations relevant to accounting service engagements
Level
Update
Instructional Method
Self-Study
NASBA Field of Study
Accounting (4 hours)
Program Prerequisites
Basic understanding of GAAP and GAAS
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.