ACPEN: SSARS Essentials: Best Practices for Review, Compilation, and Preparation Engagements

Overview

This course explores provisions of Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Engagements (SSARS) that govern review, compilation, and preparation engagements. Participants will recall foundational concepts, examine recent updates, understand practitioner responsibilities, and apply best practices for engagement performance. Attendees will learn how to efficiently perform SSARS engagements while complying with professional requirements.

Highlights

• The SSARS landscape
• Review engagements
• Compilation engagements
• Preparation engagements
• Selecting from the menu of SSARS engagements
• AICPA quality management standards 
• Independence and other ethical considerations
• Considerations when changing the level of service
• Pitfalls to avoid
• Best practices to adopt

Prerequisites

Basic working knowledge of SSARS engagements

Designed For

CPAs in public accounting and members in industry who desire a better understanding of SSARS engagements. 

Objectives

• Identify the scope and applicability of SSARS for preparation, compilation, and review engagements
• Differentiate SSARS engagements from audits and other professional accounting engagements
• Recall similarities and differences among preparation, compilation, and review engagements
• Select an appropriate level of service for a client’s unique circumstances
• Apply current standards to common engagement scenarios
• Evaluate independence and ethical requirements under SSARS
• Recognize potential pitfalls
• Recall best practices

Preparation

None