PCAOB Announces 2016 Forums for Auditors of Broker-Dealers

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board today announced the dates for five 2016 Forums for Auditors of Broker-Dealers, and the agenda for the first meeting, which will be held in Orange County, California on Wednesday, April 20.

The forums are designed to share important information about Board activities with PCAOB-registered public accounting firms that audit smaller broker-dealers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forums also provide an opportunity for Board members and PCAOB staff to hear comments, concerns, and questions from auditors.

"The forums continue to provide important information on inspections findings, application of PCAOB standards, and other Board actions to registered firms that audit broker-dealers," said James R. Doty, PCAOB Chairman. "Hearing about issues and challenges faced by auditors of broker-dealers is important as the regulatory landscape continues to develop."

The 2016 schedule includes five forums:

• Orange County, Calif., April 20
• Chicago, Ill., June 1
• Jersey City, N.J., September 22
• Tampa, Fla., October 18
• Las Vegas, Nev., December 7

"Audit deficiencies and independence findings continue to be a concern to the PCAOB. The Forums for Auditors of Broker-Dealers provide a way for the PCAOB and auditors to maintain a dialogue about these and other important issues," said Mary Sjoquist, Director of the Office of Outreach and Small Business Liaison, who oversees the Forums for Auditors of Broker-Dealers.

Forum discussion topics include inspection observations and trends, case studies, enforcement matters, and an update on auditing standards.

The forums also will include presentations from the staff of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the SEC as well as a panel focusing on a discussion of AS No. 18 (AS 2410 as reorganized), Related Parties, and a related case study.

Forums are generally hosted by a PCAOB Board member and are open to members of PCAOB-registered firms that audit smaller broker-dealers. There is no fee to participate in these events, but preregistration is required and space may be limited. Attendees also have the opportunity to earn continuing professional education credits.

The PCAOB held its first broker-dealer forum in 2011 and has continued to hold forums across the country, meeting with more than 2,700 representatives of small registered public accounting firms.

More information on the Forums for Auditors of Broker-Dealers is available on the PCAOB website. If you have registration questions, please contact Margaret Totten at [email protected] or (202) 207-9081.