PCAOB Releases Spotlight on Data and Technology Research Project

Today the PCAOB released a new Spotlight publication, Data and Technology Research Project Update, May 2021(PDF).

Advancements in technology continue to affect the nature, timing, and preparation of financial information, including preparers’ controls around financial information, and the planning and performance of audits. The Board's strategic plan highlights the need to anticipate and respond to these advancements and their corresponding opportunities and risks. The PCAOB's Office of the Chief Auditor established a research project on data and technology to assess whether there is a need for guidance, changes to PCAOB standards, or other regulatory actions.

We are issuing this Spotlight to provide transparency into our research project and share insights from our research and outreach activities during 2020.

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About the PCAOB

The PCAOB is a nonprofit corporation established by Congress to oversee the audits of public companies in order to protect investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate, and independent audit reports. The PCAOB also oversees the audits of brokers and dealers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including compliance reports filed pursuant to federal securities laws.