The PCAOB oversees the audits of public companies and SEC-registered brokers and dealers in order to protect investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate, and independent audit reports.  Our oversight activities include standard-setting, inspections, enforcement, international cooperation, and registration. The PCAOB seeks to carry out this authority by being a trusted leader that promotes high quality auditing through forward-looking, responsive, and innovative oversight. 

Standards

The Board establishes and amends auditing and related professional practice standards for registered public accounting firms to follow in the preparation of audit reports for public companies, other issuers, and broker-dealers.

Standards

Inspections

The PCAOB inspects registered public accounting firms to assess compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the rules of the Board, the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and professional standards, in connection with the firm's performance of audits, issuance of audit reports, and related matters involving U.S. public companies, other issuers, and broker-dealers.

Inspections

Recent Updates

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Dec. 9, 2024

In a new staff report, the PCAOB’s staff has outlined 2025 inspection priorities, with a focus on driving improvements in audit quality.

Inspections
Dec. 5, 2024

A new PCAOB staff report on audit firm culture offers considerations for firms looking to improve audit quality.

Inspections

Related Information