Description Of Program To Develop Syntheses Of Research Related To PCAOB Standards-Setting Projects

The objectives of each of the research teams are to (1) synthesize existing research that addresses issues related to target PCAOB projects and (2) highlight additional, relevant researchable issues.  The primary goal is to provide the PCAOB Office of the Chief Auditor with a synthesis of research in a selected area that could be helpful in the development of auditing and related professional practice standards in that area. The research teams will be selected by the Auditing Section leaders.

To read a PCAOB briefing paper on each of these standard-setting projects, click on the relevant link below:

• Audit Confirmations
• Audit Firm Quality Control
• Audit Reporting Model
• Auditing Related Party Transactions
• Communications with Audit Committees
• Engagement Quality Review (aka concurring or second partner review)
• Financial Fraud

To express an interest in participating in one of the research teams, click here.

Timing for the projects–Individuals who are interested in participating in any of the research synthesis teams should indicate their interest as soon as possible, but no later than September 15, 2005. Individuals will be notified about the assembled teams by approximately November 1, 2005.  Assembled teams will be expected to begin working on the research syntheses immediately after notification.

Expected Quality of the Work–We anticipate each research team will prepare a synthesis of publishable quality.  Some editors of leading academic journals in accounting and auditing have expressed a willingness to consider the research syntheses for publication, subject to the quality of the final product and the appropriate review and approval process. While publication is not assured, leaders of the Auditing Section will continue to communicate and work with editors and editorial boards to encourage them to create a publishable outlet for the completed syntheses papers. 

Research Teams and Projects Already In Process—Two research teams have already been formed and are presently developing research synthesis papers related to two existing PCAOB projects. These projects and the related research teams are:

• Auditor Risk Assessments—Dana Hermanson (Kennesaw State University), Robert Allen (University of Utah), Robert Ramsey (University of Kentucky), and Tom Kozloski (Wilfrid Laurier University)
• Audits of Fair Value—Roger Martin (University of Virginia), Jay Rich (Illinois State University), and Jeff Wilks (Brigham Young University).

For more information—If you would like more information about the PCAOB standards-setting projects, see the PCAOB Standards-Setting Update articles in The Auditor’s Report.

• (For the Spring 2005 article click here)
• (For the Summer 2005 article click here)