The ongoing impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to cause a significant deterioration in economic conditions for many companies and an increase in economic uncertainty for others. Management needs to assess whether these events or conditions, either individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern or, in severe cases, whether the going concern assumption is still appropriate as a basis for the preparation of the company’s financial statements. Although some sectors and jurisdictions are more affected than others, all companies across all jurisdictions need to consider the potential implications for the going concern assessment.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Auditing Standards Board issued a new auditing standard SAS 134 that impacts several aspects of an audit. Change can be difficult, but proper lines of communication and a mutual understanding of the impending change will undoubtedly result in a successful outcome. Management and their auditors should start discussing the impact of these changes as soon as feasibly possible to set each party up for success in the coming audit season.

The pandemic created a challenging environment for many organizations. Some are finding their ability to continue as a going concern while meeting their obligations as they come due in doubt. This session will cover management and the independent auditor’s responsibilities for fair presentation and disclosure under the relevant financial reporting framework. We will then discuss the auditor’s report format and upcoming changes to the independent auditors' report under SAS 134.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine the independent auditor's responsibilities for fair presentation and disclosure under the relevant financial reporting framework


• Outline the auditor's report format


• Summarize upcoming changes to the independent auditors' report under SAS 134