The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)’s new accounting standard, Accounting Standard No. 16, seeks to bolster the relationship between audit committees and outside auditors, especially by encouraging ongoing, two-way tailored communications, as opposed to after-the-fact or boiler-plate notices. Auditing Standard No. 16, adopted August 15, 2012, was issued in light of requirements in Sarbanes-Oxley and the Dodd-Frank Act that relate to oversight and accounting, and replaces interim standards AU section 380 and AU section 310. The SEC is expected to approve the new rule, which could become effective as early as December of this year depending on the timing of SEC approval. READ MORE