PCAOB posts project updates

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board posted updates on Tuesday to its projects as it waits for public comments on its strategic priorities, including future standard-setting activity.

In late March, The PCAOB issued a request for comment on its 2026-2030 strategic priorities, as part of a new planning process to increase transparency and encourage earlier stakeholder engagement. The comment period is open until Friday, May 15. In the interim, the board shared updates on its standard-setting, research and rulemaking projects.

The PCAOB is still developing its new standard QC 1000, A Firm's System of Quality Control, which was postponed to go effective by December 15.

The board is also assessing whether there's a need for guidance or changes in light of increased use of technology tools, like artificial intelligence, by auditors and tax preparers. The research may lead to standard setting projects in the future.

Finally, the board is considering proposing a permanent broker-dealer inspection program. Similar to standard-setting projects, rule-making projects such as these will go through a public notice-and-comment process to gather input from stakeholders and investors