Overview

Google, IBM & Meta Certificates — All 10,000+ Courses at 40% Off

One annual plan covers every course and certificate on Coursera. 40% off for a limited time.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to identify and apply the core regulatory and professional standards that govern modern auditing and assurance engagements. You’ll evaluate auditor responsibilities under the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, understand independence and integrity requirements, and distinguish between standards issued by the PCAOB, IAASB, and the Institute of Internal Auditors. This course explores the regulatory framework that shapes audit practice in both U.S. and international contexts. You’ll examine the impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the role of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the structure of International Standards on Auditing, and the evolution of internal audit standards under the IIA framework. What makes this course unique is its integrated, cross-framework approach. Rather than studying standards in isolation, you’ll compare how they interact across public company audits, private engagements, internal audit functions, and multinational contexts. By the end, you’ll have a clear, structured understanding of how audit oversight bodies and professional standards collectively safeguard financial reporting integrity in global capital markets.

Syllabus

AICPA Code of Professional Conduct

In this module, you'll be introduced to the AICPA Code of Conduct and learn how it applies to accountants in the profession. You'll explore key rules such as the integrity rules, the objectivity rules, and the independence rules. By the end of this module, you'll have a more clear understanding about how the AICPA Code of Professional conduct assists the accounting profession by setting high standards for those providing services to clients.

Audit and Attestation Standards

In this module, you'll explore three of the more significant sets of standards that CPAs comply with when working on assurance and attestation engagements. You'll learn about the Statements on Auditing Standards, the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements, and the Statements on Quality Management Standards. By the end of this module, you'll become familiar with the key standards CPAs find themselves complying with when performing various engagements.

PCAOB and Other Frameworks

In this module, you'll explore the key standards that apply to other engagements beyond the scope of the AICPA's nonissuers including issuers, internal audit engagements, and international engagements. You'll learn about how those standards impact the work CPAs and internal auditors perform on clients. By the end of this module, you'll have more clarity on other applicable standards accountants may face that are relevant to the services being provided.

Applying Standards Knowledge

This final module brings everything together. You’ll review key concepts from the course and apply what you’ve learned to real-world business situations. By stepping back and looking across the different sets of applicable standards, you’ll strengthen your ability to assess and perform various engagements appropriately —skills that are essential for accountants and business professionals alike.