Independence in Plain English - AICPA

An introduction to AICPA independence rules that takes the learner through (i) the fundamentals, including the conceptual framework and key terms; (ii) rules on financial interests and relationships, and employment, family, business, and other associations with an attest client; (iv) breaches of independence; and (v) rules for nonattest services, including fundamental concepts, general requirements and specific services addressed in the AICPA independence standards.

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NANO Courses take approx. 10 minutes to complete and are worth 0.2 credits with successful completion of a 2 question exam

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Self-Study Courses - each successfully completed 50 minute course or module is worth 1.0 credit

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BUNDLES

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NANO Learning

DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-01 Introduction to Independence

Provides an overview of the independence rules, including why independence is important and the standard-setting bodies and regulators that set and/or impose independence requirements.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to recall what independence is, its importance, and application to audit and other attest services.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

None

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-02 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct

This course provides an overview of the structure and content of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, which houses the AICPA independence rules and principles.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to recall the structure and application of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

None

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-03 AICPA: Overview and Fundamentals

Provides an overview of the AICPA independence standards, including fundamental concepts and terms.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to recall the basic components of the AICPA's independence standards, including the key terms.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-04 AICPA: Conceptual Framework for Independence

Provides an overview of the AICPA Conceptual Framework for Independence and how to apply it.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to identify the steps to apply the Conceptual Framework for Independence.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-05 AICPA: Financial Interests

Provides an overview of the AICPA independence rules for financial interests, including mutual funds and interests held through intermediaries such as retirement plans and partnerships.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to recognize the types of financial interests in attest clients that may impair independence.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct IND-3 AICPA: Overview and Fundamentals

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-06 AICPA: Family Relationships

Provides an overview of the AICPA independence rules applicable to a family member's interests and relationships with an attest client.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to recall when your family's interest in, (or relationship with) an attest client impairs independence.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct IND-3 AICPA: Overview and Fundamentals

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-07 AICPA: Other Financial Relationships

Provides an overview of the AICPA independence rules applicable to other financial relationships such as banking, brokerage, lending and insurance relationships with an attest client.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to identify when other financial relationships such as banking, brokerage, lending, and insurance relationships with an attest client impair independence.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct IND-3 AICPA: Overview and Fundamentals

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-08 AICPA: Employment Relationships

Provides an overview of the AICPA independence rules applicable to employment with attest clients.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to identify the types of employment relationships between yourself or a family member and an attest client that may impair your independence.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct IND-3 AICPA: Overview and Fundamentals

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-09 AICPA: Other Relationships and Interests

Provides an overview of the AICPA independence rules applicable to other relationships and interests with attest clients, such as business relationships, gifts, memberships and litigation.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to identify business and personal interests and relationships with an attest client such as business relationships, memberships, gifts & entertainment, and litigation that may impact your independence.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct IND-3 AICPA: Overview and Fundamentals

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-10 AICPA: Breach of an Independence Interpretation

Provides an overview of the AICPA independence interpretation on addressing a violation of the independence rules.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to identify the steps required in applying the AICPA interpretation "Breach of an Independence Interpretation."
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct IND-3 AICPA: Overview and Fundamentals

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-11 AICPA: Nonattest Services 1

Provides an overview of the fundamental concepts and general requirements underlying the AICPA independence rules.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to recall the key concepts and general requirements for performing nonattest services for attest clients under the AICPA independence rules.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct IND-3 AICPA: Overview and Fundamentals

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-12 AICPA: Nonattest Services 2

Provides an overview of the AICPA independence rules applicable to bookkeeping, payroll, tax, and corporate finance services.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to identify the types of bookkeeping, payroll, tax and corporate finance services that impair your firm's independence under AICPA rules.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct IND-3 AICPA: Overview and Fundamentals IND-11 AICPA: Nonattest Services 1

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-13 AICPA: Nonattest Services 3

Provides an overview of the AICPA independence rules applicable to advisory, investment advisory, benefit plan administration, and business risk consulting services.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to identify the types of advisory, investment advisory, benefit plan administration, and business risk consulting services that impair your firm's independence under AICPA rules.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct IND-3 AICPA: Overview and Fundamentals IND-11 AICPA: Nonattest Services 1

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-14 AICPA: Nonattest Services 4

Provides an overview of the AICPA independence rules applicable to information system services, hosting services, and cybersecurity advisory services.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to identify the types of information technology services that impair independence under AICPA rules.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct IND-3 AICPA: Overview and Fundamentals IND-11 AICPA: Nonattest Services 1

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
Nano Learning
CREDITS
0.2

IND-15 AICPA: Nonattest Services 5

Provides an overview of the AICPA independence rules applicable to internal audit, appraisal, valuation, actuarial, forensic accounting, and employee and executive recruitment services.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to identify the types of internal audit, appraisal, valuation, actuarial, forensic accounting, and employee and executive recruitment services that impair your firm's independence.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

IND-1 Introduction to Independence IND-2 AICPA: Navigating the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct IND-3 AICPA: Overview and Fundamentals IND-11 AICPA: Nonattest Services 1

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$5.00

REGISTER

QAS Self Study

DELIVERY METHOD
QAS Self-Study
CREDITS
1

AICPA Independence: Staff Augmentation Arrangements

In this course, you’ll learn how to apply a new interpretation of the AICPA Independence Rule that addresses staff augmentation or “loaned staff” arrangements with attest clients. This course incorporates a webinar presented by Cathy Allen on March 9, 2022.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to: (i) identify the criteria for loaning your staff to an attest client under the new independence interpretation, and (ii) apply a new provision for loaning staff to an affiliate of an attest client under the Client Affiliates Interpretation.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to apply the AICPA independence rules
COURSE LEVEL

Intermediate

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of AICPA independence rules

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$0.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
QAS Self-Study
CREDITS
1

AICPA Independence: Nonattest Services Essentials

In this course, which incorporates a webinar presented by Cathy Allen in October, 2021, you will learn about the general requirements and principles in the AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct for providing advisory or tax services under the independence rules. You will also learn about other professional and regulatory independence requirements that may impact your engagement depending on your client’s industry and reporting requirements.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to: (i) recall the AICPA’s independence rules for providing nonattest services to attest clients, and (ii) identify the independence rules and regulations applicable to your clients.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need current knowledge of independence requirements when performing nonattest services for attest clients
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

None

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$0

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
QAS Self-Study
CREDITS
1

IPE-01 Independence in Plain English: AICPA Fundamentals

This course provides an introduction to AICPA independence rules that takes the learner through the fundamentals, including the Conceptual Framework, key terms, and rules on financial interests with an attest client.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to: (i) recall what independence is, its importance and application to audit and other attest services; (ii) recall the structure and application of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct; (iii) recall the basic components of the AICPA's independence standards, including the key terms; (iv) identify the steps to apply the Conceptual Framework for Independence; and (v) recognize the types of financial interests in attest clients that may impair independence.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

None

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$20.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
QAS Self-Study
CREDITS
1

IPE-02 Independence in Plain English: AICPA Financial, Employment, and Business Relationships

Covers a broad array of independence rules under the AICPA Code of Conduct, including financial relationships, employment, family, business, and other associations with an attest client and the Code's interpretation on breaches of independence.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to: (i) recall when your family's interest or relationship with an attest client impairs independence; (ii) identify when other financial relationships with an attest client impact your independence; (iii) identify the types of employment relationship between yourself or a family member and an attest client that may impair your independence:  (iv) identify business and personal interests and relationships with an attest client that may impact your independence; and (v) identify the steps required in addressing an independence breach.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

Completion of Part 1, AICPA INDEPENDENCE FUNDAMENTALS,  is recommended

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$20.00

REGISTER
DELIVERY METHOD
QAS Self-Study
CREDITS
1

IPE-03 Independence in Plain English: AICPA Nonattest Services

Provides an overview of the rules for nonattest services, including fundamental concepts, general requirements and the specific services addressed in the AICPA independence standards.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, you will be able to: (i) recall the key concepts and general requirements for performing nonattest services for attest clients; and (ii) distinguish between the types of nonattest services that impair independence from those that do not under AICPA independence rules.
Target AUDIENCE
Professionals who need to understand the application of AICPA independence rules to audit and other attestation engagements.
COURSE LEVEL

Basic

PREREQUISITES

Completion of Part 1, AICPA INDEPENDENCE FUNDAMENTALS,  is recommended

ADVANCED PREPARATION

None

$20.00

REGISTER

Bundles

DELIVERY METHOD
CREDITS
3

Independence in Plain English: AICPA

An introduction to AICPA independence rules that takes the learner through the fundamentals, including the conceptual framework, key terms, and rules on financial interests and relationships with an attest client; employment, family, business, and other associations with an attest client; breaches of independence; and an overview of the rules for nonattest services, including fundamental concepts, general requirements and the specific services addressed in the AICPA independence standards.

$50.00

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