Audits provide essential accountability and transparency over government programs. Given the current challenges facing governments and their programs, the oversight provided through auditing is more critical than ever. Government auditing provides the objective analysis and information needed to make the decisions necessary to help create a better future. The professional standards presented in this 2018 revision of Government Auditing Standards (known as the Yellow Book) provide a framework for performing high-quality audit work with competence, integrity, objectivity, and independence to provide accountability and to help improve government operations and services. These standards, commonly referred to as generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS), provide the foundation for government auditors to lead by example in the areas of independence, transparency, accountability, and quality through the audit process. This revision contains major changes from, and supersedes, the 2011 revision.

Want to ensure effective and efficient execution of the Risk Assessment Standards? AICPA has the resources you need: Audit Risk Assessment Tool (available online only) Assessing and Responding to Audit Risk in a Financial Statement Audit - AICPA Audit Guide The Audit Risk Assessment Tool walks an experienced auditor through the risk assessment procedures and documents those decisions necessary to prepare an effective and efficient audit program. Designed to be used in lieu of cumbersome checklists, it provides a top down risk-based approach to the identification of high risk areas to allow for appropriate tailoring of audit programs which will result in audit efficiencies. The tool is available in the Online Subscription format and includes access to the full Risk Assessment Guide. The AICPA Audit Guide Assessing and Responding to Audit Risk in a Financial Statement Audit is the definitive source for guidance on applying the core principles of the risk-based audit methodology that must be used on all financial statement audits. This guide is written in an easy-to-understand style that enables auditors of all experience levels to find answers to the issues they encounter in the field. Unique insights, examples and a comprehensive case study clarify critical concepts and requirements. Disclaimer This Audit Risk Assessment Tool is designed to provide illustrative information with respect to the subject matter covered and is recommended for use on audit engagements that are generally smaller in size and have less complex auditing and accounting issues. It is designed to help identify risks, including significant risks, and document the planned response to those risks. The Audit Risk Assessment Tool should be used as a supplement to a firm's existing planning module whether in a firm-based or commercially provided methodology. The Audit Risk Assessment Tool is not a complete planning module. The AICPA recommends the Audit Risk Assessment Tool be completed by audit professionals with substantial accounting, auditing and specific industry experience and knowledge. For a firm to be successful in improving audit quality and efficiencies, it is recommended that a 5+ years experienced auditor completes the Audit Risk Assessment Tool or the engagement team member with the most knowledge of the industry and client (often Partner in small/medium firms) provides insight to whomever is completing the ARA Tool. The AICPA recommends this should not be delegated to lower-level staff and just reviewed – it should be completed under the direction of the experienced auditor (if you delegate to inexperienced auditor you will be at risk for less effectiveness and efficiencies because the tool is intended to be completed by an experienced auditor). The Audit Risk Assessment Tool does not establish standards or preferred practices and is not a substitute for the original authoritative auditing guidance. In applying the auditing guidance included in this Audit Risk Assessment Tool, the auditor should, using professional judgment, assess the relevance and appropriateness of such guidance to the circumstances of the audit. This document has not been approved, disapproved, or otherwise acted on by a senior committee of the AICPA. It is provided with the understanding that the staff and publisher are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. All such information is provided without warranty of any kind.

This technical note and manual (TNM) explains what accrual accounting means for the public sector and discusses current trends in moving from cash to accrual accounting. It outlines factors governments should consider in preparing for the move and sequencing of the transition. The note recognizes that governments considering accounting reforms will have different starting points across the public sector, different objectives, and varying coverage of the existing financial statements, it therefore recommends that governments consider each of these, and the materiality of stocks, flows and entities outside of government accounts when planning reforms and design the sequencing and stages involved accordingly. Building on international experiences, the note proposes four possible phases for progressively increasing the financial operations reported in the balance sheet and operating statement, with the ultimate aim of including all institutional units under the effective control of government in fiscal reports.