What is the enhanced role of audit committees under Sarbanes?
Is designated as the audit client Has oversight responsibilities over the internal audit and financial reporting processes Must be comprised of "outside" directors, i.e. not members of management or have other relationships with the organization Must report on its activities, including the results of significant discussions with the external auditor
The Sarbanes/Oxley Act of 2002 Continued
Audit Committees must have at least one person who is a financial expert. Other members must be knowledgeable in financial accounting and control Audit engagement partners, as well as other partners and managers with significant roles in the audit, must be rotated off the engagement every five years A "cooling off" period before an audit partner or manager can take a high-level position with an audit client without jeopardizing the independence of the public accounting firm Increased disclosure of "off-balance sheet" transactions or agreements that may have a material effect Requires the GAO to study a number of issues including the effect of consolidation on competition with the accounting profession, and an analysis of mandatory audit firm rotation