GAO Updating Auditing Standards Guidance

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is inviting comments from managers and auditors at all levels of government, among others, on proposed changes to its Government Auditing Standards – commonly called the Yellow Book.

The exposure draft takes into account developments in the auditing, accountability and financial management professions since the last update in 2011.

Changes include:

• A new format that would differentiate requirements from application guidance.
• Updated internal control requirements and guidance.
• Revised continuing professional educational requirements with the intention of improving auditors’ proficiency with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards.
• Revised peer review requirements that also comply with peer review requirements of affiliated organizations.
• New requirements for reporting waste that is detected during an audit.

The GAO is inviting public comment on the exposure draft through July 6 at YellowBookComments@gao.gov.