The Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) has released revised authoritative guidance for AICPA members to ensure independence, protect the public, and align with international standards.
The guidance includes these new prohibitions when a member is performing recruiting services for a key position for an attest client:
Advising on the specific terms of employment, remuneration, or related benefits of a particular candidate;
Searching for candidates;
Undertaking reference checks of candidates; and
Recommending to the attest client only one candidate for consideration (as opposed to recommending a slate of candidates)
The guidance will be effective January 1, 2026, and early implementation is allowed. Readers can find more on the history of this project and PEEC’s rationale for changes in the exposure draft.