Expert Panel - State and Local Governments

About the Expert Panel

The State and Local Government Expert Panel serves the needs of AICPA members on financial reporting matters and audit and attest matters relevant to audits of state and local government financial statements. The expert panel protects the public interest by bringing together knowledgeable parties in the state and local government industry to deliberate and come to agreement on key state and local government issues. It also plays a significant advocacy role through analysis and comment on exposure documents of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and other proposals affecting state and local governments.

The expert panel works closely with the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC) to achieve its mission.  For example, the expert panel hosts GAQC Web events on important state and local government topics (which are archived on the GAQC Web site for later listening) and communicates with members via GAQC Alerts.  The GASB Matters section of the GAQC site highlights key interest areas, key resources, and advocacy efforts related to state and local government engagements.

Expert Panel Projects

• COVID-19—The expert panel is monitoring ongoing developments relating to the pandemic and providing guidance to members as appropriate. For example, see the document, FAQs: State and Local Government Financial Statement Accounting and Auditing Matters and Auditor Reporting Issues Relating to COVID-19, recently issued to assist members.
• Advocacy—As noted earlier, the expert panel comments on most GASB exposure drafts. Access previously issued comment letters here (see the Letters to GASB section). Currently, the expert panel is in the process of working to evaluate GASB exposure documents on revenue and expense recognition and changes to the financial reporting model.
• Other—The expert panel is very involved in the updating of the AICPA’s key publication for this area: the Audit and Accounting Guide, State and Local Governments. They also develop guidance to assist members with various implementation implications if new accounting and auditing standards.

Pension-Related Matters

• The GASB Pensions & OPEB: Issues & Resources page of the GAQC Web site consolidates the various resources available to practitioners to assist with understanding the standards and developing appropriate audit strategies. This page also includes links to various whitepapers and related auditing interpretations addressing cost-sharing and agent multiple-employer plans.

Expert Panel Recommended Guidance

Publications

• AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide State and Local Governments
• Other Publications

CPE and Conferences

• Continuing Professional Education
• Conferences