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Glossary/Cooling-off period

What is Cooling-off period?

In short

Securities and Exchange Commission rules impair a firm's independence if a former member of the audit team takes a financial reporting oversight role at a public audit client, such as chief financial officer, within one year before the audit begins.

Key takeaways

  • The rule covers the lead partner, concurring partner and others on the engagement team.
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants rules address the threat through safeguards rather than a fixed period.
  • It reduces familiarity and self-interest threats.

Where it's tested

AUD: Professional Ethics & Independence — study notes, a five-minute revision sheet and practice questions.

Practise: 3 questions

Question 1 of 3 · 0 answered

An audit senior on the engagement team owns 10 shares of the audit client's common stock, worth approximately $300. What is the effect on independence?

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