Accounting Firms

Turning a PCAOB Remediation Crisis into a Compliance Success

Published on11 March 2025

The Challenge

A PCAOB-registered firm underwent its triennial PCAOB inspection and, the following year, found itself deep into its 12-month remediation period for quality control criticisms. With only two months left, the firm had an initial response drafted but lacked regular PCAOB communication and a clear action plan. Struggling to make meaningful progress, the firm was close to giving up and risked having its Part II report made public.  

The Solution  

Recognizing the urgency, the firm engaged CPAClub as its external quality control specialist. Our team, led by a former PCAOB director, quickly took action by: 

  • Reviewing the firm’s draft response and providing strategic, actionable feedback.
  • Developing a targeted remediation plan that was shared with the PCAOB.
  • Implementing immediate and long-term solutions, including CPE training, structured communications, and a pre-issuance review program.

The Impact

With CPAClub’s guidance, the firm successfully navigated its PCAOB remediation, resulting in: 

  • Successful Outcome: The PCAOB confirmed it would not make the firm’s Part II quality control criticisms public.
  • Strategic Compliance Plan: A sustainable framework was established to strengthen the firm’s quality control processes.
  • Cost-Effective Expertise: Instead of hiring a full-time Quality Control Director at a $300,000 salary, the firm leveraged CPAClub’s deep expertise at a fraction of the cost.

By partnering with CPAClub, the firm not only avoided public scrutiny but also gained a long-term, scalable approach to quality control—without the burden of maintaining an in-house quality control function.  

About CPAClub

CPAClub is transforming how public accounting firms and companies meet accounting, advisory and assurance requirements by turning the traditional model upside down. Founded and led by one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and one of CPA Practice Advisor’s 20 Under 40 Top Influencers, CPAClub was recognized as a Top New Product by Accounting Today. CPAClub offers onshore accounting, advisory and assurance solutions throughout the United States and abroad via its award-winning subscription model. Learn more at cpaclub.cpa.

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