PCAOB finds ‘unacceptable’ deficiency rates in first China/Hong Kong inspections

China scrutiny

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) found seven of eight audit engagements it reviewed in China and Hong Kong contained “unacceptable rates” of deficiencies. PCAOB Chair Erica Williams called the landmark inspections “a powerful first step toward accountability.”

Inspection reports for KPMG Huazhen (China) and PwC (Hong Kong) dated March 28 but publicly released Wednesday included deficiencies observed in all four of KPMG’s audits reviewed and three of four PwC audits, the PCAOB announced in a press release.

At KPMG, the deficiencies consisted of unsupported opinions by the firm in financial statement and internal control over financial reporting audits regarding revenue, unearned revenue, certain liabilities, long-lived assets, and journal entries. At PwC, weaknesses were noted regarding revenue and related accounts, a significant account, and significant transactions.

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