Quality Assurance Review (QAR) Program

 

Quality Assurance Review (QAR) Program

• The purpose of the QAR program is to monitor licensees’ compliance with audit, compilation, review, and other attestation standards.

Participation

A firm with an office in Washington must participate in the QAR program.

• CPA firms that initially register with the Board will automatically be include in the next QAR cycle.
• CPA firms will be required to participate every three years after the firm’s initial QAR review, unless additional participation is deemed appropriate.

Process


Participating firms will be required to submit the Quality Assurance Review (QAR) status form, along with the appropriate fee by April 30. The firm must choose one of the following exemptions:

• “Limited Scope Exemption” for firms who have not issued any attestation or compilation reports.
• “Peer Review Exemption” for firms who participate in a board-approved peer review program. The firm is required to submit a copy of the peer review report, response to the peer review report, if applicable, and the letter of acceptance from the reviewing organization (unless the firm has opted to post the peer review report on the state board’s limited access website provided by AICPA).
• "Statements for Review” for firms who request the board to review their reports. The board will review compilation reports, review reports, agreed-upon procedures, forecasting, and projections.

Please note, firms issuing audit reports on financial statements, performance audit reports, or examination reports on internal controls for nonpublic enterprises must participate in a board approved peer review program.