Peer Review

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PEER REVIEW PROGRAM FOR HAWAII FIRMS

Effective March 31, 2018, the administration of the peer review program for Hawaii firms transitioned to the Oregon Society of CPAs (OSCPA).  The HSCPA Board of Directors, staff and Peer Review Executive Committee evaluated the administration process and the challenges and difficulties that we would face going forward as a result of the AICPA’s enhancements to audit quality in the peer review program.

The administration of the PRP requires significant investment and resources in order to meet the new benchmarks required by the AICPA Peer Review Board and its Oversight Task Force.  The selection of the OSCPA as the successor administering entity (AE) was based on a number of factors, including the comparability of the size of the firms they administer to Hawaii firms and that they have dedicated, experienced full-time staff who can offer the kind of assistance to Hawaii firms that you have come to expect.

What does this mean for Hawaii firms? The transition will begin in March 2018.  For firms with a peer review due date prior to March 31, 2018, the HSCPA will continue to administer that firm' s peer review through acceptance and completion.  For all firms with a peer review due date on or after April 1, 2018, the OSCPA will administer the review from scheduling through acceptance and completion.

In all cases, firms will continue to select their team/review captain from qualified reviewers, just as they have always done.  Members of the HSCPA Peer Review Executive Committee have been invited to serve on a blended Peer Review Committee consisting of professionals from various states administered by the OSCPA.  In addition, the OSCPA staff will be including a full-time CPA overseeing the PRP which is a requirement of program for all AEs.

A list of HSCPA members who are peer review qualified can be found here.

What are the benefits of the AE transition?  An out-of-state AE can provide Hawaii firms with a broader perspective.  In addition, the presence of OSCPA members on the Report Acceptance Body (RAB) can mitigate concerns about reviews being looked at by local competitors.  Adequate staffing (including technical reviewers) will also expedite your firm’s peer review process.

Who do we contact with transition questions?  If you have any questions regarding the transition, please contact Kathy Castillo, HSCPA Executive Director at peerreview@hscpa.org or at 808-537-9475.  For questions regarding your firm’s peer review if the due date is April 1, 2018 and thereafter, please contact Phyllis Barker at pbarker@orcpa.org (1-800-255-1470 ext. 127) or Leah Moore at lmoore@orcpa.org (1-800-255-1470 ext. 111).  We are pleased to partner with OSCPA in administering this important program, and we will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition for all of our firms.

For additional information on peer review, visit the Oregon Society of CPAs, peerreview@orcpa.org.

HAWAII LAW

MANDATORY PEER REVIEW FOR HAWAII FIRMS

As a condition of licensure and in order to practice public accountancy in Hawaii, every firm, including the Hawaii offices and Hawaii engagements of foreign or multistate firms, that is required to obtain a firm permit to practice pursuant to section 466-7 shall undergo a peer review every three years).

All firms subject to this part and performing Hawaii attest work as of December 31, 2014, shall enroll in the applicable program of an approved sponsoring organization by December 31, 2015, notify the Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy of enrollment in that program, and have a peer review performed by December 31, 2017.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL CPA FIRMS THAT ARE SUBJECT TO THE HAWAII PEER REVIEW REQUIREMENT

Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes ("HRS") section 466-35, all CPA Firms that are subject to the Hawaii peer review requirement must submit a "Peer Review Compliance Reporting Form to the Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy ("Board") within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the notice of completion from the sponsoring organization under HRS section 466-38.  Please use the "Peer Review Compliance Reporting Form" (CPA-PR4 0817R) which can be downloaded from the Board's website.  Complete and sign the form, then submit the ORIGINAL to the Board within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the notice of acceptance letter from the sponsoring organization (OSCPA, AICPA, etc.).  If you have any questions, please contact the Board's office at (808) 586-2696; accountancy@dcca.hawaii.gov.

How do I learn more about peer review?

For more information on the AICPA Peer Review Program administered by the OSCPA, visit the AICPA Peer Review Homepage or call the OSCPA at (800) 255-1470.

Oversight Report

As administering entity of the AICPA Peer Review Program, the HSCPA is subject to administrative oversight of the PRP and staff every other year by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Oversight Task Force.  In addition to the on-site oversight conducted by the AICPA, the HSCPA Peer Review Executive Committee  performs oversight during the off years of an AICPA on-site oversight.

It is the profession's effort to provide greater transparency for the program.  The AICPA Peer Review Board has requested that administering entities prepare oversight reports on an annual basis.  This report provides detailed information and statistics regarding Hawaii firms enrolled in the Peer Review Program.