If your company is planning to merge with or buy another business, your attention is probably on conducting due diligence and negotiating deal terms. But you also should address the post-closing financial reporting requirements for the transaction. If not, it may lead to disappointing financial results, restatements and potential lawsuits after the dust settles. Here’s guidance on how to correctly account for M&A transactions under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Identify assets and liabilities A seller’s GAAP balance sheet may exclude certain intangible assets and contingencies, such as internally developed brands, patents, customer lists, environmental claims and pending lawsuits.
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4 ways to improve the effectiveness of your audit committee
Audit committees face many challenges in 2021. As the economy rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new dimensions to the oversight roles and responsibilities of the audit committees. Consider taking these following four steps to fortify your committee’s effectiveness. 1. Focus on fundamentals Once you’ve wrapped up the financial reporting process for fiscal year 2020, take the time to revisit goals and expectations to develop an agenda for 2021 that directs the audit committee’s attention back to the basics. The committee is responsible for oversight of the following key areas: Financial reporting, Disclosures, Internal controls, and The company’s audit
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