SSFS No. 1 (AICPA)
Definition
The Statement on Standards for Forensic Services No. 1, issued by the AICPA in 2019. The first binding professional standard specifically governing forensic accounting and fraud examination services provided by US CPAs. Covers independence, objectivity, engagement acceptance, and reporting.
- Full name
- Statement on Standards for Forensic Services No. 1
- Issuer
- AICPA
- Year issued
- 2019
- Applies to
- US CPAs providing forensic accounting or fraud services
- Covers
- Independence, objectivity, engagement acceptance, reporting
Common questions
What changed for US forensic accountants when SSFS No. 1 took effect?+
Before it, forensic engagements were governed by general consulting standards, SSFS No. 1 created the first standard written specifically for forensic work, giving CPAs binding rules on matters like engagement acceptance and objectivity unique to litigation and fraud contexts.
Does SSFS No. 1 apply outside the United States?+
No, it binds AICPA members and CPAs subject to AICPA professional standards; forensic accountants elsewhere follow their own jurisdiction's equivalent body, such as professional accounting institutes in the UK or elsewhere.
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