PCAOB & Public Company Audits
dbbmckennon is a PCAOB-registered CPA firm providing independent audit and review services to SEC reporting companies and businesses preparing to enter the public markets. Our team brings public-company audit experience, technical accounting knowledge, partner involvement, and responsive communication to each engagement.
We work with companies that need an auditor who understands both the technical requirements of public-company reporting and the practical demands of operating in a fast-moving environment.
Public Company Audit Experience
Public company audits require more than a traditional financial statement audit. They require an understanding of PCAOB auditing standards, SEC reporting requirements, filing timelines, internal control considerations, and the expectations of investors, boards, audit committees, and other stakeholders.
dbbmckennon works with public companies across a range of industries and stages of development, including emerging-growth companies and smaller reporting companies.
Our goal is to deliver a high-quality audit while maintaining clear communication, practical coordination, and meaningful partner involvement throughout the process.
PCAOB Audit Services
Our public-company audit and assurance services include:
Annual financial statement audits performed under PCAOB standards for 10-K filings
Quarterly reviews of interim financial information for 10-Q filings
Audits in connection with SEC registration statements
Audits for newly public and emerging-growth companies
Comfort letter procedures, where applicable
Auditor consents and related SEC filing support
Coordination with management, securities counsel, valuation specialists, and other professionals involved in the reporting process
We serve as the independent auditor and remain focused on the audit, review, and related reporting responsibilities appropriate to that role.
SEC Reporting & Quarterly Reviews
Public-company reporting does not end with the annual audit. Quarterly reporting, registration statements, amendments, acquisitions, financings, and other transactions can create additional audit and review requirements throughout the year.
Our team works closely with management, the audit committee, and other participants in the reporting process to help keep audit and review procedures moving efficiently and to identify issues early.
Experience With Companies Entering the Public Markets
Companies preparing to become public often face a significant increase in financial reporting complexity.
Historical financial statements may need to be audited under PCAOB standards, reporting timelines may accelerate, and accounting issues that were manageable as a private company can become more significant once SEC reporting requirements apply.
dbbmckennon has experience auditing companies preparing for IPOs, uplistings, direct listings, reverse mergers, de-SPAC transactions, and other public-market transactions.
For companies specifically preparing to go public, learn more about our IPO & Going-Public Company Audit Services.
Why Companies Choose dbbmckennon
Partner Involvement
Our partners remain actively involved throughout the engagement. Clients have access to experienced professionals who understand both the technical issues and the broader context of the engagement.
Responsive Communication
We believe audit issues are easier to resolve when they are identified and discussed early. Our teams emphasize communication, coordination, and transparency throughout the audit process.
Public-Company Focus
PCAOB and SEC engagements are an important part of our audit practice. Our professionals understand the different expectations and reporting requirements that come with public-company engagements.
Technology With Purpose
We use technology to improve audit quality and efficiency, while keeping experienced professionals directly involved in the areas that require judgment, communication, and problem solving.
That approach reflects the broader firm philosophy in your strategic plan: technology should create more time for trust, communication, insight, and meaningful client relationships rather than replace them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PCAOB audit?
A PCAOB audit is a financial statement audit performed in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. PCAOB standards generally apply to audits of SEC issuers and certain other entities subject to applicable securities-law requirements.
Does a public company need a PCAOB-registered audit firm?
SEC issuers generally require an auditor that is registered with the PCAOB and permitted to issue the applicable audit report. The specific requirements depend on the company and filing involved.
When should a private company engage a PCAOB auditor?
A private company may consider engaging a PCAOB-registered auditor when it expects to pursue an IPO, uplisting, reverse merger, de-SPAC transaction, or another transaction that may ultimately require PCAOB-audited financial statements. Companies considering a go-public transaction in the next five years, should strongly consider using a PCAOB-registered auditor.
Can dbbmckennon perform quarterly reviews for public companies?
Yes. We perform quarterly reviews and other interim review procedures for SEC reporting companies in connection with their periodic reporting requirements.
Does dbbmckennon work with emerging-growth companies?
Yes. We regularly work with emerging-growth companies and smaller public companies that need public-company audit expertise while still valuing accessibility, responsiveness, and partner involvement.
Talk With an Audit Partner
If your company is already public, preparing to enter the public markets, or evaluating whether a PCAOB audit will be required, we would be glad to discuss your situation.