Question 1

What is The ARQ?

Accepted Answer

The ARQ is a private, virtual forum for professionals in small and mid-sized CPA firms who are involved in audit and assurance, risk management, practice inspections or regulatory reviews, in running the firm and in overall quality management.

It provides a space to discuss practical issues, share insights, and collaborate on strengthening assurance quality.

Question 2

Who should participate in The ARQ?

Accepted Answer

The ARQ is intended for anyone working in or running a SMP CPA firm and is involved in audit and assurance engagements, firm risk management, and quality management responsibilities.

This is mainly for:
 • Audit and Assurance Partners
 • Assurance Managers and Seniors
 • Firm Quality and Risk Leaders
 • Professionals involved in SoQM design, implementation, operation or evaluation
 • SMP firm owners responsible for audit and assurance, risk and quality management
 • Those involved in regulatory reviews or practice inspections
 • Technology and HR professionals supporting the above.

Question 3

Is there a fee or long-term commitment to participate?

Accepted Answer

No. Participation does not require long-term commitments. Members can join sessions when they are available and opt out when they are not.

Question 4

What will participants gain from attending?

Accepted Answer

Participants can gain peer insights, discuss real-world challenges, early access to practical tools or resources, and earn one verifiable learning hour with a certificate for each session (depending on regulations prevailing in each member's jurisdiction, this may be eligible for CPE / CPD credits).

Question 5

What happens during an ARQ session?

Accepted Answer

Each session focuses on one or two real-world issues relevant to SMP firms. Participants can ask questions, discuss practical challenges, exchange insights with peers, and explore tools or approaches that may help address those issues.

Best of all, participants get to network and also earn a learning credit (may be eligible for CPE / CPD based on jurisdictional professional regulations).

Question 6

What topics are typically discussed?

Accepted Answer

Topics are quite diverse, but exclusively built and run to be relevant to SMP CPA firms. Topics covered include:

• Engagement execution issues, 
 • Firm or engagement quality reviews, 
 • Practice Inspection trends and support, 
 • System of Quality Management (SoQM) — design, implementation operation, monitoring or evaluation, 
 • Practice management challenges,
 • Technology adoption, or
 • Emerging issues affecting assurance practices, and
 • Many more.

Question 7

Will there be external speakers in ARQ sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. From time to time, ARQ will invite external specialists to provide practical insights on topics that intersect with assurance practice.

These may include areas such as:
 • Artificial intelligence, 
 • Cybersecurity,
 • Internal controls, 
 • Human resources, 
 • Digital marketing,
 • Legal experts,
 • Branding specialists,
 • Motivational speakers, or 
 • Leaders from other emerging issues that can impact how SMP firms operate and manage risk.

The goal is to broaden perspectives while keeping the discussions practical and relevant for SMP CPA firms and professionals.

Question 8

How often does The ARQ meet?

Accepted Answer

The ARQ meets once per month on the third Friday, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada).

Question 9

Can members propose topics for discussion?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Members are encouraged to suggest topics based on issues they are facing in practice, including technical questions, inspection matters, ethical dilemmas, or practice management challenges.

Question 10

Is The ARQ a confidential environment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The ARQ operates under a strict confidentiality approach. Sessions are not recorded, participation is on a first-name basis, and no firm, client, or individual may be identified.

Question 11

Can insights from ARQ discussions be used outside the session?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Participants may apply the insights gained in their own work; however, discussions must never be attributed to any participant, firm, or client.

Question 12

How do I join The ARQ?

Accepted Answer

Participating in The ARQ is a simple, 3-step process:

1. Register for an upcoming ARQ session
2. Receive the Zoom link and session details
3. Join the discussion and earn 1 verifiable learning hour

Click the button below to join us in the next session of The ARQ:

Join The ARQ: Virtual Network for CPA Firms

REGISTER HERE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS