SEC Services

Armanino has been auditing public companies for more than 20 years. And, with the stricter requirements in Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), our firm expanded the work provided to SEC registrants. We have served approximately 100 public registrants in four distinct ways. Armanino’s most recent PCAOB inspection report revealed absolutely no comments citing any deficiency in the audit or improvements that the PCAOB deemed appropriate. These results are a testament to the quality with which we address our work.

• Our deep experience in SEC audit requirements, SEC filings (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K) and disclosures allows us to guide you through the painstaking process of preparing for a successful SEC audit.
• Armanino’s scalable audit methodology, including efficient, integrated audit design was developed with our clients in mind.
• As your SEC audit partner, we offer in-field participation of your engagement partner and manager.
• A local audit partner means local decision making and quicker resolution of accounting issues.
• Our SEC audits feature our integrated income tax & IT audit approach, giving you peace of mind about your financial representations and information security protocols.
• Armanino’s auditors and audit partners have expertise in key technology accounting areas including:
  • Revenue recognition (multiple-element & collaborative arrangements)
  • Equity (stock based compensation, warrants, convertible debt instruments)
  • Valuation of intangible assets, including Goodwill
• If you are a pre-IPO company, our SEC auditors can assist with S-1 filing preparation.

Compliance with SOX is not a one-and-done effort

• SOX requirements change annually for companies and audit firms
• IT systems and infrastructure change periodically
• Monitoring of compliance is a cornerstone of the program
• Assessment must be done annually
• There are new opportunities for efficiency each year

For non-audit clients, we design, implement and maintain an infrastructure to sustain compliance efforts

• To achieve sustainable compliance, companies should build an efficient compliance infrastructure that enables repeatable, reliable actions by:
• Establishing processes that support the business and have appropriate integrated controls
• Hiring and training competent staff to support business and IT control processes
• Optimizing processes and controls using technology where possible

Armanino’s approach is consistent with AS-5 and SEC’s Management Guidance

• Principles based: Top-down risk-based approach
• Management has significant flexibility to tailor approach
• Risk assessment considers characteristics of financial reporting elements and controls
• Effective, precise entity level controls reduce process level documentation and control testing
• Focus on core key controls resulting in a streamlined and efficient control set
• Amount of evidence based on level of risk
• Allows increased reliance on management’s (or third party) work

How Armanino can help

• Right sizing of key financial controls through a comprehensive risk assessment
• Optimization of your controls through process reengineering and analysis
• Cost savings through increased reliance by external auditors
• More expertise per dollar—No need to hire a full-time person to do a part-time job
• Experienced professionals who work quickly and communicate in “plain English”

Armanino’s tax practice understands the increasing complexity and global implications of tax issues facing growing companies. We have the diversity of expertise necessary to identify and resolve these issues. Our clients include some of the most prominent public and private companies in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Highlights of our practice include:

• Multi-disciplined tax service offerings
• Experienced professionals in the field (mostly partners and managers)
• Highly competitive rates and fee structure
• Flexibility in our approach to client service – advisory, loan staffing, complete tax department outsourcing
• Collaborative and responsive

We also offer the following services:

• Tax Provision Consulting/FIN 48
• International Tax and Transfer Pricing
• State & Local Tax
• Loan Staffing
• Stock Option Accounting (123R) and Complex Tax Data Analysis
• Tax Process Design
• IRS Audit Support
• Net Audit Loss Limitation Analysis (Section 382)
• Mergers and Aquisitions

There are times when you have to turn to outside expertise. The key to success is selecting the right partner. With this in mind, Armanino offers an integrated collection of services designed to meet the needs of both growing and established public companies.

Every project is unique. And the needs of each client vary. That’s why Armanino builds each engagement team based on the exact objectives of the project. We pride ourselves on being easy to do business with. Our clients benefit from the quality, reliability, and excellent value of our services.

In the end, we free you up to do what you do best. When your organization is in need of expert external capabilities, Armanino offers you a tailored approach and bottom-line results.