2026 Accounting & Auditing Update

Learning Objectives

• Identify key Accounting Standards Updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
• Analyze the impact of these recent changes on standard accounting practices.
• Analyze the impact of recently issued and upcoming standards on financial reporting.
• Summarize practical considerations for implementing new accounting guidance.
• Recognize common financial reporting errors and strategies for improving reporting quality.
• Identify common auditing deficiencies and approaches to strengthen audit quality.
• Explain key ethics and independence considerations for CPAs.

CPE Information

• CPE Credits: Up to 3.0 hours each session, for a total of 6.0 possible CPE credits.
• Fields of Study: Accounting, Auditing, Ethics
• Level of Knowledge: Overview
• Delivery Method: Group-Internet Based

Meet the Speakers

David Peaden, CPA, National Assurance Partner
David brings over 15 years of public accounting experience providing audit, accounting, and consulting services to commercial, healthcare, and government clients. As a member of the firm’s National Assurance Office, David plays an integral role in advancing audit quality and consistency across the firm. His work includes leading quality control reviews, consulting on complex technical accounting and auditing matters, supporting the training and development of assurance professionals, and driving the communication and implementation of new accounting standards.

Sara Kurtz, CPA, National Assurance Partner
Sara brings more than 20 years of audit experience, having worked exclusively with the government industry throughout her career. She provides technical accounting and auditing expertise to governmental clients, helping them navigate professional accounting standards required to issue Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) financial statements and comply with Single Audit requirements. As a member of the firm’s National Assurance Office, Sara oversees firmwide assurance staff training and education, ensuring consistent application of standards and a strong focus on audit quality across all levels of the practice. She is also responsible for the firm’s independence policies, playing a critical role in evaluating potential conflicts of interest, managing independence risks, and providing guidance on complex independence matters.

Kristin O’Connor, CPA, National Assurance Senior Manager
Kristin brings over 13 years of public accounting experience planning, performing, and supervising financial statement and compliance audits. As a member of the firm’s National Assurance Office, Kristin supports audit quality and consistency across the practice. Her responsibilities include researching emerging accounting and auditing topics, performing quality control reviews, and supporting the training and development of assurance professionals. She also oversees firmwide integration training and support, helping ensure a smooth transition and consistent application of assurance standards across the firm.

John Hansen, CPA, National Assurance Senior Manager
John has over 19 years of accounting experience, including 12 years in public accounting. He has served privately held companies across a range of commercial industries, including manufacturing and distribution, dealerships, and equipment rental. As a member of Eide Bailly’s National Assurance Office, John plays a key role in supporting the firm’s assurance practice. His responsibilities include quality control oversight, technical accounting and auditing guidance, development of firmwide resources, and the delivery of training and ongoing support to assurance professionals.

Torey Stallsmith, CPA, CFE, National Assurance Senior Manager
Torey brings over 10 years of public accounting experience providing assurance services to a diverse client base, including manufacturers and distributors, employee benefit plans, and other commercial entities. As a member of the firm’s National Assurance Office, he plays an important role in advancing audit quality and consistency across the practice. He supports assurance teams firmwide through the implementation of new accounting and auditing standards and serves as a technical resource on complex accounting matters.