This makes life tougher, but it's a reality. We must also recognize that, as accountability professionals, we hold a public trust. That trust is hard to earn but easy to loose. We must keep this in the forefront of our minds as we move forward. This issue is particularly relevant in connection with independence issues and the scope of attest-based work.
Independence is more than a state of mind.
At the present time, both the GAO and the Security Exchange Commission are dealing with difficult and controversial independence related issues. We must both consider carefully the comments that we have received before we decide on an ultimate course of action. Our actions can have a profound effect on the accountability profession, the individuals who comprise it, and the public's confidence in and respect for both. I'm confident that this balance can be achieved with the concerted efforts of all involved. In addition to who does the work, it's also important to focus on what type of work accountability professionals should be doing in the years ahead.