58 MODULE 21 PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

2. Outline of SSCS 1 Definitions and Standards

(l) Comparison of consulting and attest services
(a) Attest services-Practitioner expresses a conclusion about the reliability of a written as-
sertion that is the responsibility of another party (the asserter)
(b) Consulting services-Practitioner develops the findings, conclusions and recommenda-
tions presented, generally only for the use and benefit of the client; the nature of the
work
is determined solely by agreement between the practitioner and the client
(c) Performance of consulting services for an attest client requires that the practitioner main-
tain independence and does not in and of itself impair independence
NOTE: While one must remain objective in performing consulting services, independence is not required
unless the practitioner also performs attest (e.g., audit) services for that client.
(2) Definitions
(a) Consulting services practitioner-A CPA holding out as a CPA (i.e., a CPA in public
practice) while engaged in the performance of a consulting service for a client
(b) Consulting process-Analytical approach and process applied in a consulting service .
1] This definition excludes services subjectto other AICPA technical standards on audit-
ing (SAS), other attest services (SSAE), compilations and reviews (SSARS),
most tax
engagements, and recommendations made during one of these engagements
as a direct
result of having performed these excluded services
(c) Consulting services-Professional services that employ the practitioner's technical skills,
education, observations, experiences, and knowledge of the consulting process
(3) Types of consulting services
(a) Consultations-Provide counsel in a short time frame, based mostly, if not entirely, on
existing personal knowledge about the client
1] Examples: reviewing and commenting on a client business plan, suggesting software
for further client investigation
(b) Advisory services-Develop findings, conclusions and recommendations for client con-
sideration and decision making
1] Examples: Operational review and improvement study, analysis of accounting sys-
tem, strategic planning assistance, information system advice
(c) Implementation services-Place an action plan into effect
1] Examples: Installing and supporting computer system, executing steps to improve
productivity, assisting with mergers
(d) Transaction services-Provide services related to a specific client transaction, generally
with a third party
1] Examples: Insolvency services, valuation services, information related to financing,
analysis of a possible merger or" acquisition, litigation services
(e) Staff arid other support services-Provide appropriate staff and possibly other support
to perform tasks specified by client
1] Examples: Data processing facilities management, computer programming, bank-
ruptcy trusteeship, controllers hip activities
(f) Product services-Provide client with a product and associated support services
1] Examples: Sale, delivery, installation, and implementation of training programs, com-
puter software, and systems development
(4) Standards for Consulting Services
(a) General Standards of Rule 201 of Code of Professional Conduct
1] Professional competence
2] Due professional care