Cornerstone Research: After a Slow First Quarter, SEC Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Activity in 2020 Rebounds; PCAOB Activity Declines to New Low Share Article Monetary settlements total more than $1.4 billion. “After a steep decline in SEC accounting and enforcement activity in the first quarter of 2020, activity ramped up for the remainder of the year,” report coauthor Elaine Harwood said. “Accounting issues remained at the forefront of SEC enforcement, increasing by 10% compared to 2019.” LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) April 27, 2021 In a year characterized by pandemic-related challenges and the potential for a change in U.S. presidential administration, Securities and Exchange Commission accounting and auditing enforcement activity remained strong, but Public Company Accounting Oversight Board auditing-related activity declined to a new low, according to a report released today by Cornerstone Research.