Poll focuses on audit committees.

In a recent online poll the AICPA Virtual Grassroots Panel, an occupationally diverse group of CPAs, commented on the results of audit committees' efforts to better understand financial statements, fight fraud, recruit qualified professionals and respond effectively to other critical challenges. Nearly 270 members of the panel noticed a general enhancement in the role audit committees play in corporate governance. More than 80% said potential legal liability was the greatest obstacle to CPAs' serving on audit committees, and slightly more than three-quarters cited lack of time to participate as another impediment. Additional information on the poll's results is available from Leigh Knopfat 212-596-6132 or [e-mail].