Public accounting firms have taken many positive steps to ensure the independence of their firms in conducting audits.

Required
a. Identify five ways in which a public accounting firm can take positive actions to improve the firm's independence in conducting an audit.
b. Identify three unique challenges that smaller public accounting firms face in maintaining audit independence.
c. What are the requirements for independence and objectivity if an audit firm performs consulting services for a non-audit client? Explain the rationale for the requirements.