A new book by C. Christina Ho, CPA, CISA

Auditing with Courage

Reimagining Assurance and Building Trust in the Age of AI

What does it take to tell the truth when it matters most? A bold blueprint for the auditors, accountants, and leaders who keep our institutions honest — written for a world being remade by artificial intelligence.

On sale January 14, 2027
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Cover of Auditing with Courage by C. Christina Ho

Why read this book

Courage is a professional skill. This book teaches it.

A blueprint for trust in the age of AI

As artificial intelligence reshapes how decisions get made, assurance has never mattered more. Learn what auditors and leaders must do to keep technology — and the institutions that rely on it — honest.

Real stories, hard-won lessons

Drawing on the author's own experience under fire — including being publicly challenged by U.S. senators — this is a candid look at the true cost of silence and the power of speaking up.

A practical playbook, not just theory

A clear decision framework and concrete tools for navigating ethical gray zones, abusive authority, and high-stakes moments where staying quiet is the easy path.

Built for the next generation

Whether you're a student, a CPA, a board member, or a leader, discover how to build cultures where courage is the norm — and train the professionals our future depends on.

“Silence has consequences. So does courage — and this book is about choosing the second.”

Inside the book

Thirteen chapters, five movements

From the consequences of silence to the profession we could become.

  1. Prologue — The Future of Auditing: Beyond Financial Statements
  2. Part I · FoundationsWhere courage begins
  3. 01 When Silence Has Consequences
  4. 02 Choosing the Profession of Courage
  5. Part II · The Trust GapWhy courage matters now more than ever
  6. 03 Trust in the Age of AI
  7. 04 How Silence Fails the Profession
  8. Part III · The SolutionBuilding courageous assurance practice
  9. 05 Understanding What Needs Assurance
  10. 06 The Courage Playbook: How to Speak Up
  11. Part IV · ProofCourage in action through one auditor's journey
  12. 07 Learning Courage at Scale
  13. 08 The Dissents: Speaking Up Within the Institution
  14. 09 When Senators Try to Silence You
  15. 10 Challenging Abusive Authority: A Strategic Framework
  16. Part V · Building the FutureCreating the profession we need
  17. 11 Building Courageous Cultures
  18. 12 Training the Next Generation
  19. 13 The Profession We Could Become
  20. Epilogue: For My Daughter

About the author

C. Christina Ho, CPA, CISA

Christina Ho grew up in Macau, the daughter of a family that believed in hard work, education, and doing what is right even when it costs you something. She came to the United States for college at eighteen and built a career spanning public accounting, federal government, and financial regulation — becoming the first Asian American appointed to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, where she cast four historic dissenting votes and spoke truth to power at the highest levels of government.

She is now working with an AI technology startup to build the audit firm of the future and is passionate about leveraging data and technology for the public good. Her professional writing has appeared in the Journal of Accountancy and other leading publications; she has been profiled in The Wall Street Journal and quoted by Bloomberg, Reuters, and The Financial Times.

Outside the office, Christina enjoys learning and writing about technology, wellness, parenting, and faith. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her daughter, who inspires everything.

Have a question, or want to invite Christina to speak? Get in touch.

Early praise

What leaders are saying

“Our profession must be redefined around what it’s about — trust and public protection — and that has never mattered more than now, with AI rewriting the rules. Christina Ho’s Auditing with Courage is a bold, necessary case for the courage that redefinition demands.”

Jennifer Cryder, CPA
Chief Executive Officer, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants

“It is certainly easier and less stressful to just 'go along' when you identify a significant issue or problem in an organization. For any auditor, manager or executive, this book is a 'must read': it clearly illustrates the challenges and risks of speaking up and, more importantly, the absolute necessity of taking action to address these issues with resolution, integrity and courage.”

Richard L. Gregg
Fiscal Assistant Secretary (retired), United States Department of the Treasury

“Transparency and accountability mean little without the courage to speak the truth to power and do what is right even though it may not be popular. Christina Ho understands this and Auditing with Courage is a compelling, timely call for the CPA profession to modernize its policies and practices in the age of AI.”

David M. Walker
Former Comptroller General of the United States

“The future of auditing will not be determined by AI alone, but by how thoughtfully and courageously we choose to use it. Christina Ho’s Auditing with Courage brings together a practical understanding of emerging technology and a strong appreciation for the human judgment, integrity, and trust our profession requires. It is a book I will gladly recommend to my students.”

David A. Wood, Ph.D.
Glenn D. Ardis Professor, Brigham Young University
Author, Rewiring Your Mind for AI: How to Think, Work, and Thrive in the Age of Intelligence

Pre-order today

Reserve your copy

Available January 14, 2027. Pre-order from your preferred retailer below.

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Also available at

Hardcover · Wiley · ISBN 978-1-394-43045-1