Engagement guide

From acceptance letter to signed report

Financial auditing follows a rhythm. This page maps the stages we use for statutory audits and related assurance so finance teams know what to prepare.

Team reviewing a printed engagement timeline
Week 0

Inquiry & independence

You describe the entity, year-end, and report needed. We check conflicts, prior relationships, and whether we can staff inventory attendance. A fee proposal and draft engagement letter follow.

Weeks 1–2

Planning

Materiality, significant risks, and a document request list are agreed. For statutory audits we schedule warehouse visits and confirm bank confirmation procedures.

Fieldwork

Testing & observation

Teams examine ledgers, sample transactions, and attend counts. Interim findings are discussed with the controller so adjustments can be posted before close.

Conclusion

Report & board pack

We review subsequent events, obtain representations, and issue the auditor’s report or findings letter. Debrief notes highlight control observations that are not report modifications.

What to have ready

  • Prior-year financial statements and, if applicable, predecessor auditor contacts
  • Trial balance, general ledger export, and significant contracts
  • Inventory listings by location and ageing
  • Related-party register and intercompany reconciliations
  • Access to revenue, purchasing, and payroll process owners

Limited reviews and agreed-upon procedures follow a shorter path with a narrower evidence set defined in the letter.

Commission the right engagement

Browse assurance work or write to us with your year-end and lender or board requirements.

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