Serving the san francisco bay area + beyond since 1976
Serving the san francisco bay area + beyond since 1976
50
years
EST. 1976
AUDITS + ASSURANCE
Audit & Assurance
Be Prepared + Know What’s Required
An audit may be something your lender, board, investor, regulator, or another organization requires. But that doesn’t mean the process has to take over your team’s time.
Missing documents, unreconciled accounts, unanswered questions, and last-minute surprises can turn an audit into a much bigger project than it needs to be.
Preparation matters.
We help you understand what will be needed, what deserves attention, and what you can do before the audit begins.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed, answer questions, and work with your team to keep things moving.
And if something needs attention, we’ll explain what we’ve found and what it means in language you can understand.
The result is more than meeting an audit requirement. You gain greater confidence in your financial reporting and a clearer understanding of areas that may need attention going forward.
We help make that process clear and manageable.
The goal:
Be prepared.
Meet the requirement.
Reduce disruption.
Strengthen your financial reporting.
Audit & Assurance
How We Help With Audits + Assurance
Audit Planning + Risk Assessment
We start by learning how your organization operates, what’s changed, and where potential issues may exist. That helps us focus the audit where it matters and identify questions earlier—before they become last-minute problems.
Financial Statement Testing + Confidence in Numbers
We examine selected transactions, balances, records, and other financial information to determine whether your financial statements are supported by the underlying information.
Internal Controls + Areas That Need Attention
We look at controls that are important to your financial reporting. If we identify significant weaknesses during the audit, we’ll explain what they mean and where additional attention may be needed.
Accounting Estimates + Complex Transactions
Some financial decisions aren’t straightforward. We take a closer look at significant estimates and transactions—including revenue, leases, debt, related-party transactions, and other complex matters that may affect your financial statements.
Financial Statements + Clear Reporting
We evaluate your financial statements and related disclosures to determine whether they’re appropriately presented under the financial reporting rules that apply to your organization.
Supporting Documentation + Verification
Obtain and evaluate supporting evidence, which may include bank confirmations, receivable confirmations, legal inquiries, contracts, invoices, agreements, reconciliations, schedules, and other documentation necessary to support amounts reported in the financial statements.
Audit Findings + What Happens Next
If the audit identifies an adjustment, reporting issue, or significant control concern, we don’t simply hand you a report. We discuss what we found, what it means, and what may need to happen next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an audit, review, and compilation?
An audit provides the highest level of assurance and involves more extensive testing and verification. A review provides limited assurance and relies primarily on financial analysis and questions asked of management. A compilation helps present financial information in financial statement form but provides no assurance.
When does my business or organization need an audit?
You may need an audit because of a lender, investor, board, grant, regulator, ownership agreement, or other requirement. If you’re unsure what’s required, start by checking the agreement or requirement that is requesting your financial statements.
What does an auditor actually examine during an audit?
It depends on your organization and the areas identified as higher risk. Auditors may examine selected transactions, account balances, contracts, supporting documents, accounting estimates, financial statement disclosures, and other financial information. Some information may also be confirmed directly with outside parties.
How should we prepare for an audit?
Start early. Make sure accounts are reconciled, supporting schedules and documents are organized, financial statements are up to date, and your team knows who will respond to audit requests. Good preparation can save time and reduce delays once the audit begins.
How long does an audit usually take?
Timing depends on the size and complexity of the organization, the quality of accounting records, the availability of supporting documentation, and how quickly questions are resolved. Early planning and strong preparation can significantly reduce the time and disruption involved.
What happens if the auditor finds a problem?
It depends on the issue. You may need to provide additional documentation, make an accounting adjustment, update financial statement disclosures, or address a larger reporting or control issue. We’ll explain what was found and what needs to happen next.