We provide audits, reviews and compilations for our clients, depending on your needs. Below is information with regard to each type of service we provide.
Which Report Should You Use?
Each type of financial statement report may suit specific circumstances, depending on requirements from your client’s bank or other parties, as well as meet budgetary needs.
Understanding each report’s unique strengths and weaknesses can help you choose the most appropriate one. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about which type of report is right for you.
AUDIT – HIGHEST LEVEL OF ASSURANCE
An audit provides the highest level of assurance. An audit is a methodical review and objective examination of the financial statements, including the verification of specific information as determined by the auditor or as established by general practice.
The work includes a review of internal controls, testing of selected transactions, and communication with third parties. Based on the audit findings, a report is issued on whether the financial statements are fairly stated and free of material misstatements.
REVIEW – LIMITED ASSURANCE
Less extensive than an audit, but more involved than a compilation, a review engagement consists primarily of analytical procedures we apply to the financial statements, and various inquiries we make of your company’s management team. If the financial statements or supporting information appear inconsistent or otherwise questionable, we may need to perform additional procedures.
A review doesn’t require us to study and evaluate your company’s internal controls or verify data with third parties or physically inspect assets. Rather, a review report expresses limited assurance in the form of the statement: “We are not aware of any material modifications” for the financial statements to be in conformity with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Reviewed financial statements must include all required footnotes and other disclosures.
COMPILATION – LOWEST LEVEL OF ASSURANCE
In compiling financial statements for a client, we present information that is the “representation of management” and express no opinion or assurance on the statements. Compilations don’t require inquiries of management or analytical procedures. Instead, we rely on our knowledge of accounting principles and a general understanding of your business.
Banks often require compilations from an independent CPA as part of their lending covenants.