Engagement process

From first call to signed report

Financial auditing has a rhythm. This page maps the stages we use for statutory engagements so finance teams know when papers are due, when we are on site, and when the partner reviews the file.

Meeting table with audit documents during an engagement discussion
  1. Scoping conversation

    We learn your year-end date, entity structure, inventory locations, and whether this is a first audit or a continuation. Conflict checks happen before we discuss fees in detail.

  2. Engagement letter

    Scope, fee, deposit, deliverables, and independence acknowledgements are written down. Calendar holds for planning and year-end visits are reserved only after the letter is signed and the deposit received.

  3. Planning visit

    On site, we walk through significant processes, set materiality, and issue the PBC list with owners and dates. Unusual related parties and prior findings are discussed while there is still time to gather contracts.

  4. Interim fieldwork

    Where the calendar allows, we test controls and perform early substantive work on payroll, purchases, and revenue. Findings that can be fixed before year-end are raised immediately.

  5. Year-end fieldwork

    Inventory observation, cut-off testing, confirmations, and disclosure review. The field senior keeps a daily open-items list so the controller is not surprised at the closing meeting.

  6. Reporting

    Draft auditor’s report and management letter go to finance leadership. After clearance of open items, the partner signs and we archive the file under our retention policy.

Ready to place a year-end on the calendar?

Review engagement types, then send your trial balance and reporting deadline for an estimate.