Businesses, donors, and government agencies often need assurance that the financial statements accurately represent the true financial position of an entity.

Different agencies have different levels of risk tolerance, so we provide two levels of assurance to meet your needs.

Audit - Highest Level of Assurance

Not Just for Public Entities

All cities and towns are required to have an annual audit, and some not-for-profit entities must undergo an annual audit as well. These include local governments, not-for-profit agencies and other organizations receiving government grants. Moreover, some financial institutions and donors require audits of nonpublic companies based on the financing amount and/or the bank's assessment of the company's risk.

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.

Our work includes a review of internal controls, testing of selected transactions, and communication with third parties. Based on our findings, we issue a report on whether the financial statements are fairly stated and free of material misstatements.

An Audit allows you to...

• Satisfy stakeholders such as citizens, donors, grantors, and government agencies as to the credibility of published information.
• Comply with state and federal regulations.
• Help deter and detect material fraud and error.

Here's what you get...

You get the highest level of assurance because we go outside your entity to obtain more information. Typically, we'll have written communication with:

• Other agencies, to check outstanding receivable balances,
• Your banks, to confirm cash or debt balances and terms,
• Your vendors, to verify outstanding payable balances, and
• Your attorneys, for information on pending or threatened legal action.

We also perform physical inspections by observing your inventory counting methods and perform test counts. We document and test each operating cycle, including sales and cash receipts, expenses and cash disbursements, and payroll. Our audit papers include a detailed work program to document the examinations and testing performed, as well as the client's supporting work papers.

Compilation - Lowest Level of Assurance

In compiling financial statements for a client, we present information that is the "representation of management" and expresses 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.

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. Please call if you have questions about which type of report is right for you.