Audit, Review, and Compilation are three
distinct levels of service relating to financial statement reporting
that we provide our business clients. Each is a useful tool in
specific situations.
An Audit is the highest level of service
involving a critical review and selected independent verification
of financial information. The audit results in an independent,
professional opinion from a certified public accountant attesting
to the fairness and accuracy of your financial statements and
the representations they contain.
Audits are often necessary to comply with the requirements
of lending institutions, suppliers, regulatory agencies or others
who rely heavily on the information contained in your financial
statements. Audits provide the "highest level of assurance" about
the reliability of your financial statements, and offer an assessment
of your operational systems from an objective source with knowledge
and experience in your industry.
A Review is an evaluation of your company's
financial statements using management inquiries, analytical procedures,
and our knowledge of the industry and your business. The scope
of a review is less than an audit, but it provides "limited assurance" that
nothing came to our attention requiring modification.
A Compilation requires the assembling of
financial data from your accounting records and presenting, in
the form of financial statements, information that is the representation
of management (owners) without undertaking to express any assurance
on the statements. The information gathered may also help in
determining your need for additional accounting services. A compilation
will provide the assistance needed to prepare meaningful financial
statements.
Let us assist you in evaluating your financial
reporting needs and determining which level of service meets
your requirements.