Three ways to prepare for your next audit

Audits are often viewed as daunting and stressful endeavours, but they need not be.

They are essential for remaining compliant with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and ensuring your finances are in the best possible health.

A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth process that not only satisfies regulatory requirements but also provides valuable insights into your financial operations.

Here are three ways to effectively prepare for your next audit.

Organise your financial records

The first and most critical step in preparing for an audit is organising your financial records.

Auditors will require access to a variety of documents, such as income statements, balance sheets, bank statements, and expense reports.

The easier these are to find and analyse, the smoother the audit process will be.

Here are a few tips for organising your financial records:

• Digitise: In today’s digital age, having paper records can slow down the audit process considerably. If possible, digitise all relevant financial records and organise them into clearly labelled folders.
• Reconcile accounts: Before the auditors arrive, ensure all your accounts are reconciled. This means checking that your internal records match up with external records, such as bank statements.
• Review invoices and receipts: Auditors will often ask to see the original invoices and receipts for major transactions. Make sure these are readily available and correspond with the entries in your accounting system.

Conduct an internal review

Before facing the external auditors, it’s a good idea to conduct an internal review.

This serves as a rehearsal and allows you to catch any errors or inconsistencies in your financial records that could raise questions during the audit.

An accountant can be particularly useful in assisting with this process.

• Check compliance: Review your financial records to ensure they comply with relevant regulations and accounting standards. Non-compliance is a red flag for auditors and could result in penalties and fines.
• Verify asset and liability records: Ensure the valuation of assets and liabilities is accurate and up to date. This might require you to perform physical counts of inventory or review contracts and leases.
• Consult a professional: Sometimes, it’s beneficial to bring in a third-party expert to review your records. They can provide a fresh perspective and may catch issues you missed.

Communicate and collaborate with your auditing team

Open communication is key to a successful audit.

Be prepared to discuss your financial operations, systems, and controls in detail with the auditing team.

• Assign a point person: Designate someone within your organisation to be the main point of contact for the auditors. This person should be well-versed in your financial operations and able to provide any necessary documentation promptly.
• Provide workspace: Set aside a quiet and comfortable workspace for the auditors. This not only facilitates a more efficient audit but also fosters a positive working relationship.
• Address queries promptly: During the audit, the auditors may have questions or require additional documentation. Respond to these queries as quickly as possible to keep the process on track.

By implementing these three steps, you’ll be well-prepared for your next audit.

Remember, audits are not just about compliance – they’re an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your financial health, which is invaluable for the growth and success of your operations.

To learn more about our audit services, contact one of our team.