Process

From scoping call to signed auditor’s report

This page maps how a statutory financial statement audit typically runs at Maple Crest. Timings flex with close readiness and inventory locations; the sequence stays stable.

Desk with financial planning documents and a calculator
Week 0

Scoping conversation

We learn your entity structure, reporting framework, prior auditor status, warehouse footprint, and who will read the opinion. You receive a draft engagement letter and fee estimate.

Week 1–2

Acceptance and planning

Independence checks complete, the letter is signed, and we issue a readiness checklist. Materiality benchmarks and significant risk areas are documented for the file.

Week 3–5

Interim procedures

Where useful, we perform walkthroughs and early substantive work on recurring balances so year-end weeks are reserved for cut-off, inventory, and disclosure finalisation.

Year-end window

Fieldwork and observation

Teams attend inventory counts, test samples, and clear queries in daily huddles with your controller. Unexpected findings are raised the same week, not parked until reporting.

Closing weeks

Review, letter, and opinion

Engagement partner review, draft management letter discussion, and issuance of the auditor’s report once representations are signed and subsequent events are cleared.

A close calendar both sides can defend

Share draft timelines for trial balance freeze, inventory count, and board pack dates. If a lender covenant sits inside that window, say so at scoping — we will reverse-plan fieldwork rather than discover the date mid-testing.

  • Single point of contact in finance for information requests
  • Access to ledgers, contracts, and warehouse supervisors
  • Prompt responses on proposed adjusting entries
Two professionals reviewing a shared document in an office

Commission the engagement that matches your report readers

Most boards needing a signed opinion start with the statutory audit. If you only need limited assurance, say so — we will not upsell the file.

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