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Financial Statement Audit Services

Audits that Build Confidence, Not Anxiety

Move forward with confidence with SSL Associates' proven financial statement audit services for clients in Chicago and nationwide. We provide an efficient audit experience resulting in a clear picture of your company's health, building trust with stakeholders.

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Who Needs a Financial Statement Audit?

Legally Required:

  • Organizations with Regulatory Requirements: Certain regulatory bodies require organizations to conduct financial statement audits. Additionally, loan agreements or other contracts may stipulate the need for an audit.
  • Publicly Traded Companies: All companies listed on stock exchanges are mandated by law to undergo annual financial statement audits by independent auditors. This ensures transparency and accountability for investors who rely on financial information being accurate.

Not Legally Required, But Often Beneficial:

  • Privately Held Businesses Seeking Investment: Companies seeking to attract investors or secure loans from banks may benefit from an audit. An independent audit report bolsters credibility and provides comfort to potential investors and lenders by demonstrating the accuracy and reliability of the company's financial statements.
  • Companies with Complex Financial Operations: Businesses with intricate financial structures, diverse subsidiaries, or a high volume of transactions may benefit from an audit. An independent assessment helps identify potential areas of risk or inefficiencies in internal controls.

While not mandatory for all businesses, financial statement audits offer valuable benefits for a range of companies. They enhance transparency, build trust with stakeholders, and can identify potential risks or areas for improvement.

Our Comprehensive Approach

At SSL Associates, we go beyond simply crunching numbers. Our financial statement audits offer a meticulous and in-depth examination of your organization's financial health, ensuring your financial statements are accurate and reliable. Our comprehensive approach incorporates a variety of audit and assurance services to deliver a clear picture of your financial position:

Risk Assessment Procedures

We start by identifying areas most susceptible to errors or misstatements through a thorough risk assessment. This is an efficient, targeted approach that results in a high-quality audit.

Analytical Review Procedures

Using analytical tools and procedures, we analyze trends and relationships within your financial statements to identify potential inconsistencies or anomalies that may need further investigation.

Substantive Testing of Transactions and Account Balances

We perform detailed testing procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of your transactions and account balances. This may involve reviewing supporting documentation, tracing transactions, and double-checking calculations.

Inventory Observation and Count Verification

For companies with significant inventory holdings, we may observe your physical inventory count process and perform verification procedures to ensure its accuracy.

Communication with Management and External Parties

Clear communication is crucial throughout the audit process. We maintain open communication with your management team and may need to communicate with external parties like lenders or auditors of subsidiaries.

Issuance of an Audit Report

Following a comprehensive review of the gathered evidence, we issue a formal audit report expressing our opinion on whether your financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

This thorough approach ensures your financial statements are not only accurate but also provide valuable clarity for informed decision-making and internal management.

Don't Wait to Get Started: Begin the Process Now

Gain Confidence in Your Numbers: Get a Quote for Your Financial Statement Audit Today.

We Serve Your Business

At SSL Associates, we know that every business is unique. That's why we don't offer a one-size-fits-all approach to financial statement audits. From growing startups to established businesses, we tailor our services to your needs and industry.

At SSL Associates, we specialize in nonprofit financial statement audit services, offering thorough examinations to ensure compliance, transparency, and accuracy in financial reporting.

We provide comprehensive audit & assurance services to businesses, delivering thorough evaluations that enhance transparency and build stakeholder trust. Our approach combines traditional methods with innovative techniques to offer reliable and effective auditing solutions.

Why Choose SSL Associates for Financial Statement Audit?

Hear from Our Clients

Seamus Naughton, Lake Shore Glass

5.0

As the owner-operator of a construction company, my hours are spent focusing on the operational aspects of our business. Managing our year-end financials was an unwelcome challenge that was a large drain on my time. Having SSL Associates, Ltd. freed me to focus my attention where it best served my company, and gave me peace of mind that our accounting would be done accurately, professionally, and on time. Their ability to work hand in hand with our accounting department allows us to tackle problems as they arise throughout the year to ensure all tax & financial reporting deliverables are free of any last-minute headaches.

Steve Brown, VP Business, Sabre Hockey Association

5.0

SSL Associates, Ltd. has been an invaluable resource for our youth hockey non-profit organization. Their team's expertise in tax compliance and financial reporting has been instrumental in ensuring transparency and accountability to our many families, donors and stakeholders. Their commitment to excellence and their deep understanding of the non-profit sector have made them an indispensable part of our success and a valued partner that we trust and rely on for their guidance.

Kristin Newell, Director of Finance and Administration, Evolution Soccer Club

5.0

When we started the not-for-profit youth travel soccer club, we quickly grew large enough that we are required to be audited by an independent accounting firm each year. We have used SSL Associates Ltd. for the past seven years and couldn’t be happier with their services. SSL also helped us make improvements to our Quickbooks so that the Audit is now very efficient. Their responsiveness and expertise in non-profit accounting has enabled our staff to stay focused on our mission of providing a competitive and positive learning environment to develop our players both on and off the field.

Mark Huelskoetter

5.0

SSL Associates has been a trusted advisor to Wenzak for many years. Their knowledge and valuable insights around tax and reporting impacts of business issues has helped us to navigate key decisions and stay focused on our core business. We greatly appreciate the personal approach and responsiveness of the entire team.

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Let's discuss your specific audit needs and tailor a solution to fit your business. Schedule a consultation with SSL Associates to ensure the accuracy and reliability of your financial statements.

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FAQs

What are the different types of audit opinions?

In a financial statement audit, the auditor issues an opinion on the company's financials. Here are the main types of opinions:

  • Unqualified Opinion (Clean): This is the best outcome. It means the auditor examined the financials according to accepted standards and found them fairly presented, with no major errors.
  • Qualified Opinion: This signifies a limitation during the audit. The auditor might not have been able to fully examine a specific area due to restricted access to records or disagreements with the accounting methods used. While not ideal, it can be acceptable if the limitations and their impact are clear.
  • Adverse Opinion: This is a serious finding. It indicates that the auditor believes the financials contain significant errors that distort the company's financial health. This can damage investor confidence.
  • Disclaimer of Opinion: This occurs when the auditor can't express an opinion due to severe limitations on the audit scope. This might be due to limited access to information or weak internal controls. It casts doubt on the reliability of the financials and can negatively impact the organization.

What happens during a financial statement audit?

A financial statement audit is a multi-step process designed to ensure your financials are accurate. Here's a simplified overview:

  • Planning & Info Gathering: The auditors learn about your business, assess risks, and collect necessary documents.
  • Testing & Procedures: They perform various tests on transactions and accounts, analyze trends, and evaluate internal controls.
  • Wrap-Up & Reporting: You have a chance to address findings, and the auditors issue a report expressing their opinion on the fairness of your financial statements.

The entire process can take weeks or months depending on your company's size and complexity.

How long does a financial statement audit take?

As we mentioned, the duration of a financial statement audit varies depending on factors such as the responsiveness of your staff in relaying vital information, the scope of the audit, and any specific requirements or challenges encountered during the process. Generally, financial statement audits can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete. Be sure to discuss timelines and expectations so there’s full transparency with your audit firm so you have a clear understanding of the process and any potential delays that may arise.

What is a financial statement audit?

A financial statement audit is an independent examination of a company's financial statements by a qualified CPA. The auditor assesses whether the financial statements are presented fairly and accurately in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). They express an opinion on the fairness of the statements through an audit report.

What happens if the audit identifies issues with the financial statements?

The auditor will work with management to understand and address the identified issues. Depending on the severity, the audit report may need adjustments to the financial statements or a qualified opinion.

How can I get started with a financial statement audit for my company?

Contact SSL Associates today for a free consultation! We can discuss your needs and answer any questions you may have.