Audit & AssuranceDeep industry knowledge, sound judgment and creativity

Audit

An audit is the highest level of assurance we can provide for an organization's financial statements and disclosures. The objective of an audit is to express an opinion on the fairness with which the financial statements present, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Among other things, this involves an understanding of an organization's internal control environment, management philosophy, organizational structure, ethical values and integrity.

Typical audit procedures might include:

Confirmations with third parties
Tests of transactions
Analytical review procedures
Discussions with management

There are many reasons a company or organization may need to have a financial statement audit, review or compilation conducted. Often it’s a requirement of lenders, regulatory agencies such as the state or federal government or others seeking assurance concerning the financial condition and vitality of a company.

Review

A review consists of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial, accounting and operational matters. A review does not typically include tests of the underlying accounting records, and is significantly less in scope than an audit engagement. The objective of a review is to provide limited assurance that nothing came to our attention that would cause us to believe that the financial statements were not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Attest Engagements

Often times, a CPA is called upon to provide a written conclusion regarding the reliability of another party’s written statement. This is a more focused engagement, dealing with specific assertions made in writing by management to be relied upon by a third party. For example, a report on the payment of employment taxes and benefits for a professional employer organization, compliance with laws and regulations with regard to a grant program or achievement of specified operating objectives. We are able to perform a wide range of attestation services to provide various levels of assurance based on your circumstances.

Compilations

When we compile financial statements for an audit, we gain a general understanding of the nature of the entity’s business transactions, the form of its accounting records, the stated qualifications of its accounting personnel, the accounting basis on which the financial statements are to be presented and the form and content of the financial statements. On the basis of that understanding, we then consider whether it will be necessary to perform other accounting services, such as assistance in adjusting the books or consultation on accounting matters.

Peer Review Report

Saltmarsh participates in the rigorous AICPA Peer Review Program, which means we are required to maintain a high level of quality control. We have a consistent record of unqualified or “clean” opinions since we started the peer review process many years ago. View peer review.