An audit engagement letter is an agreement between a client and an auditor that describes the scope of the audit, responsibilities, fees, and confidentiality provisions. It is important to establish this agreement before performing an audit because it helps to minimize misunderstandings during the process. In this article, we will discuss why audit engagement letters are important, how to write one, and when to use it.
An auditor’s primary responsibilities are to evaluate the effectiveness of a company’s internal control and provide an independent assessment of its financial statements. In order to do so, an auditor needs access to company records and information. In an effort to reduce the risk of misunderstandings with clients, an auditor should send an engagement letter to the management team prior to beginning any work on an audit. This letter outlines the extent of an auditor’s responsibilities and provides written confirmation that the manager has agreed to these terms.
There are benefits on both sides of this agreement. The client gets reassurance of what the audit will entail and how long it will take. This also helps to avoid any surprises on the billing end. The auditor, on the other hand, can be sure that he is not straying from his primary responsibilities and is not doing anything illegal or fraudulent. It is also important to include a mediation or binding negotiation clause in case of any legal disputes that may arise. This will help prevent costly legal action. audit engagement letter sample