{"id":20041,"date":"2024-10-25T13:40:40","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T12:40:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/?p=20041"},"modified":"2024-10-25T12:41:10","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T12:41:10","slug":"how-to-use-the-findings-from-your-auditor-properly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/how-to-use-the-findings-from-your-auditor-properly\/","title":{"rendered":"How to use the findings from your auditor properly"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hannah-Butcher-V1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-8962\" src=\"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hannah-Butcher-V1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When I speak to clients about their audit report, I always advise them to try not to see it as a box-ticking exercise for compliance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In reality, it&#8217;s a useful tool for understanding the financial health of your company and identifying areas for improvement.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regardless of whether it was undertaken for statutory compliance or not, the primary goal of an audit is to ensure that your financial statements give a true and fair view of your company\u2019s position.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, a good auditor will go beyond just compliance, giving you insights into your operational risks, weaknesses in internal controls, and areas where you can enhance efficiency.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As such, you should treat the audit as a learning opportunity \u2013 not just a statutory requirement.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Review key areas highlighted in the auditor&#8217;s report<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once you\u2019ve received your audit report, you should carefully review the key findings.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I always suggest clients focus on:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Internal control deficiencies<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: These highlight areas where your processes may be inefficient or prone to error. If your auditor has flagged control issues, consider implementing stronger internal checks and balances.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Risk management advice<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Auditors often assess your risk profile and suggest ways to mitigate potential threats. Pay close attention to these recommendations, as they can help you avoid costly surprises down the line.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Going concern status<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: If your auditor has raised any concerns about your business\u2019s ability to continue as a going concern, you need to act swiftly to address liquidity or solvency issues.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Then, I recommend prioritising areas of concern or improvement that have been identified so you know which to tackle first.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We often find that, when examining cash flow, the audit uncovers inefficiencies that are affecting it.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some common areas where businesses experience issues include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Invoicing and receivables management:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If your auditor suggests you have a long collection period, it\u2019s worth reviewing your payment terms and chasing overdue invoices more aggressively.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inventory management:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If you\u2019re holding too much stock, this could be tying up valuable cash. Consider adopting a \u2018just-in-time\u2019 inventory system or reviewing your supplier agreements.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Debt management:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Your auditor may recommend restructuring or refinancing debts if it\u2019s affecting your cash flow. Look into these suggestions to ensure your debt levels remain manageable.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you find that your audit identifies issues like these, we always suggest discussing them with your accountant or tax adviser.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Implement changes to internal processes<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many audit findings will point to inefficiencies in your internal processes. I<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">t\u2019s vital that you act on these recommendations:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Update your accounting software<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: If the audit revealed manual errors or inefficiencies, it might be time to upgrade to a cloud-based system that automates certain tasks, reducing the risk of mistakes and saving time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Segregate duties<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: If your auditor flagged a lack of segregation of duties in financial processes, this is a red flag for potential fraud. Implementing clear role divisions within your finance team can minimise risk.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Improve documentation<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Auditors often highlight weak documentation as a recurring issue. Ensure your team keeps thorough and clear records, particularly when it comes to expenses and financial authorisations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Again, your accountant can help you deal with these operational issues and implement the strategies to amend the situation.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Auditors themselves are well-versed in the current legislation, and their findings might include suggestions on how to stay compliant with evolving regulations. This could involve:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ensuring adherence to Corporation Tax rules, VAT, or payroll compliance<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Preparing for changes to financial reporting standards or other regulatory obligations<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A discussion with your auditor and your accountant can usually help you protect your processes against future compliance issues that might lead to penalties or legal challenges.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your relationship with your auditor shouldn\u2019t end when the audit report is delivered.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Make sure to follow up with them for further clarification on any complex issues.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Create an action plan for implementing changes<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s easy to feel overwhelmed by a lengthy audit report, especially when it suggests numerous changes.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The best way to tackle this is to create an action plan:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Prioritise high-risk areas<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Focus on areas where non-compliance or operational inefficiencies could have the greatest impact on your business.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Assign responsibilities<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Make sure each action point has a responsible team member and a deadline.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1080,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Set a timeline<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Implement changes in stages to avoid overwhelming your team. Track progress to ensure improvements are made consistently.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once you\u2019ve started implementing the changes recommended by your auditor, schedule regular reviews to assess progress.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many of the issues identified may take time to resolve, and continuous monitoring will ensure you stay on track.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can also consider requesting a follow-up review from your auditor to ensure that your corrective measures are having the desired effect.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For help analysing and dealing with your audit findings, please <\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/contact-us\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">get in touch with our team.<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When I speak to clients about their audit report, I always advise them to try not to see it as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/how-to-use-the-findings-from-your-auditor-properly\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  How to use the findings from your auditor properly<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_s2mail":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20041","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20041","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20041"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20041\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20042,"href":"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20041\/revisions\/20042"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20041"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20041"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moorethompson.co.uk\/specialist-sectors-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20041"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}