OVERVIEW
Structured support to prepare records, coordinate communications, and organise evidence for a smoother external audit process.
External Audit Coordination provides a practical framework for preparing management information and guiding interactions with an appointed external auditor. ASBA can help identify requested records, organise supporting schedules, track open queries, and coordinate meetings or follow-ups across finance and operational teams. The approach focuses on completeness, clarity, and timely internal ownership, while leaving audit testing, conclusions, and reporting to the independent auditor. It can be adapted to the organisation’s size, reporting cycle, record-keeping practices, and agreed scope of work.
BUSINESS CHALLENGES
Where this support makes a difference.
- Locating complete records across finance, operations, and shared drives
- Reconciling mismatched figures between ledgers, schedules, and source documents
- Tracking auditor queries, internal owners, and response status
WHAT IS INCLUDED
A practical, clearly defined scope.
Audit request list and evidence tracker
Audit request list and evidence tracker covering responsible owners, document status, outstanding items, and agreed follow-up dates.
Supporting document pack coordination
Document pack coordination for ledgers, reconciliations, schedules, policies, contracts, and selected supporting records requested during the audit.
Auditor query log management
Query log management that records auditor questions, assigns internal responses, consolidates clarifications, and highlights unresolved information gaps for management review.
Meetings and follow-up coordination
Meeting and follow-up coordination, including agendas, action notes, response circulation, escalation of delays, and final open-item status reporting.
CLIENT BENEFITS
Useful outcomes to work toward.
- Clearer internal ownership of audit requests and response deadlines
- Less time spent searching for records or duplicating explanations
- An organised communication trail for management and the external auditor
HOW WE DELIVER
Clear steps. Agreed responsibilities.
Initial consultation
Tell us about your business, your question, and the outcome you need to work toward.
Business & financial assessment
Review the relevant records, current routines, requirements, and areas that need attention.
Customized service plan
Agree deliverables, responsibilities, timing, and fees before the work begins.
Ongoing support & advisory
Work through the agreed priorities with organized reporting and clear communication.
RELEVANT INDUSTRIES
Support informed by your context.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Practical details, explained.
01What does External Audit Coordination include?
It includes organising requested records, maintaining an evidence tracker, coordinating internal responses, and arranging practical communication with the external auditor. The agreed scope may cover finance and operational teams, but audit testing, conclusions, and the independent opinion remain outside ASBA’s role.
02Can ASBA act as our statutory auditor?
No. ASBA provides administrative and advisory coordination support only and does not replace a statutory auditor, perform independent audit procedures, issue an audit opinion, or assume the auditor’s professional responsibilities. The organisation must appoint and work with an appropriately authorised independent auditor where required.
03How should we prepare before the engagement begins?
Start by confirming the reporting period, internal contacts, available ledgers and reconciliations, prior audit action points, and expected information requests. Management should also clarify the agreed scope, access arrangements, confidentiality expectations, and deadlines with the independent auditor.
Scope is subject to agreed deliverables and professional requirements; tax matters should be reviewed by a qualified professional in the relevant jurisdiction, and ASBA’s audit coordination does not replace independent audit or legal services.