Audit readiness
What your auditor may ask for and how to organize the evidence.
Meet Mia Spencer
Mia is developing an advisory practice to help growing teams define the work they need, compare proposals, and set expectations with an outside accounting firm.
Mia graduated from North Carolina A&T State University, completed an audit internship at KPMG, and went on to join TBH Consulting, an accounting and financial reporting advisory firm. She is working toward CPA licensure.
Connect with Mia on LinkedIn See where Mia could help
When two proposals look the same
One firm’s monthly reporting might mean a set of statements. Another might include a close deadline, variance notes, and a review call. Compare the deliverables, responsibilities, and fees before you sign.
- What should an accounting firm deliver each month?
- Who owns the deadlines, approvals, and handoffs?
- What is included in the fee, and what will cost extra?
Start where you need help.
Choose your scorecard.
Pick the worksheet that fits where you are. Answer the questions on your own copy and take it into your next conversation.
- Download PDF Define your accounting needs
Define your accounting needs
Identify the work you need, who should own it, and what a good result looks like.
- Download PDF Compare accounting firms
Compare accounting firms
Score up to three proposals on fit, deliverables, fees, responsibilities, and handoff.
- Download PDF Confirm scope and onboarding
Confirm scope and onboarding
Capture what is agreed, what remains open, and who owns each step before work starts.
Have someone on your side of the table.
Mia is developing an advisory service to represent the client’s priorities when comparing accounting firms. She would help you understand the pricing, ask for clarity on fees and exclusions, and turn the winning proposal into a written scope of work.
Answer the scorecard questions
Start with a free PDF. Define what you need or compare proposals using the same questions.
Get a free AI coaching document Planned
The proposed tool would use your answers to explain what to consider, why the tradeoffs matter, and what to ask before you choose. Online submission and AI coaching are not available yet.
Choose hands-on help Planned
For a more extensive review, Mia could compare proposals with you, suggest firms to consider, and help plan onboarding once you choose. Booking is not available yet.
Know what to ask.
Five topics for short lessons, practitioner interviews, and practical templates.
Open the learning hub ↗Month-end close
How to tell whether the month is closed and who owns each step.
Management reporting
How to read a reporting package and ask about changes in the numbers.
Process & controls
How to assign and document approvals, reviews, and reconciliations.
Accounting policy documentation
How to write down recurring decisions so your team can apply them consistently.
What should arrive after month-end?
Ask for a sample report, a delivery date, and a named person to walk you through the numbers. A sample shows whether you’ll get explanations for major changes or only a set of statements.
This sample is for practice. It carries no CPA continuing education credit.