Audit and Assurance
Independent audits, reviews and assurance engagements that give regulators, funders, lenders, investors and members confidence in what you report.
An audit, review or assurance engagement is an independent check of information you report. It may be required by law, by your constitution, by a funding agreement or by a lender. We plan each engagement around your circumstances so it is thorough without being disruptive.
We report clearly on what we found, with practical recommendations to strengthen your controls and records.
Statutory Audit
Audits of financial reports required by legislation, regulators, constitutions, lenders or shareholders.
View detailsReview Engagements
Limited assurance over financial reports, where a full audit is not required.
View detailsIndependent Assurance
Assurance over non-financial information, compliance and controls, and agreed-upon procedures for third parties.
View detailsESG Assurance and Ratings
Assurance over sustainability information, and ESG ratings support, are delivered by our ESG and sustainability team.
View detailsHow We Work
A clear, consistent process from first conversation to ongoing support.
View detailsThe SYNE Advantage
Industry-experienced professionals, fixed fees and connected platforms.
View details
Statutory Audit
Audits of financial reports required by legislation, regulators, constitutions, lenders or shareholders.
We audit general and special purpose financial reports in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, for companies, registered charities, incorporated associations, trusts and other entities. Our approach is risk-based, so effort goes where errors are most likely.
What's Included
Financial Report Audits
Audits of annual financial reports under the Australian Auditing Standards.
Audits for Lenders and Investors
Audits required by finance agreements, shareholder agreements or a sale process.
Audit Readiness
Year-end preparation and document lists, so the audit runs to timetable.
Management Letter
Written recommendations to improve controls, records and reporting.
Review Engagements
Limited assurance over financial reports, where a full audit is not required.
A review relies mainly on enquiry and analytical procedures rather than detailed testing. It gives users a meaningful level of confidence at lower cost, and is often accepted by regulators, funders and members for smaller organisations.
What's Included
Annual Financial Report Reviews
Independent review of annual financial reports where permitted.
Half-Year and Interim Reviews
Reviews of interim financial information for boards, lenders and investors.
Audit or review?
We confirm which your regulator, constitution or funder requires before you engage us.
Independent Assurance
Assurance over non-financial information, compliance and controls, and agreed-upon procedures for third parties.
Not every report that needs independent checking is a financial report. We provide assurance and verification over grant spending, compliance with contracts and regulations, internal controls and performance information.
What's Included
Grant Acquittals
Independent reports confirming grant funds were spent as agreed with the funding body.
Compliance Assurance
Assurance over compliance with legislation, licence conditions or contract terms.
Controls Assurance
Reports on the design and operation of controls, including at service organisations.
Agreed-Upon Procedures
Specific procedures agreed with you and a third party, such as a franchisor or landlord.
Performance Information
Assurance over KPIs and non-financial measures reported to boards and funders.
ESG Assurance and Ratings
Assurance over sustainability information, and ESG ratings support, are delivered by our ESG and sustainability team.
ESG Assurance & Verification
Assurance over sustainability reports, greenhouse gas statement verification and ASRS assurance readiness.
View detailsESG Ratings
Independent ESG, sustainability and carbon ratings from SYNE Ratings, with support to prepare and improve your score.
View details
Who We Work With
The clients we support with audit and assurance.
Not-for-Profits
Charities, associations, clubs and foundations reporting to the ACNC, state regulators or funders.
Small Business
Companies needing an audit for lenders, investors, shareholders or a sale process.
Government-Funded Organisations
Recipients of grants that require acquittals or independent reports.
How We Work
A clear, consistent process from first conversation to ongoing support.
- 01
Planning
We confirm the requirement, agree the engagement terms and assess areas of risk.
- 02
Fieldwork
We test records and controls, mostly remotely through secure document sharing.
- 03
Reporting
We issue the audit or review report and discuss any findings with you.
- 04
Management Letter
You receive written recommendations to improve controls and records for next year.
The SYNE Advantage
Why Organisations Choose SYNE for Audit and Assurance
Industry-experienced professionals, connected platforms and a process built around you.
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Industry-Experienced Professionals
Specialists with 25 years of industry experience, who understand how organisations like yours operate.
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One Accountable Team
A named lead coordinates every service you use, so nothing falls between providers.
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Fixed, Written Fees
A clear scope and price agreed before work begins. No hourly billing surprises.
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Reviewed Twice
Every piece of work is checked by a second professional before it reaches you.
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Connected SYNE Platforms
Your data flows between SYNE One, SYNE People and SYNE Sustainability, so figures always agree.
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Year-Round Support
Regular reviews, deadline reminders and a direct line to your adviser, not just at year-end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an audit and a review?
An audit gives reasonable assurance that the financial report is free of material misstatement and involves detailed testing. A review gives limited assurance, relies mainly on enquiry and analysis, and costs less.
Can you audit accounts that you prepared?
No. Professional independence standards prevent an auditor from auditing financial reports they prepared. If we prepare your accounts, the audit must be performed by a separate firm, and the reverse also applies.
How long does an audit take?
Most small entity audits are completed within two to four weeks of receiving complete records. We agree a timetable at the planning stage.
What do I need to provide?
Typically your trial balance, bank statements, key contracts, grant agreements, minutes and supporting documents for significant transactions. We send a specific list at the start.
Free consultation
Speak with an Adviser
Talk to our audit and assurance team. Book a complimentary 20-minute consultation and we respond within one business day.
- No obligation and no sales script
- A fixed, written quote within two business days
- Qualified professionals who stay with you all year