The Benefits of An External Audit

Evaluate your system accurately!

In an external audit, expect that professional accountants will interview the owner, discuss the accounting system and test the company's accounting information and procedures.

External audits offer several benefits for small business owners:

• Providing ValidityMany small business owners do not have an in-depth understanding of accounting principles.  Professional accountants can review this information objectively and thoroughly and provide business owners with insight on the accuracy and validity of the accounting process. Valid accounting information can help business owners secure external financing from lenders and investors, and is also pleasing to the IRS.
  
• Uncovering ErrorsBusiness owners can use external audits to discover errors in their accounting process. Errors in accounting information may prohibit managerial staff from making the best decisions. Business owners can also find it difficult to review historical financial information and discover trends if errors are in place. Trends allow business owners to plan future production output and estimate sales for the upcoming months.
  
• Limiting Tax and Legal IssuesLegal issues arise when business owners provide inaccurate or fraudulent accounting information to lenders, investors and the general public. Overstating income, inventory value or other items can significantly increase the amount of taxes owed by the company. Small businesses organized as a sole proprietorship also need accurate accounting information since income will be reported on a personal income tax return. Inaccurate accounting information can trigger a personal and business tax return audit.
  
• Educating the Business OwnerBusiness owners often work closely with external auditors to improve their accounting process. External auditors will provide business owners with information on current accounting issues. Public accounting firms may also provide business owners with free educational seminars to improve their accounting process. Creating a personal relationship with a public accounting firm provides business owners with professional insight for future accounting questions.

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