What it is
Most audit delays come from the client side: books not closed, reconciliations missing, schedules prepared in the middle of fieldwork. This checklist is written for the client. Each item has a tag for audit (A), review (R) or compilation (C), an owner and a due date.
Send it with the engagement letter and the PBC list. It covers closing the books, supporting schedules, documents the firm will ask for, people and access, items that apply only to audits and reviews, and what management should understand in a compilation.
When to use it
- Four to six weeks before fieldwork starts.
- When a client is new to audits or reviews.
- When prior-year fieldwork ran late because of missing records.
What’s inside
- Closing and reconciliation tasks
- Supporting schedules by account area
- Documents and contracts the firm will request
- People, access, portal and timing
- Audit-only items and compilation specifics
Standard cited
This template follows AU-C 210 / AR-C 80 / AR-C 90. It is written in our own words, except for phrases the standard requires the document to contain, with [bracketed placeholders] for client details, amounts in USD and dates as MM/DD/YYYY. Check it against the current standard and your firm’s methodology before use. See AU-C 210 explained.
Questions
Does a compilation need as much from the client as an audit?
It needs less: no confirmations, no inventory observation and no inquiries about fraud or going concern. But the books, reconciliations and schedules still have to be management’s, because management is responsible for the financial statements.
Can the firm prepare the schedules for the client?
Sometimes, as a nonattest service, but then the firm must evaluate independence safeguards and management must designate someone with suitable skill, knowledge or experience to oversee the work (ET 1.295). It also adds fees.
What should the client do about an unusual transaction?
Tell the firm early and send the agreement. Unusual contracts, side agreements and related-party deals are the items that take the most time late in an engagement.
Related templates
- PBC List — Audit Request List (Excel)
- Year-End Close Checklist (Excel)
- Compilation Engagement Checklist (AR-C 80)
Last updated 11/05/2026. All free templates.