What it is
A compilation under AR-C 80 has a short but specific set of requirements: a signed engagement letter, an understanding of the framework and of significant accounting policies, a reading of the statements for obvious material errors, a compilation report and documentation of the work.
This checklist walks through each requirement with a column for the evidence and a final section on the report: independence disclosure, omitted disclosures, supplementary information and the date.
When to use it
- On every compilation engagement, monthly, quarterly or annual.
- As a peer review self-check for the firm’s SSARS practice.
What’s inside
- Engagement acceptance and the signed engagement letter
- Understanding of the framework, accounting policies and the entity
- Reading the statements and handling information that is incorrect, incomplete or misleading
- Compilation report content, independence impairment and omitted disclosures
- Documentation and sign-off
Standard cited
This template follows AR-C 80 (SSARS). 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.
Questions
Does the accountant need to verify information in a compilation?
No. A compilation gives no assurance and AR-C 80 does not require verifying or corroborating information. But if the accountant becomes aware that records or information are incorrect, incomplete or otherwise unsatisfactory, they must ask management for more information or adjustments.
Can compiled statements omit the footnote disclosures?
Yes, if management elects to omit substantially all disclosures and the omission is not, to the accountant’s knowledge, intended to mislead users. The compilation report must then say so.
Related templates
- Compilation Engagement Letter (AR-C 80)
- Review Engagement Analytics and Inquiry Workpaper (AR-C 90)
- Preparation Engagement Letter (AR-C 70)
Last updated 11/04/2026. All free templates.