What it is
AU-C 220 makes the engagement partner responsible for managing and achieving quality on the audit, including direction, supervision and review. A partner sign-off with no evidence of what was reviewed is a recurring peer review finding.
This checklist is for the partner’s final review before release. It covers involvement during the engagement, independence, review of critical areas, the financial statements and report, and the file. It does not replace partner review during the audit or the engagement quality review.
When to use it
- As the partner’s final review before report release.
- To show peer reviewers where partner involvement is documented.
- Where a manager prepares the draft report and statements.
What’s inside
- Evidence of partner involvement and direction
- Independence and acceptance
- Fraud, estimates, related parties, going concern and misstatements
- Financial statements, disclosure checklist and report
- EQR, review notes and file assembly date
Standard cited
This template follows AU-C 220 / AU-C 700. 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 220 explained, AU-C 700 explained.
Questions
Must the partner review every workpaper?
No. AU-C 220 requires the partner to review audit documentation at appropriate points in time, including documentation on significant matters, significant judgments (including difficult or contentious matters) and other matters relevant to the partner’s responsibilities. The extent is a judgment, but it should be evidenced.
Where does partner involvement have to be shown?
In the engagement documentation. Meeting notes, review notes and dated sign-offs on planning, the risk assessment and critical areas are typical evidence.
What changes under SAS 146?
SAS 146 recasts AU-C 220 around the firm’s system of quality management and keeps the partner’s overall responsibility. It is effective for audits of periods beginning on or after December 15, 2025.
Related templates
- Engagement Quality Review Checklist (SQMS 2)
- Audit Completion and File Review Checklist (AU-C 230 / AU-C 700)
- Audit Review Notes Log (Excel)
- Audit Planning Memo (AU-C 300)
Last updated 11/05/2026. All free templates.