Compliance12 checkseach timeabout 20 minutes, estimate; adjust for site

Audit preparation checklist

This checklist covers records and reports to keep ready before auditors arrive. Tick each item at the point of work and record any failure.

0 of 12 checked

1Prepare the evidence

Audit scope and dates are agreedMUST
Trial balance is availableMUST
Ledger backup or export is ready
Accounting policies are documented

2Review for discrepancies

Bank reconciliations are filedMUST
Stock valuation papers are ready
Customer and supplier confirmations are indexed
Prior audit findings are reviewed

3Approve and file

Document request log has owners
Exceptions are disclosed
Auditor queries are recordedMUST
Closing actions are tracked

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When to use it

The accountant or compliance lead uses this list each time this job or event occurs. Allow about 20 minutes for the checks, plus time for any problem found. Work from the compliance tracker and relevant portal records. Look at the actual item before ticking it. Mark No when evidence is missing and explain why.

Its scope is specific: records and reports to keep ready before auditors arrive. First confirm audit scope and dates are agreed, then examine the relevant work before approval or handover. The person named at the top should complete the checks as the work happens. Do not sign a page from memory later.

If an item is a "No"

For a failed (must) check, hold the affected work at its current stage. The accountant or compliance lead records the item, current job or lot, time and a clear note. Tell the person authorised to release that work. Do not tick Yes after simply sending a message. Recheck the item and record who accepted it before proceeding.

For this checklist, pay particular attention when bank reconciliations are filed cannot be confirmed. Check the supporting record or the actual material. A photo alone may not prove a measurement or approval. Note missing evidence.

For other failures, name an owner and due date. Escalate safety, compliance or customer risks before release.

Common mistakes

Ticking trial balance is available without looking at the actual item or source record.
Writing "done" when stock valuation papers are ready has not been checked.
Closing the sheet even though document request log has owners is still unknown.
Filing the page with no name, no date or no owner for failed items.

Make it your own

Print this on A4 or keep it in a shared sheet. Add a column for the person clearing each failed item. In a food processing business, adapt the references to the part, lot, machine or delivery document your team actually uses. In garments, name the local register and sign-off owner. Remove a check only if it truly cannot apply, and write down why. Do not remove critical safety or statutory checks without qualified review.

Try the list on a real job, then ask the accountant or compliance lead which records were hard to find. Keep one approved version with a revision date so the team uses the same checks.

Review required: This is a practical starting list, not a legal or safety certificate. Check the current rules and get a qualified person to review it for your site. Items marked [VERIFY] need a site-specific or official-source check before use.

A checklist only works if someone ticks it, every time, and someone reads it.

Questions people ask

Who should sign the audit preparation checklist?

The accountant or compliance lead who performed the check signs it. If a different person approves release, capture that name too. Do not use another person’s signature.

What if audit scope and dates are agreed cannot be confirmed?

Mark No, describe what you looked at and hold the affected work if it is a critical item. Ask the authorised owner to decide the next action. Keep the result in the same record.

Can we use the short version instead of the full checklist?

Use the short version for a quick reminder. The full list has the remaining checks, failed-item notes and signature. Keep it for the actual decision and review.