How to Control Annual Audit Fees

Annual audits of a company’s financial statements may be required by partnership, loan or other agreements. The cost of an annual audit can constitute a significant administrative expense, if not properly managed by the company’s financial staff. Although the independent accountant has the responsibility of establishing the scope of the audit required in order for him to issue an opinion on the financial statements, the company can limit the involvement of the independent accountant’s staff, in order to keep the audit fee at appropriate levels.

The following procedures should be adopted in order to minimize annual fees and to assure appropriate cooperation between the company’s financial staff and the independent accountant...

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