MORE THAN A TICK-BOX EXERCISE.
At AAB, our audit service goes beyond compliance. We uncover insights that enhance efficiency, manage risks, and drive profitability.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Enhanced Financial Transparency
Regulatory Compliance Checks
Risk Management
Operational Efficiency
SLEEP BETTER, WORK BETTER, WITH OUR AUDIT & ASSURANCE SERVICE
Your shareholders and stakeholders want to feel confident; you need insights and advice to help you sleep easy. Besides providing honest facts and transparency, our audit firm goes further – helping ensure your regulatory compliance and guiding your strategies to grow and sustain your business.
By getting under the skin of your organisation, our auditors will help you gain a clearer understanding of your risks and potential, with proactive suggestions for improving performance.
EXTERNAL AUDIT: COMPLIANCE, NOT COMPLEXITY
Our external auditors' primary role is obviously to check the truth and fairness of your accounts and ensure you are compliant with current standards. However, to us that’s just the start. We look to get under the skin of your business and provide data that can inform your best business decisions.
Working with clients across a wide range of sectors – from construction to charities, energy to education – means we’ll already be familiar with your marketplace, risks and legislation. We will gain a thorough understanding of your business, collect input from partners and senior staff, working unobtrusively with your people with minimal impact and above all, provide value for money.
EXTERNAL AUDIT: COMPLIANCE, NOT COMPLEXITY
Our external audit team’s primary role is obviously to check the truth and fairness of your accounts and ensure you are compliant with current standards. However, to us that’s just the start. We look to get under the skin of your business and provide data that can inform your best business decisions.
Working with clients across a wide range of sectors – from construction to charities, energy to education – means we’ll already be familiar with your marketplace, risks and legislation. We will gain a thorough understanding of your business, collect input from partners and senior staff, working unobtrusively with your people with minimal impact and above all, provide value for money.
More than a tick-box exercise
Audits that empower business decisions
Your local audit experts
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EXPERIENCED GLOBAL REACH
As well as delivering audit services to UK businesses, we act as the lead auditor for many international clients, managing the global audit process. Through our affiliation to Crowe Global (through Accelerate) and TIAG (The International Accounting Group) we offer a truly global audit service.
We work with UK entities within international groups, liaising with overseas auditors to ensure compliance with UK statutory requirements and adherence to the Group auditor’s work scope, instructions and all reporting deadlines. We’ll make sure you’re aware of any changes in regulations, locally or in other jurisdictions, that could affect your business.
"AAB took over as Applus+ UK’s external auditor in 2022. The difference we have noticed compared to other auditors is that AAB Audits like we manage our business, adapting its procedures to our systems and the specifics of how Applus+ UK operates."
JOHN HILL, HEAD OF FINANCE, APPLUS+ UK
CLARITY & SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC & NON-PROFIT
Public sector bodies, charities and not-for-profit organisations such as social housing providers face increasing scrutiny of their financial position and sustainability, with the likelihood of negative publicity or regulator focus if there’s evidence of exceptions.
Our public sector and not-for-profit audit team is highly experienced in audits for social housing providers, Higher Education Institutions and charities, with a thorough understanding of the SORPs for each sector. Our auditors will conduct a diligent, comprehensive and cost-effective independent audit for your organisation. Besides accurately reflecting your financial position, it can offer a useful early warning of risks and helpful pointers for how you can mitigate them, with the option of our team’s support, advice and training on technical accounting matters.
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CLARITY & SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC & NON-PROFIT
Public sector bodies, charities and not-for-profit organisations such as social housing providers face increasing scrutiny of their financial position and sustainability, with the likelihood of negative publicity or regulator focus if there’s evidence of exceptions.
Our public sector and not-for-profit audit team is highly experienced in audits for social housing providers, Higher Education Institutions and charities, with a thorough understanding of the SORPs for each sector. We will conduct a diligent, comprehensive and cost-effective independent audit for your organisation. Besides accurately reflecting your financial position, it can offer a useful early warning of risks and helpful pointers for how you can mitigate them, with the option of our team’s support, advice and training on technical accounting matters.
Audits that go beyond compliance
Financial insights you can trust
International reach
EXPERTS IN JOINT VENTURE & CONTRACT AUDITS
Accurate audits are essential for joint venture projects. With a team of specialists with extensive experience and knowledge in leading industries, AAB is positioned to support clients worldwide. By establishing relationships with operators based on mutual trust and respect, we consistently deliver prompt and dependable audits.
Our services include:
- Joint Venture Audit
- Contract/Vendor Audit
- Drilling Audit
- Completion Accounts
We’ll give you the peace of mind and:
- Save you time by managing the entire Joint Venture/Contract Audit process
- Help you make savings in your ventures
- Identify and report on risks and bring any issues to a conclusion
- Recover incorrectly charged costs and ensure appropriate corrections
- Advise you on best practices and industry benchmarks
- Help you escalate and resolve issues through the right channels at the right time
EXPERTS IN JOINT VENTURE & CONTRACT AUDITS
Accurate audits are essential for joint venture projects. With a team of specialists with extensive experience and knowledge in leading industries, AAB is positioned to support clients worldwide. By establishing relationships with operators based on mutual trust and respect, we consistently deliver prompt and dependable audits.
Our services include:
- Joint Venture Audit
- Contract/Vendor Audit
- Drilling Audit
- Completion Accounts
We’ll give you the peace of mind and:
- Save you time by managing the entire Joint Venture/Contract Audit process
- Help you make savings in your ventures
- Identify and report on risks and bring any issues to a conclusion
- Recover incorrectly charged costs and ensure appropriate corrections
- Advise you on best practices and industry benchmarks
- Help you escalate and resolve issues through the right channels at the right time
SOME OF OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM
JAMES PIRRIE
Head of Audit
James Pirrie is Head of Audit and leads our Audit team. He specialises in providing audit services to a wide range of clients. James’ role includes working with clients to provide audit services and he also has an operational and leadership role within AAB.
ANDY SHAW
Audit Partner & Head of Public & Not For Profit Sector
Andy Shaw is an Audit Partner with a diverse experience and he heads up our Public Sector & Not For Profit team. He is also our Ethics Partner, ensuring that our teams understand their ethical responsibilities. Andy works extensively on advising and supporting Public Sector, Charitable, Social Housing and Education bodies alongside commercial organisations.
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OUR AUDITS ARE INSIGHTFUL BUT NOT INTRUSIVE
Our auditors are experts: experienced, diligent and painstaking, but also personable and understanding. While we’ll act independently and with integrity, we’ll always be conscious that you need to carry on running your business with minimal disturbance.
We’ll be flexible, working with you and around you. This is made easier by our knowledge of your business sector and the pressures and time constraints you face. Having carried out extensive background research before we start the audits, we can effectively hit the ground running so we take up as little of your time as possible. Clear communication throughout is a key part of our audit strategy, during the audit itself and afterwards, when we report on the insights we’ve gained and the potential for improvements we’ve identified.
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STRUGGLING TO CHOOSE AN AUDITOR? DON'T OVERLOOK THESE CONSIDERATIONS.
Your auditor should not only meet your compliance needs but also add value to your organisation by presenting accurate insights in a way that’s accessible and meaningful. Your statutory external audit is just the baseline.
It’s easy to see a statutory audit as a statutory necessity, but with the right audit firm it can be a significant opportunity; an accurate assessment that identifies where you can improve systems and controls to enhance your processes and value. Selecting an audit firm is therefore a critical decision for any organisation, as it impacts financial accuracy, compliance, credibility, and risk management. There are 5 key considerations when choosing an audit firm.
1. Experience: When choosing an external auditor, experience is key. Ensure the firm is registered with a recognised accounting body and has qualified staff. Beyond that, check their industry-specific knowledge, including compliance requirements and necessary certifications. They should also stay updated on evolving accounting standards, such as recent changes to FRS102 on lease accounting.
2. Credibility: An auditor must be objective and free from conflicts of interest, following FRC’s Ethical Standards. Check for client references or case studies to assess their professionalism. Also, consider the firm’s long-term stability—frequent staff turnover can disrupt your audit, so ask about their approach to retaining key personnel.
3. Capability: Consider the audit firm’s size based on your business complexity. Larger firms offer specialised services, while smaller ones provide a personal touch—mid-tier firms may balance both. Ensure they have enough staff and resources to meet deadlines, especially for complex or multi-location businesses. Check their capacity in terms of personnel and technology to handle your audit efficiently.
STRUGGLING TO CHOOSE AN AUDITOR? DON'T OVERLOOK THESE CONSIDERATIONS.
Your auditor should not only meet your compliance needs but also add value to your organisation by presenting accurate insights in a way that’s accessible and meaningful. Your statutory external audit is just the baseline.
It’s easy to see a statutory audit as a statutory necessity, but with the right audit firm it can be a significant opportunity; an accurate assessment that identifies where you can improve systems and controls to enhance your processes and value. Selecting an audit firm is therefore a critical decision for any organisation, as it impacts financial accuracy, compliance, credibility, and risk management. There are 5 key considerations when choosing an audit firm.
1. Experience: When choosing an external auditor, experience is key. Ensure the firm is registered with a recognised accounting body and has qualified staff. Beyond that, check their industry-specific knowledge, including compliance requirements and necessary certifications. They should also stay updated on evolving accounting standards, such as recent changes to FRS102 on lease accounting.
2. Credibility: An auditor must be objective and free from conflicts of interest, following FRC’s Ethical Standards. Check for client references or case studies to assess their professionalism. Also, consider the firm’s long-term stability—frequent staff turnover can disrupt your audit, so ask about their approach to retaining key personnel.
3. Capability: Consider the audit firm’s size based on your business complexity. Larger firms offer specialised services, while smaller ones provide a personal touch—mid-tier firms may balance both. Ensure they have enough staff and resources to meet deadlines, especially for complex or multi-location businesses. Check their capacity in terms of personnel and technology to handle your audit efficiently.
OTHER KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING AN AUDIT FIRM.
4. Approach: An audit firm’s approach can add value beyond compliance. Key considerations include:
- Scope – Clarify the services included, from financial audits to internal control reviews.
- Business Knowledge – Ensure they understand your industry, risks, and operations.
- Technology – Check if they use data analytics and automation for efficiency and accuracy.
- Reporting – Expect clear timelines, thorough reporting, and actionable insights.
- Accessibility – The team should be available for queries and updates throughout.
- Fees – Compare pricing but focus on quality and value over cost alone.
- Added Value – Look for insights on process improvements and governance.
- Additional Services – Consider tax, risk, or consulting services, ensuring independence.
- Scalability – Choose a firm that can grow with your business needs.
A well-rounded audit firm should go beyond just ticking boxes, offering practical insights and future-proof support.
5. Location - The location of your audit firm affects cost, efficiency, and compliance. A local firm offers better knowledge of regional regulations and lower travel costs, while an international business may need a firm with global reach. Consider what suits your needs and check credentials or case studies for global experience if required.
HOW CAN AAB HELP?
At AAB we understand the requirement of your shareholders and stakeholders to feel confident; you need insights and advice to help you sleep easy. Besides providing honest facts and transparency, we go further – helping ensure your regulatory compliance and guiding your strategies to grow and sustain your operations. By getting under the skin of your organisation, we’ll help you gain a clearer understanding of your risks and potential, with proactive suggestions for improving processes and controls. Our audit service goes above and beyond, ensuring compliance is just the starting point of what we provide for our clients.
HOW CAN AAB HELP?
At AAB we understand the requirement of your shareholders and stakeholders to feel confident; you need insights and advice to help you sleep easy. Besides providing honest facts and transparency, we go further – helping ensure your regulatory compliance and guiding your strategies to grow and sustain your operations. By getting under the skin of your organisation, we’ll help you gain a clearer understanding of your risks and potential, with proactive suggestions for improving processes and controls. Our audit service goes above and beyond, ensuring compliance is just the starting point of what we provide for our clients.
