Scope of Work
Describe the financial statements, periods under audit, specific accounts or schedules included, and any agreed-upon procedures; define exclusions and materiality thresholds to avoid ambiguity in deliverables and audit opinion scope.
A well-structured Financial External Audit Proposal clarifies expectations, reduces audit scope disputes, and supports procurement and governance reviews. It establishes measurable deliverables and timelines so stakeholders can compare firms objectively and document compliance needs.
Typical preparers and reviewers include external audit firms, CFOs, controllers, audit committees, and procurement teams.
Each party focuses on different proposal elements — technical approach for committees, price and timing for finance, and resource allocation for firms.
The Chief Financial Officer typically signs to authorize engagement and represent the client’s financial authority. The CFO confirms budget availability, approves fee schedules, and may set governance conditions or requested deliverables.
A named audit partner or authorized representative signs on behalf of the audit firm to confirm responsibility, independence disclosures, professional standards adherence, and acceptance of proposed terms and conditions.
Describe the financial statements, periods under audit, specific accounts or schedules included, and any agreed-upon procedures; define exclusions and materiality thresholds to avoid ambiguity in deliverables and audit opinion scope.
Explain risk assessment approach, sampling techniques, substantive testing, internal control evaluation, and reliance on internal audit or third-party confirmations to show how opinion conclusions will be reached.
Identify the engagement partner, senior managers, staff mix and estimated hours by role, including relevant credentials (CPA, AICPA membership) and prior industry experience that supports competence for the engagement.
Provide a detailed schedule for planning, fieldwork, draft reporting, management review, and final report issuance, including required client deliverables and expected turnaround times for responses.
Present a fee structure (fixed fee or time-and-materials), estimates by phase, billing cadence, expense treatment, and payment terms; disclose conditions that will trigger fee adjustments.
List final reports, management letters, internal control recommendations, working paper retention policies, confidentiality clauses, limitation of liability, and conditions for termination or scope changes.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Require name, title, date; lock after signing |
| Attachment Field | Permit PDF uploads up to 25MB |
| Authentication | Email or SMS code for primary signer |
| Routing | Sequential routing: preparer → partner → client |
Electronic submission is common; choose platforms that meet client security and compliance needs.
Ensure chosen delivery supports required authentication, retains a timestamped audit trail, and meets any agency or client-specific privacy obligations.
Often 2–6 weeks after RFP issuance
1–4 weeks for review and clarifications
1–3 weeks depending on terms
Scheduled based on client calendar
Within agreed weeks after fieldwork
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial, no credit card | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
A public university issued an RFP for annual financial audits and received proposals from three firms documenting GASB experience
A regional bank required vendor experience with regulatory reporting and 17 CFR §240.17a-4 record standards
Client issues the request and provides submission instructions
Firms submit proposals by stated deadline
Evaluation, clarifications, then contract negotiation
Finalize schedule, access, and start fieldwork