How to Prepare for a Remote Attestation Engagement: 7 Tips to Help the Process Go Smoothly
More and more organizations are completing their audits, reviews, and compilations remotely — and with good reason. Technology makes it easy to collaborate securely from anywhere, and remote engagements can be just as efficient (and sometimes even faster) than traditional on-site work.
Still, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few simple ways to make your next remote attestation run smoothly.
- Know What to Expect
Before things get started, ensure you understand what type of attestation service your organization is receiving and what’s involved. An audit digs deeper into testing and verification, a review focuses on analysis and inquiries, and a compilation simply presents financial information without assurance.
Ask your CPA team for an overview of the process and timeline. Having clear expectations up front helps everyone stay organized and on schedule.
- Get Your Documents in Order
Since everything is done remotely, organized digital records are key. Gather your financial information ahead of time, including bank statements, reconciliations, invoices, payroll reports, and board minutes.
Our firm utilizes ShareFile, a secure online portal that enables you to upload and organize documents easily. It’s much safer (and faster) than sending things through email. Using clear file names, such as “2024 Bank Rec – June.pdf,” helps keep everything easy to find for both you and your CPA team.
- Choose a Main Point of Contact
Select one person from your team to serve as the primary contact for your CPA firm. This should be someone familiar with your accounting records and who can track down information when needed. Having one go-to person makes communication smoother and avoids confusion or duplicate requests.
- Keep the Communication Flowing
Quick responses help keep the engagement on track. Try to check ShareFile regularly and respond to requests as they arrive. If the project will take several weeks, it’s often helpful to schedule a brief check-in call to touch base and ensure everything is moving forward. Most communication can happen through email, Teams, or Zoom — whatever works best for your team.
- Be Ready for Virtual Walkthroughs
If you’re undergoing an audit or review, your CPA may schedule virtual walkthroughs to gain a deeper understanding of your internal processes. Ensure your technology (camera, microphone, and screen sharing) is functioning properly, and keep supporting documents nearby in case they’re needed. It’s helpful to have the right people, such as accounting staff or management, available during these meetings to answer any process-related questions.
- Review Drafts Promptly
Once you receive draft financial statements or reports, take time to review them carefully. The sooner feedback is provided, the quicker your CPA can finalize everything. This is also a good opportunity to discuss any recommendations or process improvements that arose from the engagement.
- Keep in Touch Year-Round
Don’t wait until the next engagement to reach out. If your organization goes through significant changes — like switching accounting systems, hiring new leadership, or receiving new funding — let your CPA know. Staying in touch throughout the year makes next year’s process even easier.
Final Thoughts
Remote attestation doesn’t have to feel complicated. With some upfront organization, secure document sharing through ShareFile, and open communication, your engagement can be smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
A little preparation now can save a lot of time later — and help your CPA team deliver the best possible results.
