Compare firms against your actual reporting requirements before comparing their fees. The right firm needs suitable capability, independence and capacity, plus a process your finance team can work with.
Give every firm the same brief
Share the entities, ownership, reporting framework, latest accounts, year end and earliest deadline. Explain significant changes, unresolved issues and what you want to improve. A proposal based on incomplete information is difficult to compare with one that has considered the full scope.
What questions should we ask?
| Area | Question | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Capability | Have you handled reporting requirements and complexities like ours? | Relevant experience and clarity about when specialists are needed. |
| Partner involvement | At which stages will the partner be involved? | Named responsibilities and a route for significant decisions. |
| Delivery | What must be ready for your timetable to work? | Specific dependencies, review time and capacity. |
| Fees | What is included, excluded and capable of changing? | A defined scope and clear additional-fee process. |
| Transition | How will you address opening balances and predecessor information? | A realistic first-year plan rather than a promise of no extra work. |
When might a larger network be necessary?
A group may need extensive international coverage, specialist regulatory capability or an auditor permitted by lender or investor requirements. Check those constraints before appointing a firm. Direct partner access is valuable, but it does not replace the technical resources the engagement needs.
When should we keep the current firm?
If the main concern is one communication problem, a discussion with the existing partner may resolve it. A change close to a transaction or sign-off can introduce further risk. Compare the improvement you expect with the first-year work and timing implications.
How should the board make the decision?
Use a short comparison of capability, scope, people, timing and total cost. Record unresolved questions and obtain answers before appointment. Marketing presentation alone is not evidence of audit quality, and no firm should promise a preferred opinion before completing its work.
Accendo is suited to established organisations seeking a partner-led relationship with clear preparation and communication. We assess fit before accepting an engagement. Read our guide to the changeover process if you decide to move.
Discuss your next step
Tell us your year end, reporting deadline, group structure and the issue you want to resolve. We will assess the scope, capacity and independence requirements before accepting an engagement. Discuss your audit requirements
Reviewed 26 September 2026. General guidance; the appropriate approach depends on your organisation and circumstances.