“The effectiveness of an audit depends on the auditor being independent of the party rendering the account, otherwise the audit will not be unimpeachable…some person should be appointed thoroughly conversant with the duty, and totally unconnected with the company”
George Begbie, Select Committee House of Lords, 1849

At Begbies Chettle Agar we provide an audit service to a range of clients from FTSE 250 listed companies to smaller privately owned businesses.

Following the latest round of scandals, auditing standards and governance rules have become even more complex. To meet the challenge of the International Standards on Auditing we have invested in computerised auditing systems which aim to make compliance costs manageable.

Many smaller companies are now exempt from statutory audit, but the directors are nonetheless required to prepare accounts which give a true and fair view of their company’s affairs and comply with statutory requirements. We are well-placed to assist in this process providing many of the benefits of an audit without all of the costs.

For charities we can provide a full audit or an independent examination of their accounts. We also conduct special purpose audits for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, the Law Society and the Financial Services Authority.

Whatever the nature of the assignment we aim to meet George Begbie’s standard of competence and objectivity.

Begbies is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and inspected by the Audit Inspection Unit of the Financial Reporting Council.