Compliance

Apex has provided hot and cold file reviews and compliance services to over one hundred UK firms of accountants, from sole practitioners to Top Twenty firms. We combine a rigorous application of auditing standards with a pragmatic, friendly approach.

For firms beginning the journey to comply with the incoming ISQM regime, our ISQM Toolkit is the ideal guide. See why it’s the solution promoted by providers including Insight Training and 2020 Innovation.

Popular Reviews

  • Cold File Review

    Our team will review the audit files of a fully completed audit assignment. We will consider how the file demonstrates compliance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and will provide practical recommendations on areas that could be improved, highlight instances of good practice and comment on audit efficiency where relevant.

  • Hot File Review

    Hot file reviews are similar to the cold file reviews but are completed prior to signing the audit report. They may be necessary as a result of a regulatory visit, an independence issue, a high risk client, or merely to improve quality. This review will highlight matters to be addressed before the audit report is issued.

  • Whole Firm Review

    Whole firm reviews are an evaluation of your firm's compliance with audit regulations.

    Our team will review your office procedures including acceptance and reappointment, independence, fit and proper, skills and competence, consultations and PII.

Enquire now

Let’s be honest, no audit team wants their file to be reviewed. We’re proud individuals and we’re not overly keen on having weaknesses highlighted.

Apex and our reviewers are NOT regulators. We’re here to work with you to improve the overall quality and efficiency of your files so that you not only have a compliant audit file but one that is easier for your own RI reviews (say goodbye to reams of paper), and strives to deliver better recoveries.

We will have a face to face debrief (of up to an hour) with the audit team to provide an overview of the files reviewed, highlight the areas which are completed effectively and those areas that need some more consideration. This is also the perfect opportunity for you to get specific guidance on the ‘how’ rather than just the ‘what’.

Review visits

from £1,300 + VAT / day

Individual file reviews

from £675 + VAT / file

Click here for Apex’s standard terms of business for audit quality and compliance reviews.