Accounting & Financial Auditing Services Dorset
- Certified auditors providing trusted financial auditing services.
- Free, no-obligation consultation at our Dorset offices or remotely.
- Comprehensive audit services for local and national businesses.
Ward Goodman’s Financial Auditing Services
We manage all of the statutory audit, accountancy and compliance services required for our clients.
Our client base is a mixture of large and medium sized owner managed businesses and charities. Our client portfolio ranges from businesses in the Solent top 250 to non-statutory audits that are required for external funding, upon shareholders request or where there is a dispute.
Ward Goodman Audit Services have experience in auditing subsidiaries of overseas companies and hold the PCAOB registration to allow us to audit UK companies that have parent companies in the US. We have worked with parent companies in the US, Europe and Asia.
Ward Goodman Audit Services sits at the middle ground of the audit market, between the national and regional firms and smaller local firms. This means that you get the best of both worlds, using up to date technologies, and utilising our experience in many sectors we can give your business the dedicated time it deserves.
Your business will have a main point of contact, being your Audit Client Service Manager, who will work with the team and the Audit RI/Director to give you the best possible service.
We at Ward Goodman Audit Services will not offer a one service fits all approach and will tailor our audit approach to best suit you and your business. We communicate with our clients in a way that is most appropriate to them, through the use of Microsoft Teams, email, our secure portal and other communication means and of course face to face meetings.
How Our Account Audit Experts Can Help
Financial Accuracy
Ensuring accuracy and reliability of their financial statements crucial for decision-making, compliance with regulations, and building trust with stakeholders.
Identifying Efficiency Gaps
Uncovering inefficiencies in financial processes, internal controls, and risk management practices to help mitigate financial risks.
Compliance & Risk Management
Our audit services help clients stay compliant with accounting standards, tax regulations, and other legal requirements.
Strategic Decision-Making
Our audit services provide insights and data that support strategic decision-making, investment planning, mergers, acquisitions, and other business initiatives.
Hear What Our Clients Have To Say
Ward Goodman consistently exceeds the expectations of our valued clients in account auditing by delivering exceptional service.
Frequently Asked Quetions
Common questions about Ward Goodman’s financial auditing services
What are audit services?
A statutory audit is a formal examination of a company’s financial records, transactions, and operations to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. It is important for companies as it provides assurance to stakeholders, suppliers, and regulatory bodies regarding financial transparency, accountability, and governance.
Who needs auditing services?
The company size thresholds are changing effective 6 April 2025, and with that the audit thresholds will also change. The new requirements for an audit will be 2 out of 3 of the following:
- an annual turnover of more than 15m
- assets worth more than 7.5m
- 50 or more employees on average
For more information please contact our audit team.
What are the different types of audits?
All audits are conducted under the same basis, regardless of if they are statutory or non-statutory.
There can be other pieces of work that require an auditor to undertake the assignment, for example grant claim audits.
Shareholders can also request an audit or an assurance report to be carried out and these require a registered auditor.
Some companies require an audit because they are part of a listed group or either in the UK or elsewhere in the world.
Ward Goodman Audit Services Limited is registered with the PCAOB in the US.
How does auditing work?
The audit process is made up of three main steps; planning, fieldwork and completion.
The planning stage will involve enquiry with key members of the finance team and those charged with governance to get to understand more about the entity and its activities in the year. At this stage the auditor will look to understand your internal financial systems (including IT) and processes and the financial controls in place. There will also be a focus on assessment of risks and the auditor will set a materiality level at this stage.
Fieldwork will involve the majority of testing of balances. This will likely include a mixture of analytical procedures, testing of financial controls and sampling of balances in the accounts to supporting documentation. We offer availability to conduct the audit fieldwork through on site attendance or predominantly remote methods depending on your requirements.
The completion stage will involve finalising the financial statements and reports for the year and at this stage we would also suggest best practice in areas that have been identified in your entity to ensure that the processes in place are suitable.
How long does an audit take?
There is no set timetable as all audits are unique, depending on the systems and complexities of the companies that are being audited. We endeavour to complete our audits within 6-8 weeks of the initial fieldwork week(s).
What is the cost of an account audit?
Your first meeting with one of our advisers is complimentary, with no obligation. The fee is determined based on the anticipated level of work.
We will provide an initial quote; however, the charge may be adjusted if additional work is required beyond what was initially anticipated. Payments will be charged periodically throughout the assignment, with larger audits typically involving three or four-stage payments.
What industries do you specialise in for audit services?
We specialise in providing audit services for a wide range of industries, including owner-managed businesses, pension schemes, charities, and more.
The Process
Initial referral or inquiry
Whether you’ve been referred or inquired yourself, our team will reach out to you in a timely manner
Free consultation
We offer a no-cost, no-obligation meeting at one of our offices, or over the phone
Quote and setup
We’ll provide you with a tailored quote and when you’re ready, our account auditing team will begin services
Book a Meeting
If you would like to discuss further, please book a meeting with an experienced member of our team. Simply let us know when’s best for you and we will get in touch to arrange a suitable time.
Why Choose Ward Goodman?
Client satisfaction is paramount to us. We have a broad range of clients, and we endeavour to offer them the best service possible through continuous improvement and focus on doing things right the first time.
Experienced Audit Experts
Our Dorset-based team can advise and support any size of business locally or nationwide.
Customised Audit Solutions
Flexible, bespoke service covering all aspects of financial auditing services.
Access to a Full Team of Finance Experts
From our pension advisors to independent financial planners.
Our Awards and Accreditations
AAT Qualified
Xero Certified
ICAEW Membership
Partnerships
Experienced Auditing Experts
Ward Goodman’s dedication to excellence is embodied through our team of helpful experts:
Davina Seymour
Bookkeeper
Torie Freestone
Trainee Client Services Manager
Anthony Boni
Trainee Client Services Manager
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