Vancouver Assurance Services - Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte

Assurance Services

We provide professional services in three different types of engagements: audit, review and compilation:

Audit - An audit engagement provides the highest level of independent assurance through a professional opinion on whether an entity's financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (or other suitable basis of presentation). An audit involves planning, communications, risk assessments, professional judgment, professional assurance standards, evaluations of financial and operational controls and governance, and audit approach assessments.

An audit opinion is an independent expression of the fairness of presentation in accordance with accepted standards and audit procedures. It is not a certification that everything presented is completely verified.

Audits are required for all public companies in Canada and the US. In North American regulatory environments auditors are required to be registered with regulatory oversight bodies (CPAB or PCAOB) and must meet rigorous standards and licensing requirements.

Review - A review engagement provides a level of assurance that is less than an audit. The engagement communication is provided in the form of negative assurance. In a review engagement the accountant relies primarily on analytical techniques, management enquiry and representation, analytics and plausibility to determine the reasonableness of financial statement assertions. The accountant in a review is not required to and does not generally inspect supporting source documentation. Review engagements are normally required by banks or other financial support institutions where moderate financial risk or exposure exists. A review adds reasonable independent credibility to financial statements at a substantially reduced cost from an audit.

Other - Assurance services can also be provided based on contractual compliance requirements such as adherence to a specific performance clause. Related service engagements are structured based on the needs and levels of assurance required by the parties. The communication (engagement report) is tailored to the engagement by a written understanding and the procedures performed are customized to suit the circumstances. In all such engagements firm quality assurance standards and professional standards are maintained.