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    Assurance Services

    Review Engagements

    Limited Assurance for Stakeholder Confidence

    A review engagement provides limited assurance that no material modifications are needed to financial statements for them to conform with GAAP. Less extensive than an audit but more meaningful than a compilation, reviews offer valuable credibility at a lower cost.

    Cost-Effective Assurance

    Limited assurance at approximately half the cost of an audit

    $5K-$15K
    Small Business Reviews
    $15K-$40K
    Mid-Market Reviews
    2-4 wks
    Typical Turnaround

    Real Results: Client Success Story

    Before Review
    8.5% Rate
    Higher-risk loan pricing
    After Review
    6.75% Rate
    Preferred borrower terms
    Annual Savings
    $17,500
    On $1M loan

    "Professional services firm seeking to refinance commercial real estate was quoted subprime rates based on internal financials. After completing reviewed financial statements, bank approved refinancing at preferred rates—saving $17,500 annually on interest expense."

    *Illustrative scenario. Loan terms depend on individual circumstances including credit history, collateral, and lender policies. Review engagement does not guarantee favorable financing terms.

    Is a Review Right for You? Quick Assessment

    A review engagement may be appropriate if:

    Bank requires reviewed (not audited) financial statements
    Seeking seller financing with credible financials
    Investor due diligence requires more than compilation
    Nonprofit grant requirements specify review level
    Franchise disclosure requirements need reviewed statements
    Budget constraints make full audit cost-prohibitive

    Need assurance but not a full audit? Reviews provide meaningful credibility at a fraction of audit cost—often sufficient for bank covenants and investor requirements.

    Review vs. Audit: Key Differences

    Review Engagement

    Limited Assurance

    We express limited assurance in the negative form: "We are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial statements."

    Procedures Include:

    • Inquiries of management
    • Analytical procedures
    • Reading financial statements
    • Management representations
    Full Audit

    Reasonable Assurance

    We express an opinion: "The financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP."

    Additional Procedures:

    • Internal control testing
    • Substantive testing of balances
    • External confirmations
    • Physical observation

    Review Deliverables

    Independent Accountant's Review Report
    Limited assurance conclusion on financial statements
    Reviewed Financial Statements
    Balance sheet, income statement, cash flows, and notes
    Management Representation Letter
    Documented representations from management
    Observations Letter (Optional)
    Recommendations identified during engagement

    Professional Standards & Authority

    AR-C § 90
    Review of Financial Statements
    Primary standard governing review engagements
    AR-C § 90.25
    Review Procedures
    Required inquiries and analytical procedures
    AR-C § 90.35
    Review Report
    Limited assurance report format and content requirements
    SSARS 25
    Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services
    Current ARSC standards for review engagements
    AICPA ET § 1.100
    Independence Standards
    Independence requirements for review engagements
    ASC 205-10
    Presentation of Financial Statements
    GAAP presentation requirements for reviewed statements

    Need Credible Financials at Lower Cost?

    Reviews provide meaningful assurance for many stakeholder needs at approximately half the cost of a full audit. Contact us to determine if a review meets your requirements.

    Schedule Free Consultation

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    Last updated: September 12, 2026