Audit & Assurance

Our co-ordinated approach to audit and assurance is that we don’t simply look at regulatory compliance and financial reporting.

We take an holistic approach, offering a true support function for our audit and assurance clients.

At Optimum, we have a culture of forming long-term working relationships. As your trusted audit and assurance partner, we will add true value to your organisation – important for you and important for your stakeholders

When auditing, we go beyond the bare statutory requirements – we assess internal controls, systems, risk exposure and look to add value to your organisation through a positive impact on ongoing organisation governance. 

In working with you, we remain flexible. We believe in regular communication which continually develops our understanding of your organisation and the environment in which it operates, assisting in creating efficiencies during year end processes.

We know how important it is to avoid disruption during an audit process, so we ensure we complete our procedures with minimal inconvenience to you and your staff, by thorough pre-audit planning and close alliances with technology providers.

Different organisations require different levels of assurance. Our team – headed by Rob Stokes FCCA and supported by Jon Lacey FCA – help with the following:

• Statutory corporate audit – the core of the UK’s financial reporting system.
• Academy schools – our team have been involved with academy schools since their creation in 2011 and have a particular passion for this area of the public sector.
• Charities – these are an integral part not only of our portfolio but also the wider economic environment, and this is one way we can support the locality and its community, both business and third sectors.
• Solicitors and law firms – assisting in regulatory compliance, allowing lawyers to focus on growth and supporting clients.
• Client money audits – whether you are an estate agent with lettings or an insurance broker we can review your systems and controls over client money to report to your regulator, with a minimum of disruption to your client servicing.

Other assurance services that we provide include:

• Independent examination reports (charities) – covering the Charity Commission requirements and utilising our experience in other sectors.
• Independent assurance reviews – if you require more than a standard accountant’s report on your accounts, whether it’s a particular area of your business or the whole.
• Grant application and reviews – helping you with your compliance requirements with grant applications.
• Internal assurance report – for those academies in particular which are required to have internal assurance reviews led by your risk register.

At Optimum we have a diverse and vibrant team who enjoy working with people, using their expertise to help organisations navigate their toughest challenges.

If you require any audit and assurance support – either for the first time, or if you’d like a fresh pair of eyes on your audit process – please get in touch with Rob Stokes for a free no obligation chat about how we can help you and your organisation.

Optimum Audit & Assurance: supporting academy schools, charities, and corporate bodies across Swindon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, and throughout the South West and Thames Valley.

The audit function is undertaken on behalf of Optimum Professional Services by Regulatory Audit, a partnership controlled by Jon Lacey FCA, under ICAEW reference no C004585872.