You have provided your financial statements and access to the accounting system—so why does your auditor still ask for invoices, bank statements and agreements?

The accounting records show what has been recorded. Supporting documents help the auditor assess whether those records are reliable and whether the financial report is materially correct.

Looking behind the numbers

Different documents help answer different questions. An invoice may help support the amount and nature of an expense. A bank statement may help confirm a payment. A loan agreement explains borrowing terms, while a grant agreement can help the auditor assess how funding should be accounted for.

For year-end balances, your auditor may also request evidence of payments or receipts after year end, or calculations supporting estimates such as employee entitlements and other provisions.

Australian Auditing Standard ASA 500 requires auditors to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support their conclusions. The relevance and reliability of the information matter as well as the quantity provided.

Why an explanation may need further support

An explanation provides useful context, but the auditor may need documents or other evidence to confirm it. This is a normal part of an independent audit. For example, explaining that a customer will pay an overdue amount helps the auditor understand the situation. Evidence of a subsequent receipt provides further support for whether that amount is recoverable.

Make documents easy to follow

Label documents clearly and identify the transaction or balance they support. When providing a calculation, include its source information and explain any assumptions.

If a requested document is unavailable, tell your auditor early so they can consider whether alternative evidence is suitable.

Audit Edge explains information requests clearly, helping clients understand what is needed and why it matters to the audit.