Frequently asked questions about Smith, Sullivan & Brown, P.C.

and how we do things.

You have questions and we have answers.
Please contact us with your questions. That’s why we’re here.

Frequently Asked Nonprofit Questions

What type of services do I need?

That’s why we’re here. Tell us a bit about yourself, business or nonprofit and we’ll tell you what you need and guide you through the process.

What should I expect when selecting a new audit firm?

Typically, when SSB receives a “Request for Proposal”, we will contact your organization to discuss the specific types of services needed. Once there is a better understanding, our team will prepare a proposal for your Board of Directors to evaluate our services and fees. Once the Board of Directors has deliberated and selected Smith, Sullivan, and Brown, P.C as their audit firm, you will receive an Engagement Letter that describes the level of services and fee schedule. Once the letter is executed, we will launch the onboarding process.

What should I expect after engaging a new audit firm? How easy is it to change firms?

Once an Engagement Letter has been executed by your organization, SSB will prepare an authorization letter to your prior audit firm for your signature which allows the prior audit firm to release information regarding their prior year audit work directly to us.

We will work with your prior audit firm as much as possible to facilitate a smooth transition.

What is the financial statement audit/review engagement?

a. Planning: Typically, the planning portion of the engagement includes obtaining an executed Engagement Letter, having a planning call or meeting to discuss the Organiziation’s fiscal year, developing the engagement schedule, and providing your team with an engagement preparation request list and questionnaire. Depending on the size of your organization and the timing of the engagement, we may request preliminary information so that we may make select transactions to review or test prior to your fiscal year-end.

b. Fieldwork: Based on the engagement schedule, your team will upload our initial requests for information to ShareFile (secure portal). Once the documentation has been made available, our team will proceed with their review, analysis and documentation. During this phase, we may come to your facility to walk through processes, examine paper documentation, and discuss questions.

c. Financial Statements: Once the engagement documentation is complete, we will draft the Financial Statements for your review and approval.

The Financial Statements are a collaboration and your input is valuable and necessary. Our draft financial statements are subject to your review, comments, edits and final approval. If your engagment includes a presentation of the financial statements to your Board of Directors, we will further coordinate the specific logistics.

Frequently Asked Small Business Questions

Business Question 1

That’s why we’re here. Tell us a bit about yourself, business or nonprofit and we’ll tell you what you need and guide you through the process.

Business Question 2

Typically, when SSB receives a “Request for Proposal”, we will contact your organization to discuss the specific types of services needed. Once there is a better understanding, our team will prepare a proposal for your Board of Directors to evaluate our services and fees. Once the Board of Directors has deliberated and selected Smith, Sullivan, and Brown, P.C as their audit firm, you will receive an Engagement Letter that describes the level of services and fee schedule. Once the letter is executed, we will launch the onboarding process.

Business Question 3

Once an Engagement Letter has been executed by your organization, SSB will prepare an authorization letter to your prior audit firm for your signaturewhich allows the prior audit firm to release information regarding their prior year audit work directly to us.

We will work with your prior audit firm as much as possible to facilitate a smooth transition.

Business Question 4

a. Planning: Typically, the planning portion of the engagement includes obtaining an executed Engagement Letter, having a planning call or meeting to discuss the Organiziation’s fiscal year, developing the engagement schedule, and providing your team with an engagement preparation request list and questionnaire. Depending on the size of your organization and the timing of the engagement, we may request prelimiinary information so that we may maje select transactions to review or test prior to your fiscal year-end.

b. Fieldwork: Based on the engagement schedule, your team will upload our initial requests for information to ShareFile (secure portal). Once the documentation has been made available, our team will proceed with their review, analysis and documentation. During this phase, we may come to your facility to walkthrough processes, examine paper documentation, and discuss questions.

c. Financial Statements: Once the engagement documentation is complete, we will draft the Financial Statements for your review and approval.

The Financial Statements are a collaboration and your input is valuable and necessary. Our draft financial statements are subject to your review, comments, edits and final approval. If your engagment includes a presentation of the financial statements to your Board of Directors, we will further coordinate the specific logistics.

Frequently Asked Individual Services and Trust Questions

Individual Question 1

That’s why we’re here. Tell us a bit about yourself, business or nonprofit and we’ll tell you what you need and guide you through the process.

Individual Question 2

Typically, when SSB receives a “Request for Proposal”, we will contact your organization to discuss the specific types of services needed. Once there is a better understanding, our team will prepare a proposal for your Board of Directors to evaluate our services and fees. Once the Board of Directors has deliberated and selected Smith, Sullivan, and Brown, P.C as their audit firm, you will receive an Engagement Letter that describes the level of services and fee schedule. Once the letter is executed, we will launch the onboarding process.

Individual Question 3

Once an Engagement Letter has been executed by your organization, SSB will prepare an authorization letter to your prior audit firm for your signaturewhich allows the prior audit firm to release information regarding their prior year audit work directly to us.

We will work with your prior audit firm as much as possible to facilitate a smooth transition.

Individual Question 4

a. Planning: Typically, the planning portion of the engagement includes obtaining an executed Engagement Letter, having a planning call or meeting to discuss the Organiziation’s fiscal year, developing the engagement schedule, and providing your team with an engagement preparation request list and questionnaire. Depending on the size of your organization and the timing of the engagement, we may request prelimiinary information so that we may maje select transactions to review or test prior to your fiscal year-end.

b. Fieldwork: Based on the engagement schedule, your team will upload our initial requests for information to ShareFile (secure portal). Once the documentation has been made available, our team will proceed with their review, analysis and documentation. During this phase, we may come to your facility to walkthrough processes, examine paper documentation, and discuss questions.

c. Financial Statements: Once the engagement documentation is complete, we will draft the Financial Statements for your review and approval.

The Financial Statements are a collaboration and your input is valuable and necessary. Our draft financial statements are subject to your review, comments, edits and final approval. If your engagment includes a presentation of the financial statements to your Board of Directors, we will further coordinate the specific logistics.

Is Your CPA Looking Out for You?
We Are.

Contact Us
Tel: 508-871-7178
Fax: 508-871-7179

Mailing Address
Smith, Sullivan & Brown, P.C.
80 Flanders Road, Suite 302
Westborough, MA 01581

Professional Memberships:
Member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants
Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce
Metrowest Chamber of Commerce

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