An audit engagement provides the highest level of assurance for your financial statements. An audit consists of a complete evaluation of your systems internal controls combined with a thorough examination of account balances through analytical procedures, confirmation of account balances with third parties, inspection of documents, observations of assets, and inquiries and discussions with management in order to ensure the financial statements are fairly stated. Audited financial statements are commonly required due to statutory requirements or as a request from a third party such as a lending institution.