How an engagement runs
From scoping call to signed opinion: the practical path of an AP automation financial audit.
A practical path, not a product tour
When you engage API Index Path for a financial audit of an accounts payable automation application, you are commissioning fieldwork and a written opinion. The steps below show what sponsors and AP supervisors should expect.
1. Scoping conversation
We confirm the application, legal entities, period under review, and the question you need answered — board assurance, auditor follow-up, or post-go-live comfort. Bring the monthly invoice count and any prior comments on AP controls.
2. Engagement letter & access list
You receive a letter with fee, deposit, timeline, and confidentiality terms, plus a document request list. Typical items include vendor extracts, payment run listings, approval matrices, and change-log exports for bank details.
3. Kickoff with AP and finance
A short session introduces the fieldwork lead to the AP supervisor and controller. We agree observation windows that avoid peak payment proposal days where possible.
4. Fieldwork
Walkthroughs, sample selection, and configuration observation. Findings are logged against evidence as we go so the closing meeting is not the first time you hear a concern.
5. Factual clearance & final report
A draft findings schedule goes to your nominee for factual review. After clearance, the engagement partner issues the opinion and management letter.
What good preparation looks like
- A single finance sponsor who can approve access
- Read-only or escorted access to the AP automation application
- Clarity on which entities and payment currencies are in scope
- Honest notes about known workarounds (rush invoices, manual journals)
What we will not do during an engagement
- Reconfigure your application or negotiate with the software vendor
- Provide a statutory audit opinion on the full financial statements
- Publish client names without written permission
Start with a scoping call
If you already know the engagement type you need, browse audit engagements. Otherwise contact the Phuket office with the application name and the deadline that matters to your board or auditors.