Auditing in a Pandemic: Yes We Can!
By Melanie Hawkins, CPA, LSWG Audit Manager
Thursday, October 15, 2020 – While virtually every facet of our lives has been changed by COVID-19, auditing is no different. However, we can get through this together.
The accounting profession as a whole has been using technology over the last several years to increase efficiencies and allow for greater flexibility than the traditional one-week on-site audit. Gone are the days of transporting reams of paper, printers, and 3-ring binders in luggage fit for a cross-country trip. Laptops and online portals are the tools of the trade now, with the exchange of electronic information reducing the amount of on-site visits required.
LSWG has embraced these advances which have positioned us–and you–to continue your audit as normal (as normal as normal can be during these times).
Safety for LSWG’s employees as well as yours is our utmost priority. While we don’t know when it will be safe to get back together, we will mainly be employing the following tools to accomplish your audit:
- Use of the LSWG portal to safely exchange files. The portal can accommodate Word and Excel files, pdf documents, and even QuickBooks® back-up files.
- Use of video-conferencing tools such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams to conduct inquiries or answer questions.
- Email and phone calls to supplement as needed.
If you are traditionally on LSWG’saudit schedule, your LSWG team member will be contacting you in the next several weeks to discuss needs, timing and more details. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions or concerns. Remember, we can do this together!
Melanie Hawkins, CPA, is an audit manager in LSWG’s Frederick office and has been conducting audits at LSWG for over 13 years. You can reach Melanie at 301.662.9200, or by email at mhawkins@LSWG.cpa.