Specialist Services

Audit and Assurance

We provide businesses with the confidence they need to make informed financial decisions and build trust with investors, customers and partners.

Introduction

Building trust through technical precision

By taking an independent look at your financial statements, internal controls and compliance processes, we help you stay ahead of regulatory requirements, improve efficiency and achieve your wider business goals.

Expertise

Comprehensive Audit & Assurance

At the heart of our work is a commitment to delivering clarity, confidence and genuine commercial value. We don’t view audit and assurance as a box-ticking exercise, we see it as an opportunity to strengthen governance, improve financial insight and support strategic decision-making.

Our team stays updated on the latest technical developments, providing independent, practical and valuable audit services to businesses across the corporate, charity, education and pension sectors.

With a focus on clear reporting, effective risk management and consistent communication you’ll gain a strategic partner who supports you to make informed decisions that support stability and growth and ensures your business is compliant.

Audit professionals reviewing financial statements
Statutory Financial Audit

A statutory audit provides independent assurance that a company’s financial statements present a true and fair view and comply with UK accounting and legislative requirements. Our audits provide confidence in financial integrity and support informed decisions for future growth.

Statutory Financial Audit

A statutory audit provides independent assurance that a company’s financial statements present a true and fair view and comply with UK accounting and legislative requirements. Our audits provide confidence in financial integrity and support informed decisions for future growth.

We deliver:

  • A risk-focused review of financial records, internal controls and key transactions 
  • An assessment of compliance with accounting standards and legal requirements 
  • Practical insight and clear recommendations for system improvements
Charity trustees meeting with financial advisor
Charities Audit

We provide assurance to stakeholders that the accounts provide a true and fair reflection of the position of the organisation and will provide internal control recommendations to help ensure continuous improvement.

Charities Audit

We provide assurance to stakeholders that the accounts provide a true and fair reflection of the position of the organisation and will provide internal control recommendations to help ensure continuous improvement.

We deliver:

  • A review of income recognition, restricted funds and reserves management
  • An assessment of governance, controls and safeguarding of assets
  • Clear insight and commentary to support trustees in overseeing the charity effectively
Academy leadership team meeting in school setting
Academies Audit

Our specialist team will help ensure compliance with the financial reporting standards and provide reassurance to stakeholders that public resources are being managed appropriately.

Academy Audit

Our specialist team will help ensure compliance with the financial reporting standards and provide reassurance to stakeholders that public resources are being managed appropriately.

We deliver:

  • An annual statutory audit of financial statements
  • An Independent regularity report confirming that public funds are used appropriately
  • Insight on financial controls, governance and risk management
Finance professionals reviewing pension scheme reports
Pension Scheme Audit

We perform independent audits of occupational pension schemes, ensuring compliance with pensions legislation and providing assurance.

Pension Scheme Audit

We perform independent audits of occupational pension schemes, ensuring compliance with pensions legislation and providing assurance.

We deliver:

  • A review of contributions, benefits, transfers and investment valuations
  • An assessment of governance, administration controls and regulatory compliance
  • Close collaboration with actuaries and administrators to understand the valuation of scheme liabilities
Finance professional analysing laboratory documentation
Grant Audits

Grant funders often require independent assurance that funding has been used in line with grant conditions and that project outputs have been delivered. We provide grant audits for organisations across research, education, charity and commercial sectors.

Grant Audits

Grant funders often require independent assurance that funding has been used in line with grant conditions and that project outputs have been delivered. We provide grant audits for organisations across research, education, charity and commercial sectors.

We deliver:

  • A review of grant contracts and eligibility criteria
  • The verification of expenditure to supporting documentation and an assessment of expenditure eligibility.
  • Independent assurance reports required by funders to release or finalise funding
Talk to our audit team
The Lifecycle

Our Audit Process

We follow a systematic, transparent methodology designed to minimise disruption to your daily operations.

Planning

Understanding your business model and key reporting cycles.

Risk Focus

Identifying areas that require deeper technical scrutiny.

Fieldwork

On-site or remote testing and evidence collection.

Review

Partner-level quality control of all findings.

Reporting

Delivery of final report and management insights.

The Difference

Why choose Parsons for your audit

We combine high-level commercial insight with a relationship-led approach to deliver a modern audit experience.

Relationship-led

Direct access to senior partners who understand your business context.

No Surprises

Clear, continuous communication throughout the entire audit lifecycle.

Insight beyond Compliance

Practical recommendations that improve your operational efficiency.

Deep Sector Experience

Specialist knowledge across manufacturing, tech, and academies.

Modern, Efficient Audit

Leveraging data-driven technology to reduce the burden on your team.

Long-term Partnership

We grow with you, providing consistent support year after year.

Audit Threshold

Who needs an
audit in the UK?

In the UK, not every business is legally required to have its accounts audited. However, for many companies, an audit is a powerful way to build trust and demonstrate financial transparency.

Compliance Alert
Following the changes on 6 April 2025

A company must have a statutory audit if it meets two or more of the following criteria for two consecutive accounting periods.

£15m+

Turnover Threshold

Turnover of £15m or more

£7.5m+

Balance Sheet Total

Total assets (referred to as ‘balance sheet total’) of £7.5m or more

50+

Average Workforce

Average employees of 50 or more

Size Threshold
Exceptions

Some companies are still required to have an audit, even if they fall below the usual size thresholds.

Shareholders holding at least 10% of the voting rights can request an audit.
A company’s articles of association may state that an audit is required.
The business may form part of a larger group structure.
Certain regulated sectors, including insurance and banking, have mandatory audit requirements.

“At Parsons, we work with businesses across a range of sectors, delivering tailored audit and assurance services that meet the unique need of each industry.”

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Our People

Experienced Finance Professionals

Choosing the right audit provider is about more than regulatory compliance, it’s an opportunity to partner with a team who supports the success of your organisation.

Our team understands that the audit process can be a challenging time for businesses as they balance regulatory compliance with business-as-usual activities. Our experienced finance professionals pride themselves on delivering a collaborative, transparent process that’s commercially valuable. 

Finance professional in office environment
A relationship led approach

We invest time in understanding your organisation, your culture and the sector of your business so we can tailor our audit to the risks and challenges that matter the most. Your audit process is never treated as just another engagement.

Clear communication and no surprises

We maintain open and regular communication throughout the audit process, ensuring clarity, efficiency and peace of mind. We pride ourselves on delivering no last-minute surprises or unexplained issues.

Real Insight

Alongside statutory deliverables, our team produces reports for management that focus on meaningful improvements to systems and financial reporting that can be practically implemented. We partner with third parties that provide sector-specific summaries which consider industry trends and upcoming opportunities and challenges.

Deep sector experience

Our team brings experience across statutory audits, charity audits, pension scheme audits and academy audits. We have a deep understanding of the challenges and regulatory pressures specific to each sector.

A modern and efficient audit

We embrace technology and utilise data driven techniques to streamline testing, reduce disruption and produce higher quality audit evidence. Our technology infrastructure means we can perform fully remote, hybrid or on-site audits.

A financial partner you can rely on

We understand that consistency matters. We believe in building long-term relationships, meaning you’ll see familiar faces who really understand your organisation year on year.

Talk to our audit team
Our People

Meet Our Audit Team

Ian-Parsons,-Managing-Partner
Ian Parsons

Managing Partner & Head of Corporate Finance

Adam Kola, -Audit-Associate
Adam Kola

Audit Associate

Adam Ali, -Audit-Associate
Adam Ali

Audit Associate

Callum Manton, -Audit-Associate
Callum Manton

Audit Associate

Elliot Marling, -Audit-Manager
Elliot Marling

Audit Manager

George Burford, -Audit-Associate
George Burford

Audit Associate

Harvey Walker, -Audit-Semi-Senior
Harvey Walker

Audit Semi-Senior

team placeholder
Khadijah Varachhia

Audit Senior

Kiran Kaur, -Audit-Semi-Senior
Kiran Kaur

Audit Semi-Senior

Liam Ellam, -Audit-Semi-Senior
Liam Ellam

Audit Semi-Senior

Sharoze Butt, -Audit-Assistant-Manager
Sharoze Butt

Audit Assistant Manager

Thomson Williams, -Audit-Assistant-Manager
Thomson Williams

Audit Assistant Manager

Andy Lucas, Audit Director
Andy Lucas

Audit Director

Martin Benson-May, Audit Director
Martin Benson-May

Audit Director

Support

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the common questions we hear from clients.

Still have questions?

Our specialist audit team is available for a no-obligation conversation to clarify your specific situation.

In the UK not every business is legally required to have its annual accounts audited but for many companies an audit is a way to build trust and demonstrate financial transparency.  Following the changes on 6 April 2025 a company must have a statutory audit if it meets two or more of the following criteria for two consecutive accounting periods:

• Turnover of £15m or more
• Total assets (often referred to as ‘balance sheet total’) of £7.5m or more
• Average employees of 50 or more

Some companies are still required to have an audit, even if they fall below the usual size thresholds.

We can support businesses with a range of different types of audits including statutory audit, charity audit, academy audit, pension scheme audit and grant audits.

An audit is an impartial review and analysis of a company’s financial statements, reports and records. Assurance services are broader and evaluate the processes that lead to the financial data.

The length of an audit depends on the size and complexity of an organisation. Our team will work with you to conduct the audit in a timeframe that suits your needs.

PROVEN

RESULTS

Testimonials

Client feedback

PROVEN

RESULTS

“We have engaged Parsons as statutory auditor and are thrilled with their knowledge and professionalism. They have taken time to understand our business and us as individuals and have audited in a way which does not feel onerous and allows us to continue business as usual.”

Victoria McLeod

Director at Royle Recruitment

“I’ve worked with Ian and his team at Parsons for several years. They were instrumental in helping me to negotiate the successful sale of my first business and they continue to give me reliable advice and accountancy for my current business, Prosura.”

Jon Newall

CEO, Prosura Ltd

“York Medical Group have trusted Parsons as our finance and commercial partner for over six years. When the practice scaled up and merged several practices into one and became a Primary Care Network in its own right, we need fit-for-purpose financial systems. We outsourced our Financial Controller, Finance Administrator and strategic financial advice to Parsons…

Zulf Ali

CEO York Medical Group

“We outsourced our finance function because it gave us the flexibility and breadth of financial expertise we needed in the face of very rapid growth. The COVID pandemic saw our contractual income grow from a £2m to a £6.3m within a very short period of time. Our finance needs have changed along the journey and…

Maddy Ruff

CEO at Nimbuscare Ltd

“There was a lot of documentation and complex processes involved with the disposal of the business. I needed the advice of someone who understood what was required to ensure everything was done correctly and with my best interests at heart. Parsons certainly fulfilled that need. We has a very smooth deal which was comparatively swift…

Barry Vale

former owner at Ridings Reprographics

“Parsons have been with us since our first audit in 2023, supporting us as a privately owned SME in the flooring sector through an important milestone for the business. Their approachable, supportive manner made the process feel straightforward and reassuring, and we genuinely enjoy working with a team who are always on hand throughout the…

Helen De La Rue

UK Trade Furnishings Limited

“The team at Parsons York is our first port of call when we need expertise to support key strategic decisions. We know we can rely on Rebecca and Mark to answer a call and provide immediate and sound advice when we need it. Parsons provide high-level strategic insight that complements our in-house finance team and…

Jordan Cook

Managing Director at PolyGlobal Ltd

“The team at Parsons understand my business very well, they truly care about the job they do and the clients they look after. Parsons looks after my tax affairs – previously for the business and my personal tax affairs now that I’ve retired. Having that long-term relationship has been beneficial because there is an existing…

Allan Binns

Former Managing Director at Incom Systems Communication Specialists Ltd

“Parsons have been managing my annual Self Assessment tax return for several years and they are so easy to deal with, I’ve even recommended them to other people. I like working with a local business and it’s important to me that my accountant is established and professional. There’s always someone there to answer any queries…

Nick Stokes

Business Owner at Stokes Creations

“The service from Parsons is very professional and efficient. I can always get hold of an accountant when I need them, they have reliable expertise and a very good understanding of my accounts. I know I can trust them to advise me on everything I need to know and any actions I need to take.…

Malcolm Bretton

Local Farmer based in West Yorkshire

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Enquiry

Talk to our audit team

Tell us a little about your business and we’ll be in touch to discuss your specific requirements.

Experience a partnership built on technical precision and straight-talking advice. Our partners are ready to guide you through the audit process with clarity and confidence.

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