Custom guide
The audit process, step by ledger step
This page explains how a statutory financial auditing engagement unfolds at Sora Ledger Counsel — so finance teams know when to prepare schedules, when we visit warehouses, and when the draft opinion arrives.
Why process clarity matters
Boards dislike surprise fieldwork
Japanese filing calendars leave little room for rediscovering related-party balances in week three. We publish our sequence so controllers can brief warehouse managers and bank contacts before we arrive.
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Introductory scoping
We discuss entity structure, prior auditor findings, fiscal year-end, and who will rely on the report — shareholders, a parent company, or a lending bank. You receive a preliminary fee range before any letter is signed.
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Engagement letter & independence
Scope, timing, and responsibilities are written down. We confirm that no bookkeeping or advocacy work impairs independence for the period under audit.
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Planning & materiality
Trial balances, minutes, and known risk areas shape the audit plan. Materiality is set with reference to profit, assets, or equity — whichever fits your reporting profile.
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Interim procedures (when useful)
For larger groups we may test controls or roll-forward schedules before year-end, reducing pressure on the final close week.
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Inventory & confirmation logistics
Count attendance dates and bank confirmation authorizations are locked with your operations and treasury contacts.
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Year-end fieldwork
Our team works from your office or a nearby meeting room in Ibaraki, sampling transactions, reviewing disclosures, and clearing queries daily with the controller.
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Findings discussion
Proposed adjustments and control observations are reviewed with management before anything reaches the board draft.
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Auditor’s report & management letter
Once statements are final, we issue the opinion and a concise letter on observations worth the board’s attention next year.
Ready to place your year-end on the calendar?
Review the flagship statutory audit scope, then send your entity count and filing date.
Typical document list for week one: trial balance, fixed-asset register, aging of receivables, inventory location list, related-party register, and prior-year financial statements with notes.