Audit and Accounting Services Tailored Around Your Needs

From full financial statement audits to compilations and agreed-upon procedures, we help businesses, nonprofits, and government entities get the right level of assurance — not simply the most expensive one.
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Understanding Your Options: Audits, Reviews, Compilations, and More

Not every organization needs a full audit, and not every situation calls for a simple compilation. The right financial statement service depends on who is asking for the report, what they need to do with it, and how much assurance they actually require. At Kilgore, Brown & Brittain, we start by understanding your situation — then recommend the service level that fits it.

 

Here is a plain-language breakdown of the four primary service levels we provide:

 

  • Financial Statement Audit — The highest level of assurance available. We examine your financial statements in depth, test transactions, verify balances, and issue an independent opinion on whether your financials are presented fairly. Required by many lenders, grantors, and regulatory bodies.
  • Review — A moderate level of assurance. We perform analytical procedures and inquiries to identify any material modifications needed, without the full examination an audit requires. Common for smaller businesses and organizations whose stakeholders need more than a compilation but less than a full audit.
  • Compilation — We assist in presenting your financial information in the proper format without providing assurance. Useful for internal planning, certain loan applications, and situations where a formal financial statement is needed but assurance is not required.
  • Agreed-Upon Procedures — A customized engagement where we perform specific procedures you and your stakeholders define in advance and report only on those findings. Ideal when a full audit isn't necessary but a targeted, independent review of specific accounts or transactions is.

 

Understanding these distinctions is the first step toward getting the service that actually serves you — and avoiding paying for assurance you don't need.

Our Audit Process Is Built Around Minimizing Disruption to Your Operations

We know that the word "audit" can raise concerns about weeks of disruption, endless document requests, and staff pulled away from their daily responsibilities. That is not how we operate. Our process is designed to be thorough and technically sound while keeping things as straightforward as possible for you and your team.

 

From the very beginning, we communicate clearly about what we need, when we need it, and what you can expect at each stage. We take a risk-based approach that focuses our attention where it matters most — so we are not generating unnecessary work on either side of the engagement. Our goal is to reach well-supported conclusions efficiently, without creating confusion or uncertainty along the way. When the engagement is complete, we do not simply hand over a report and walk away. We take time to walk you through our findings, explain what they mean in plain language, and answer any questions you have. If we identify areas where internal controls or financial processes could be strengthened, we will share those observations constructively — because we see our role as a long-term partner, not just a signature on a report.

Governmental Audit Services: A Specialized Practice Within Our Firm

Governmental audits operate under a distinct set of standards, reporting requirements, and compliance expectations that set them apart from standard financial statement audits. This is an area where our firm has built real depth. We work with local governments, municipalities, and public entities that require audits conducted in accordance with Government Auditing Standards — commonly known as the Yellow Book — and, where applicable, single audit requirements under the Uniform Guidance.

 

If your entity expenses federal funding or is subject to governmental audit requirements, our governmental audit team understands the specific procedures, reporting formats, and compliance testing those engagements demand.

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Got a Question? We Have Answers

Common Questions About Audit and Accounting Services

  • What is the difference between an audit and a compilation?

    An audit is the highest level of financial statement service — we independently examine your financials, test transactions, and issue a formal opinion on whether they are presented fairly. A compilation involves organizing and presenting your financial information in the proper format without providing any assurance on its accuracy. The right choice depends on what your lenders, grantors, or stakeholders require.

  • Does my business need an audit or a review?

    It depends on who is asking for the report and what they need from it. Lenders, investors, or grantors who require independent assurance typically specify which level they need. If you are unsure, we can review your situation and help you identify the appropriate service — one that satisfies your obligations without going further than necessary.

  • What are agreed-upon procedures, and when are they used?

    Agreed-upon procedures are a customized engagement where we perform specific, pre-defined steps on a particular set of accounts or transactions and report only on those findings. They are commonly used when a full audit is not required but an independent look at a specific area — such as a particular grant, account balance, or transaction type — is needed.

  • How long does a financial statement audit typically take?

    The timeline varies based on the size and complexity of your organization, the condition of your records, and the scope of the engagement. For most small businesses and nonprofits, fieldwork ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. We communicate a clear timeline upfront and work with your team to keep the process on track.

  • Do you work with clients outside of the Gulf Coast, the Eastern Shore, and South Alabama?

    Yes. While we are rooted in Brewton, Alabama – we work with clients throughout the region and virtually where engagements allow. If you are located in Baldwin County, Covington County, Escambia County and Mobile County, we welcome the conversation.