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Working with External Auditors and Preparing for the Annual Audit

A poorly prepared audit drags on for weeks, drains the finance team and can result in qualified opinions that damage credibility with funders and boards. This course helps finance staff prepare properly for the annual external audit, assemble a clean audit file, respond efficiently to queries and manage the auditor relationship. It suits African organisations seeking smoother, faster and less stressful audits.

Ready to book? Secure your place on this programme.

Register for this course

What you will be able to do

  • Explain the purpose and scope of an external audit and the audit opinion.
  • Prepare a complete and well organised audit file.
  • Assemble supporting schedules and reconciliations auditors expect.
  • Respond to audit queries and requests promptly and clearly.
  • Manage the audit timeline and the auditor relationship professionally.
  • Address prior year findings and management letter points.

Course outline

  1. 01Understanding the External Audit Process
  2. 02The Audit File and Supporting Evidence
  3. 03Preparing Schedules and Reconciliations
  4. 04Managing the Audit Timeline
  5. 05Responding to Audit Queries Efficiently
  6. 06Working Constructively With Auditors
  7. 07Understanding Audit Opinions and Findings
  8. 08Acting on the Management Letter

Who should attend

Financial accountants, financial managers, finance officers and administrators involved in preparing for and managing the annual external audit.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendarRegister
15 to 16 Oct 2026Johannesburg2R10,000Register
19 to 20 Oct 2026Cape Town2R10,000Register
20 to 21 Oct 2026Durban2R10,000Register
21 to 22 Oct 2026Pretoria2R10,000Register
22 to 23 Oct 2026Windhoek2US$1,100Register
26 to 27 Oct 2026Gaborone2US$1,100Register
27 to 28 Oct 2026Maseru2US$1,100Register
28 to 29 Oct 2026Mbabane2US$1,100Register
29 to 30 Oct 2026Lusaka2US$1,100Register
2 to 3 Nov 2026Harare2US$1,100Register
3 to 4 Nov 2026Lilongwe2US$1,100Register
4 to 5 Nov 2026Blantyre2US$1,100Register
5 to 6 Nov 2026Mozambique2US$1,100Register
9 to 10 Nov 2026Nairobi2US$1,100Register
10 to 11 Nov 2026Dar es Salaam2US$1,100Register
11 to 12 Nov 2026Kigali2US$1,100Register
12 to 13 Nov 2026Kampala2US$1,100Register
16 to 17 Nov 2026Accra2US$1,100Register
17 to 18 Nov 2026Lagos2US$1,100Register
18 to 19 Nov 2026Cairo2US$1,100Register
19 to 20 Nov 2026Mauritius2US$1,100Register
23 to 24 Nov 2026Dubai2US$1,100Register
24 to 25 Nov 2026Online2US$900Register

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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