Any successful nonprofit audit requires a great deal of preparation, organization, and attention to deadlines. However, the success of a remote audit hinges on one key factor – communication.
Remote audits offer a number of benefits, such as flexibility, lower costs, and fewer operational disruptions. But one of the biggest challenges of a remote audit is communication. Without the opportunity for casual in-person conversations or hallway chats, it takes greater effort to establish and maintain consistent communication between the auditors and your nonprofit team.
Make a Plan
Before the audit begins, your organization should nominate an “audit captain” who will serve as the primary point of contact for the auditors. This person will be responsible for monitoring requests, coordinating responses from various departments, keeping track of timelines and deadlines, and communicating directly with the auditors. Having one central contact helps ensure requests don't get overlooked and reduces duplicate efforts.
Prepare for Virtual Meetings
Staff members responsible for accounting, payroll, grants management, or internal controls should be prepared to participate in virtual meetings, interviews, and walkthroughs. You may also be asked to share your screen to help auditors better understand your accounting processes or supporting documentation. Test your microphones, cameras, and internet connections before scheduled meetings to prevent technical difficulties and keep conversations productive.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Regular status meetings are a valuable tool for a remote audit. Scheduling short, frequent check-in with your own team ensures that everyone is on the same page before you meet with the auditors to discuss any outstanding requests or questions.
Respond Promptly
To maintain momentum and meet key deadlines, it’s critical to respond promptly to your auditors. If additional time is needed to gather documentation, let the audit team know when they can expect it rather than allowing requests to remain unanswered. Even a brief acknowledgment that a request has been received and is being addressed provides reassurance and allows auditors to continue working on other areas. Likewise, if your auditors are not responding to your own questions, don’t let it slide – keep following up until you get an answer.
Keep Leadership Informed
It’s important to keep key organizational leaders informed throughout the audit. Executive leadership, finance committee members, and other stakeholders should understand the audit schedule, major milestones, and any emerging issues. Providing periodic updates helps ensure everyone is prepared for meetings, approvals, and the final presentation of audit results.