Documents Required for Company Audit by a Chartered Accountant in Pakistan

One of the most common reasons a company audit takes longer than expected has nothing to do with the auditor and everything to do with preparation. A Chartered Accountant can only work as fast as the records allow, and companies that gather their documentation in advance tend to move through the process considerably faster than those scrambling to locate paperwork mid audit. The checklist below covers the categories most auditors will ask for, though the exact list depends on company size, industry and the specific issues that arise during fieldwork.

Corporate and statutory documents

This category includes the certificate of incorporation, the memorandum and articles of association, any amendments filed with SECP, minutes of board and shareholder meetings held during the year, and copies of statutory registers such as the register of members and register of directors. Auditors also generally request the prior year's audited financial statements and audit report, where the company has been audited before.

Financial records

Auditors will need bank statements covering the full financial year for every account held by the company, along with bank reconciliation statements. Sales and purchase records, including invoices and supporting contracts for major transactions, are also required, as is the general ledger and trial balance for the year under audit.

Fixed assets and inventory

A fixed asset register showing additions, disposals and depreciation calculations is typically requested, along with supporting invoices for significant asset purchases. Where the company holds inventory, a physical stock count record and the basis used for inventory valuation will also be needed.

Payroll and employee related records

This includes payroll registers, employment contracts for key personnel, records of provident fund or gratuity contributions where applicable, and evidence of statutory deductions such as withholding tax on salaries.

Loans, borrowings and related party matters

Loan agreements, whether from banks, financial institutions or directors and shareholders, should be made available along with repayment schedules. Any related party transactions, including transactions with directors, shareholders or affiliated companies, need to be documented with supporting agreements or resolutions, since these areas typically receive close attention during fieldwork.

Tax and regulatory records

Copies of the previous year's income tax return, sales tax returns where applicable, and any correspondence with FBR relevant to the period under audit should be prepared. Evidence of statutory payments, such as advance tax and withholding tax, is also generally requested.

A practical note on preparation

Companies that maintain organised digital records throughout the year, rather than assembling documentation only when the audit begins, consistently experience shorter audit timelines. Where records are incomplete or scattered across multiple systems, it is worth allocating time before the audit begins to consolidate them, since this single step often has more impact on the overall timeline than any other factor.

For related matters, you may also want to read our guides on corporate law in Pakistan, company audit requirements, and statutory audit requirements.