Assurance Engagement Letter Template for United States

An Assurance Engagement Letter is a formal document used in the United States that establishes the terms and conditions between a professional services firm and their client for assurance services. It outlines the scope of work, responsibilities of both parties, timeline, fees, and compliance with relevant professional standards including AICPA requirements and state-specific regulations. The letter serves as a binding agreement and helps prevent misunderstandings about the nature and limitations of the services to be provided.

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What is a Assurance Engagement Letter?

The Assurance Engagement Letter is a critical document used when a client requires independent assurance services for their financial statements, internal controls, or other subject matters. This document, governed by U.S. federal and state regulations, establishes the professional relationship between the assurance provider and the client. It clearly defines the scope of work, methodologies to be employed, and deliverables expected. The letter must comply with AICPA standards, relevant state laws, and where applicable, SEC requirements. It serves as both a legal contract and a planning document, helping to manage expectations and mitigate risks for both parties.

What sections should be included in a Assurance Engagement Letter?

1. Purpose of Engagement: Clear statement of the nature and scope of assurance services to be provided

2. Professional Standards: Reference to AICPA SSAEs, GAAS, and other applicable professional standards governing the engagement

3. Scope of Services: Detailed description of what is included and excluded from the engagement scope

4. Management Responsibilities: Outline of client management's responsibilities including providing information and representations

5. Practitioner Responsibilities: Description of the assurance provider's responsibilities and limitations

6. Timeline and Deliverables: Expected duration, key milestones, and deliverables of the engagement

7. Fees and Billing: Fee structure, payment terms, and billing arrangements

8. Confidentiality: Provisions regarding confidential information handling and privacy requirements

What sections are optional to include in a Assurance Engagement Letter?

1. Specialist Involvement: Details of any specialists or expert involvement required for complex engagements

2. Client Affiliates Coverage: Provisions for related entities when engagement involves multiple affiliated organizations

3. Industry-Specific Requirements: Special considerations for regulated industries or unique circumstances

4. Use of Electronic Communications: Terms regarding electronic information exchange and digital signatures

What schedules should be included in a Assurance Engagement Letter?

1. Fee Schedule: Detailed breakdown of fees, rates, and payment terms

2. Engagement Team: List of key team members, their roles, and responsibilities

3. Project Timeline: Detailed schedule of key dates, milestones, and deliverables

4. Specific Procedures: Detailed listing of procedures to be performed during the engagement

5. Required Client Documentation: List of documents and information required from the client

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Engagement Letter

Cost

Free to use

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