In today’s evolving professional services landscape, many accounting firms are rethinking how they deliver audits. Instead of maintaining in-house audit teams, which demand continuous investment in training, compliance systems, and technology, firms are increasingly partnering with specialist audit providers.
This is not just a logistical choice, it represents a broader shift in the profession, recognising the complexity of audit requirements, the importance of independence, and the need for firms to focus on their core services such as advisory and tax. Partnering with a specialist audit firm offers a sustainable, compliant, and client-focused solution.
Meeting Independence Requirements
One of the strongest reasons for outsourcing audit services is to preserve professional independence. Under APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, firms must demonstrate both actual and perceived independence when providing audits.
This can be especially challenging when firms expand into advisory, consulting, or outsourced CFO services. For instance, conducting an SMSF audit for a client who also receives accounting or structuring advice creates ethical risks. The ATO’s 2021 guidance made SMSF auditor independence a priority, requiring complete separation between preparation and audit services.
By partnering with an independent specialist audit provider, firms avoid conflicts of interest while maintaining strong client relationships. This approach ensures compliance, builds trust, and safeguards professional credibility.
Navigating a Tougher Regulatory Landscape
Audit regulation is becoming more complex and costly. Firms must comply with evolving accounting standards (AASB 15, AASB 16), new quality management systems under ASQM 1, and heightened expectations from regulators like ASIC and the ATO.
Meeting these standards requires significant investment in:
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Staff training and development
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Peer review and engagement quality controls
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Audit-specific insurance coverage
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Constant regulatory updates
For many small to mid-sized firms, these costs outweigh the benefit of maintaining audit services in-house. Meanwhile, clients increasingly expect faster turnarounds, clearer communication, and greater value, challenges generalist firms often cannot meet without compromising other services.
Specialist audit providers, however, are structured to deliver exactly this. Their teams focus solely on audit, backed by established systems and dedicated expertise.
How Specialist Audit Providers Leverage Technology
Technology is transforming audit delivery. From advanced data analytics to secure client portals and automated workflows, modern tools improve audit accuracy and efficiency.
Yet many generalist firms struggle to adopt and maintain these systems due to high costs, staff training needs, and limited audit volumes. Without the right tools, maintaining audit quality becomes difficult.
Specialist providers are better positioned to invest in and maintain these systems. Using cloud-based platforms and integrated systems, they can streamline the entire process, from onboarding to final reporting. Automated workflows, real-time tracking, and secure data collection make the audit experience smoother for firms and their clients.
Choosing the Right Specialist Audit Partner
Not all audit firms are alike. Accounting practices should assess potential partners against key criteria:
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Independence – No overlap with your service offerings and robust ethical safeguards.
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Technical Expertise – Proven across external audits (companies, trusts, not-for-profits) and SMSF audits.
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Regulatory Compliance – Strong record of ASIC, ATO, and professional standards compliance.
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Client Service – Transparent communication and respectful client handling.
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Technology Infrastructure – Secure, reliable audit platforms.
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Scalability – Capacity to handle both single audits and complex portfolios.
The right partner should feel like an extension of your practice, supporting your firm while strengthening client trust.
National Audits Group: Your Trusted Audit Partner
At National Audits Group, we specialise exclusively in audit and assurance. Our services include:
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SMSF Audits – Conducted by qualified auditors with deep knowledge of superannuation compliance.
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External Financial Audits – Covering private companies, associations, not-for-profits, and trusts.
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Complex Engagements – Handling group audits, related party transactions, and intricate structures.
We combine technical expertise with a client-first approach, ensuring your clients receive clear communication and reliable assurance while you focus on your firm’s core business.
As independence requirements tighten, compliance costs grow, and technology reshapes audit expectations, outsourcing audits is becoming the smarter choice. National Audits Group is ready to support your firm with independence, integrity, and expertise.
Fatama Aktar, Intermediate Auditor, National Audits Group
References:
AUSAB Quality Management Standards – https://auasb.gov.au/implementation-support/quality-management-standards/
APES 110 – Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) – https://apesb.org.au/standards-guidance/apes-110-code-of-ethics/
SMSF audits and auditor independence – https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-and-super-professionals/for-superannuation-professionals/smsf-auditors/auditing-an-smsf/auditor-independence
Further Reading: