Assurance services

Audit Quality Review and QCR Support for Audit Firms

Audit quality review support helps audit firms prepare for inspections such as ICAP's Quality Control Review (QCR) and ACCA's monitoring visits by checking their files and quality management system against ISA and ISQM 1 before the regulator does. WDS partners worked inside ICAP's Audit Quality Review function and on Deloitte's global practice review.

Engagement partner

Waqas Aslam, ACA, Audit and Assurance partner at WDS Chartered Accountants

Waqas Aslam, ACA

Founding Partner · Audit and Assurance

What do quality reviewers look for in an audit file?

Reviewers test whether the audit evidence on file supports the opinion issued. Common findings include weak risk assessment, insufficient testing of revenue and inventory, unsupported going concern conclusions, missing documentation of partner review and poor engagement quality control review.

Having reviewed more than 30 firms during our ICAP tenure, we know which deficiencies lead to unsatisfactory ratings and how to correct them in practice.

How do we prepare a firm for a QCR or ACCA visit?

We review a sample of completed files and the firm's quality management system, rate the findings as a reviewer would, and help the firm fix both the files and the underlying methodology before the inspection.

  • Mock quality control reviews
  • ISQM 1 and ISQM 2 implementation
  • Audit methodology and template updates
  • ISA and IFRS technical consultation
  • Audit file preparation on behalf of firms
  • Staff training on documentation

Have firms improved their rating with this support?

Yes. We have supported Deloitte member firms in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Nexia International in Pakistan, and ACCA firms in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Both ACCA firms had previously received unsatisfactory ratings and achieved satisfactory outcomes after our engagement.

How does the audit quality review for firms engagement process work at WDS?

Every engagement follows a defined sequence agreed in the engagement letter, so you always know what happens next and who is responsible.

  1. 1

    Initial assessment

    Free review of the firm's last inspection results.

  2. 2

    Mock review

    Sample files reviewed against ISA and ISQM 1.

  3. 3

    Remediation

    Methodology, templates and training updated.

  4. 4

    Pre-visit check

    Final review shortly before the inspection.

Audit Quality Review for Firms: frequently asked questions

Is our firm's information kept confidential?

Yes. All engagements are covered by confidentiality agreements and client identities are never disclosed, which is why our track record lists firms only by type and country.

Can you support firms outside Pakistan?

Yes. ISA and ISQM are international standards, and we have supported firms in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UK and Ireland remotely and on site.

Your first consultation is free.

A partner will review your requirements and outline a clear path forward. No sales pitch, no obligation.