Business Assurance

Mitchell Charlesworth Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors offers specialist business assurance services to a wide variety of private and public sector bodies. Our Business Assurance Service team is headed by Harry Winsor and supported by a number of experienced and specialist staff.

If you wish to discuss any aspects of this information or how your organisation could benefit from our services, please contact Harry Winsor, Manager of Business Assurance Services, in our Liverpool office, for a confidential discussion.

Mission Statement

'To excel in the provision of business assurance services and to work in partnership, alongside our clients, to achieve their own objectives within an ever-changing business environment.'

Mitchell Charlesworth Business Assurance Services has established its own quality standards to ensure that our work is devoted to improving our client's operations and adding value to their organisation. Our dedicated team of business assurance consultants bring a wealth of experience in evaluating and improving the effectiveness of an organisation's risk management, control and governance processes.

What is Business Assurance?

Business assurance is the whole range of activities that organisations use to provide them with evidence that their systems of control are operating efficiently and effectively.

How can we help?

Mitchell Charlesworth can provide an increasing range of services that provide assurance to Board Members, Trustees and Directors through internal audit and risk management work.

Approach

The global definition of internal audit was revised in 1999 to define it as 'an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity'. Business Assurance Services have embraced this modern approach to internal auditing and hope to push back the boundaries of what clients expect. Ultimately, we act as catalysts for change and assist in managing the change process.

Internal Audit

Business Assurance Services provides a top-down, risk based audit service. Our audit plans focus on key business risk areas, taking into account organisational objectives. Our specialist team works solely on internal audit assignments but they bring a range of skills from other sectors and disciplines.

Partnering

Business Assurance Services can operate fully under the umbrella of your in-house function in a seamless manner, thereby maintaining and promoting the vision of an in-house function. We act in a non-threatening manner towards in-house functions, providing them with support and allowing them to benefit from our experience and knowledge.

Corporate Governance Review

The Turnbull guidance issued for listed companies has again raised the profile of governance. The existence of Nolan and Hancock in the public and RSL sectors has already highlighted the need for high levels of openness, accountability and integrity when holding office. Business Assurance Services can review the adequacy of governance systems within your organisation.

Risk Management

The increased use of risk management as a tool to minimise losses and maximise opportunities places the onus upon Boards to understand the full extent of activities with which they are involved. The use of external assistance can provide an independent overview to ensure that any risk management process is thorough and complete.

Control Self Assessment

Control Self Assessment (CSA) is heralded as the new panacea for internal audit. Business Assurance Services can work directly with management to implement programmes or train internal audit teams in the use of techniques to be employed in CSA programmes.

Training

The continued training of staff, management and Board Members is a vital part of the development of any organisation. Harry Winsor is an experienced trainer and has run courses for many external organisations. Courses are tailored to meet the specific needs of clients.

Consultancy

The Business Assurance Services team adapt their structured methodology to individual consultancy assignments, ranging from due diligence work to value for money studies and fraud investigations.

Best Value

The advent of Best Value in the public sector raises the issue of continuous improvement. Mitchell Charlesworth operates a Benchmark Club for RSL's and we have been closely involved in assisting clients to draw up their Best Value Action Plans.

Computer Assignments

The Business Assurance Services team is fully computer literate and has access to a network of specialist IT consultants who can provide detailed assistance on a range of software and network capabilities.

Your next step

If you would like to discuss any of the above or require further information please e-mail Harry Winsor at our Liverpool office.