Audit proposals assume you can deliver draft numbers on agreed dates. A close calendar shared with auditors reduces weekend crises and last-minute scope changes.
Soft close two weeks early
Run revenue cut-off and major accrual reviews before the hard close. Auditors can begin interim testing on stabilised accounts while you finish tax and bonus accruals.
Protect the inventory weekend
Do not schedule major system upgrades or warehouse relocations in the same week as count attendance. Those projects scatter the people auditors need on the floor.
Draft statements before clearance meetings
Send a complete draft — statements, notes, and known adjusting entries — at least several working days before the clearance meeting. Partial drafts force rework of analytical procedures.