How is an audit different from a review?

An audit provides reasonable assurance with a positive opinion, while a review provides limited assurance with a conclusion. Both are independent engagements, but the audit requires more detailed testing.

What standards do you follow for audits?

Audits are conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards and the APES 110 Code of Ethics.

Do you remain independent if we need bookkeeping or tax help?

Yes. To maintain independence, we do not provide bookkeeping or taxation services to assurance clients. If needed, we can refer you to specialist not-for-profit bookkeepers.

What is the usual timeline?

We schedule and complete the audit within two weeks of receiving complete and reconciled records.

Do you work with grant acquittals?

Yes. We can audit or review grant income and expenditure schedules to meet funding agreement requirements.

Why can’t you prepare Business Activity Statements, process Single Touch Payroll or lodge our tax return?

To comply with the APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants and the Australian Auditing Standards, we must remain independent. Preparing or lodging Business Activity Statements, Single Touch Payroll or tax returns for the same period we audit or review would mean checking our own work and would breach independence. This safeguard protects your committee, members and funding bodies by ensuring your financial information is independently verified.

If you don’t do bookkeeping, payroll or tax, should we use another auditor who will?

Independence is not optional—it is required by APES 110 and the auditing standards. Separating bookkeeping, payroll and tax from the audit or review strengthens governance and credibility with regulators and funders. If you need help maintaining records or lodging returns, we can recommend specialist not-for-profit bookkeepers who work independently of our engagement, so you receive both reliable compliance and genuinely independent assurance.

Audit Services for Small Community Organisations

— to make your audit process clear, calm, and compliant.

A glowing light bulb surrounded by icons for quality, operations, evaluation, and compliance — representing J O’Connor Pty Ltd’s ethical approach to audit quality, procedural assessment, and continuous improvement.

Our Audit Process

Understand your organisation — we start by learning about your structure, funding, and reporting needs.
Engagement & fixed-fee agreement — no hourly billing, just a clear, upfront price.
Document review — we analyse your financial records, governance documents, and key transactions.
Independent audit testing — ensuring compliance with Australian Auditing Standards.
Audit report delivered — professional findings, clear language, and full compliance.
Follow-up support — we explain your results and offer practical recommendations.
Dropbox — we secure and confidential Dropbox Requests and Dropbox Sign.

Why Choose Us!

A bright sunflower standing tall, symbolising integrity, independence, and ethical strength — reflecting J O’Connor Pty Ltd’s commitment to transparency and professionalism in every audit.

Two-week turnaround on most engagements

Fixed, transparent pricing
Decades of experience with community and Indigenous organisations
Friendly, professional service with a focus on understanding your needs
Fully compliant with Australian Auditing Standards and Professional Standards Legislation
Fees start from $550 (including GST).

Credibility & Trust

Chartered accountant with over 25 years of experience and Accredited Mental Health First Aider

We provide independent audit services for:

Incorporated associations not registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC)
Incorporated bowls, netball, and other sporting clubs
- Pine Rivers Netball Association Inc
- Western Districts Netball Association Inc
Parents and Citizens (P&C) Associations
- Albany Creek State School
- Pine Rivers Special School
Small to medium Indigenous corporations registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC)
Community organisations across Queensland and Australia

We also conduct secure online audits for regional and remote organisations — no travel required.

FAQs

An audit provides a higher level of assurance and involves detailed testing of financial transactions and internal controls. A review is more limited in scope. We can help determine which option is appropriate for your organisation.
Yes. We offer secure, fully online audits for clients across Queensland and throughout Australia.
Absolutely. We regularly assist organisations with grant acquittals alongside their annual audits, ensuring compliance with funding body requirements.
Your financial statements, bank records, cash book or accounting software data, minutes of meetings, and key governance documents. We’ll provide a simple checklist to help you prepare.
As Chartered Accountants, we must comply with the APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards).
These professional and legal requirements prohibit auditors and reviewers from providing bookkeeping, payroll, or taxation services to the same client they audit or review. Doing so could compromise our independence and objectivity.
However, this separation of duties is actually a safeguard for your organisation. It ensures that your financial statements are independently verified, providing confidence to your committee, funding bodies, and members.
If your organisation needs help maintaining its records or lodging Business Activity Statements, we can recommend specialist not-for-profit bookkeepers who understand community-based reporting and can work with us independently.
The APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants requires all auditors and reviewers to remain independent and free from conflicts of interest.
This means we cannot prepare or lodge your Business Activity Statements, tax returns, or payroll information for the same financial period we audit or review.
Doing so would breach our ethical and legal obligations and undermine the independence of your report.
We understand it may feel inconvenient, but this separation actually protects your committee. It ensures your reports are transparent, compliant, and trusted by members, funding bodies, and regulators.
If you need help maintaining your records, we can recommend qualified, independent bookkeepers who specialise in not-for-profit accounting.

Final Call to Action

Let’s make compliance clear, calm, and straightforward — so you can stay focused on your mission.

📞 (07) 3048 5727 ✉️ auditor@joconnorptyltd.com.au

“No obligation”, “Free initial quote”

Audit Services for Small Community Organisations

— to make your audit process clear, calm, and compliant.

— to make your audit process clear, calm, and compliant. — to make your audit process clear, calm, and compliant.

Our Audit Process

Why Choose Us!

Credibility & Trust

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between an audit and a review?

Q2. Do you work with remote or regional organisations?

Q3. Can you do grant acquittals?

Q4. What documents do I need to provide?

Q5. Why can’t you prepare Business Activity Statements or process Single Touch Payroll for our organisation?

Q6. Our previous auditor prepared our Business Activity Statements and tax return — why can’t you?

Final Call to Action

— to make your audit process clear, calm, and compliant.