Assurance & Advisory
An approach that works for you
How we can help your business
Services such as audit, financial reporting and risk management advice give your business the stability you need to manage your business effectively and meet your objectives. We believe that an audit should have the highest integrity and add value giving an honest assessment of your business. As well as providing an independent report for your shareholders about the company’s profitability and state of affairs, a good audit will bring you peace of mind about what shape your business is in.
How we can support
We do things differently
Our assurance and advisory team provides an expert service to many different organisations. Our well diversified portfolio of clients spread across the country is testimony to our credentials in this field. Our clients range from the owner managed businesses and charities to professional service industries and subsidiaries of overseas parent undertakings. We invest heavily to understand your business, its goals and its issues and bring extensive sector knowledge and experience to any given task.
We keep you informed at every stage of the process and strive to add value to your business. In addition, we always strive to make practical recommendations in a timely manner to improve its performance and reduce business risk.
We use the latest auditing methodologies and techniques and all our staff keep abreast of developments through regular training and professional development courses.
By adopting the latest technology, our firm offers an efficient, cost effective and comprehensive service to every client regardless of their size and location.
Our Values
- Client Focus
Our clients benefit from an integrated approach based on understanding the key issues facing their businesses.
- Integrity
As an established independent firm, we pride ourselves in creating and sustaining supportive relationships . Integrity is a core aspect in everything we partake in.
- Innovation
We aim to tailor our services to meet our clients’ specific needs. We offer innovative solutions to our client’s complex issues.
Speak to one of our specialists
Get in touch today with one of our assurance and advisory specialists.
Ashraf Valera BSc ACA | Practice Manager
Ashraf trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with a top international firm of accountants. He heads the firm’s assurance and advisory services department and has a wide portfolio of corporate clients in a range of industry sectors, including manufacturing, distribution, and the service and professional sectors. He specialises in a number of regulated areas including those relating to charities, professional practices and company audits. He has significant experience in other areas, including preparation of business plans, plans for profit, due diligence, tax investigations, R&D Tax credits, work on acquisitions and business valuations. Outside of work, Ashraf has a passion for classic cars and regularly attends classic car shows and enjoys life, whether it brings pleasure or pressure!
Abdul R Bachu FCCA | Head of Audit and Assurance
Abdul started his career in professional practice and has considerable experience in industry, having worked for a number of successful businesses in Leicestershire. Abdul qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant with Smith Hannah. He is a Senior Manager and part of our assurance and advisory team. He enjoys collaborating closely with owner-managed businesses in meeting both their compliance requirements and their day-to-day needs. He also services our larger audit clients from various industry sectors. Outside of work Abdul likes to spend time with family.
Shiraz Patel ACA | Head of Audit and Assurance
Shiraz is a Chartered Accountant with over 10 years’ experience in servicing SME’s across the UK with particular specialism in property and tech start-ups. Shiraz manages client relationships from start to end with a particular focus on business advisory. He is also the firm’s Xero champion and assists clients in automating their financial processes. He is a frequent Linked-in user sharing useful tax saving and accounting advice. Shiraz is focussed and proactive in his approach and is actively involved in high level project work, including due diligence, tax investigations, tax planning, and other ad-hoc work. He also undertakes in house training and acts a focal point for any technical queries. Outside of work Shiraz is a keen gym goer, enjoys travelling and is a Manchester United fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Assurance & Advisory services in accounting involve providing independent assessments of financial information to ensure accuracy, reliability, and compliance with regulations. These services can also include advising clients on improving their financial reporting and business operations.
Common assurance services include:
- External audits
- Internal audits
- Financial statement reviews
- Regulatory compliance assessments
- Risk management assessments
- It helps businesses by ensuring compliance with UK accounting standards and regulations, identifying financial risks, improving operational efficiency, and providing strategic advice for growth and sustainability.
Accountants typically need to be qualified members of recognized bodies such as:
- ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland)
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
Key regulations include:
- UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP)
- International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
- The Companies Act 2006
- The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) regulations
- UK Corporate Governance Code
External audits are required for certain types of businesses, such as public companies, larger private companies, and entities that meet specific criteria (e.g., turnover thresholds). They ensure the company’s financial statements are accurate and comply with legal requirements.
Our Approach: We do all the work for you
Our clients benefit from an integrated approach based on understanding the key issues facing their businesses.
This enables us to meet their needs at each stage of development and allows them to focus on building the value of their business. We have strong skills and resources in the region and our clients’ results prove that.
Why Smith Hannah?
We take care of everything so you don’t have to. As Chartered Certified Accountants, we offer a wide range of business advice and accountancy services tailored to meet your requirements. When you engage us, you can be confident that the work will be carried out by dedicated professionals. We view individual client relationships as our most valuable asset and this philosophy extends to everything that we do. You’ll have one less thing to worry about, which means a happier workforce and better time management for your business.