Risk-control matrix
Financial risks mapped to controls, owners, frequency and retained evidence.
Design is only half the test
Financial Control Audit Services in Dubai
Check whether the controls actually operate.
Dubai & UAE · Defined scope · Evidence-led reporting
A CLEAR STARTING POINT
What this service does.
A financial control audit examines controls over financial transactions, reporting and asset protection. A&A helps assess whether selected controls are appropriately designed and whether evidence shows they operated during the review period.
Use this service when reconciliations are late, payments bypass approvals or system access gives one person excessive control. Separate a missing control from a good control that is not consistently performed.
A scoped financial control review is not a financial statement audit or a promise that fraud cannot occur. The report identifies the cycles, period and testing limitations.
DEFINE THE OUTPUT BEFORE THE WORK
What your engagement can include.
These outputs form a starting point for the proposal. The signed scope confirms coverage, reporting format, responsibilities and exclusions.
Test results
Design and operation assessed separately, with the population, sample and exceptions documented.
Remediation priorities
Practical improvements, including compensating controls where a small team cannot fully separate duties.
FROM BRIEF TO HANDOVER
How the work moves forward.
- 01
Select financial cycles
Agree coverage such as purchasing, cash, payroll, revenue or the month-end close.
- 02
Map key controls
Identify who performs and reviews each control, when it occurs and what evidence is kept.
- 03
Test operation
Inspect selected instances and exceptions rather than relying only on a policy description.
- 04
Review remediation
Discuss risk severity, feasible changes and evidence needed to validate closure.
MAKE THE DISTINCTION
Control design versus operating effectiveness
| Test | Question | Example evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Could this control address the risk? | Approval limits and separated access roles |
| Implementation | Has the control been put in place? | Configured workflow and an observed walkthrough |
| Operation | Did it work across the agreed period? | Dated approvals, reviews and exception resolution |
ILLUSTRATIVE SCENARIO · NOT A CLIENT CASE STUDY
One user can create vendors and release payments
- The situation
- A small company relies on trust because its finance team has limited headcount.
- The approach
- Review access rights and payment logs, then consider a separately evidenced owner review and independent bank release.
- The useful outcome
- Management can choose a workable compensating control. The remaining risk and limits of the arrangement stay visible.
PREPARE ONCE. AVOID REPEATED REQUESTS.
What to have ready.
The final request list depends on the period, systems and agreed scope. Keep original records and identify the person responsible for explaining each data source.
- 01Authority matrix and bank signatory arrangements
- 02System roles and user-access listings
- 03Reconciliations, journals and reviewer evidence
- 04Transaction populations and exception reports
SCOPE, TIMING & RESPONSIBILITY
No surprises at the handover.
Before work begins, agree the recipient, review period, access arrangements and reporting purpose. Fees depend on the complexity and completeness of the records, not simply the name of the service.
A&A’s agreed work
Plan the assignment, document the evidence reviewed, communicate gaps and deliver the outputs in the engagement letter.
Your management team
Provide complete authorised records, explain the business context, approve accounting or operational decisions and own corrective actions.
Specialists and independent sign-off
Where the brief requires a statutory opinion, regulated certification, legal advice or specialist evidence work, confirm the appropriately qualified provider and separate responsibilities before proceeding.
BEFORE YOU COMMISSION THE WORK
Questions worth asking.
Is a written policy enough?
No. We distinguish design from actual operation. A signed policy cannot show that approvals or reconciliations occurred throughout the review period.
What if we cannot separate every duty?
Consider compensating controls, such as an independent owner review supported by source evidence. Their adequacy depends on the risk and how consistently they operate.
Will every transaction be tested?
Coverage and sampling are agreed for the assignment. The report should describe what was tested and should not imply complete transaction coverage unless that was actually performed.
Will this replace our external audit?
No. The objectives and reporting differ. An external auditor decides independently whether and how to use any control-review work.
What determines the fee and delivery time?
The number of entities, locations, systems, transactions and reporting requirements all affect the scope. We agree a proposal after reviewing the brief and record readiness. A fixed delivery promise cannot be made before that assessment.
How do we begin without sharing confidential records?
Send a high-level description of the requirement, entity type and deadline. Do not include passwords, identity documents or sensitive evidence in the enquiry form. We agree an authorised, secure exchange method before detailed records are shared.
Sources and professional scope
Reference links checked on 14 September 2026. These explain relevant professional frameworks or requirements; they do not establish A&A’s accreditation or certify an engagement’s conformance.
Confirm current requirements for your entity, jurisdiction and intended recipient. This page is a service overview, not a legal opinion or assurance report.
A&A TAX CONSULTANTS · DUBAI & UAE
Start with the question you need answered.
Tell us the service, entity type, reporting period and deadline. We’ll help define the next step and the information needed.
Pricing links open our general packages. Audit-specific fees require an agreed proposal.