Audit and assurance services in Kochi, Kerala

Our Audit & Assurance Services include

  • Audits under Companies Act,2013
  • Audits under the Income Tax Act, 1961
  • Audits under Goods And Service Tax Act, 2017
  • Internal Audits
    1. Management Audits
    2. Operational Audits
    3. Compliance Assurance Audits
  • Special Purpose Investigations
  • Review Audit
  • Systems Audit
  • Forensic Audit
  • Stock Audit

An audit firm in Kerala since 1987

A. George & Associates (AGA) has carried out audits for businesses in Kerala since 1987. From our office at AGA Tower, Vyttila, Kochi, our partners and audit teams serve private and public limited companies, LLPs, partnership firms, trusts, NGOs, cooperative institutions and branches of Indian and overseas groups across Ernakulam and the rest of Kerala.

Every engagement is led by a partner who stays involved from planning to sign-off. We combine a risk-based audit approach with an understanding of how Kerala businesses actually operate, in sectors such as hospitality and tourism, manufacturing, IT and Infopark companies, trading, healthcare and real estate.

Statutory audit under the Companies Act, 2013

Independent audit of annual financial statements for companies, including reporting under CARO 2020 and on internal financial controls where applicable. We work to the Standards on Auditing issued by ICAI and help you meet board, AGM and ROC filing timelines.

Tax audit

Tax audit and reporting for businesses and professionals whose turnover or receipts cross the limits under the Income-tax law, completed in time for the return due date and coordinated with your GST and TDS compliance.

Internal audit

Risk-based internal audits for companies required to appoint an internal auditor under section 138 and for businesses that want stronger controls. We cover purchases, sales, inventory, payroll, treasury and IT controls, and report findings with practical, prioritised actions. More on internal and stock audits.

Stock audit and concurrent audit

Physical verification and valuation of inventory and receivables for banks and lenders, and ongoing concurrent reviews for organisations with high transaction volumes.

Forensic audit and special investigations

Fact-finding investigations into suspected fraud, misappropriation, inventory losses and disputes. Our work is documented so that it can support management decisions, insurance claims and legal proceedings. More on forensic audit.

Systems audit and GST reconciliation

Review of accounting systems, ERP access and data controls, and reconciliation of books with GST annual returns (GSTR-9 and 9C) to reduce the risk of notices and demands.

Hospitality and hotel audits

Revenue, cost and controls audits for hotels, resorts and houseboats in Kerala, covering room and F&B revenue, inventory, payroll and procurement. More on hotel audits.

Audits of Indian subsidiaries

Statutory and group-reporting audits for Kerala-based subsidiaries and branches of Indian and overseas companies, aligned to the parent's reporting calendar.

How we run an audit

  1. Understanding the business: a planning meeting with management to understand operations, risks and reporting deadlines.
  2. Risk assessment and audit plan: we focus testing on the areas most likely to contain errors or weaknesses.
  3. Fieldwork: on-site and remote testing of transactions, balances and controls, with a single point of contact on our team.
  4. Discussion of findings: draft observations are shared with management before the report is finalised.
  5. Reporting: audit report, management letter with practical recommendations, and support for board and ROC filings.

Frequently asked questions

Which audits are mandatory for companies in India?

Every company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 must have its financial statements audited each year by a chartered accountant appointed under section 139. Depending on turnover and profits, businesses may also need a tax audit under the Income-tax law, and certain companies must appoint an internal auditor under section 138.

Do you audit companies outside Kochi?

Yes. We work from our office in Vyttila, Kochi and audit companies, LLPs, trusts and other entities across Kerala, including Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram.

What is the difference between statutory audit and internal audit?

A statutory audit is required by law and results in an independent opinion on whether the financial statements give a true and fair view. An internal audit is a review of processes, controls and compliance carried out for management and the audit committee, usually during the year, to find weaknesses before they become losses.

When should a business consider a forensic audit?

When there are signs of fraud, unexplained losses, inventory shortages, disputes between partners or shareholders, or when a lender or investor needs an independent investigation. A forensic audit gathers evidence that can support management action, insurance claims or legal proceedings.

What documents are needed to start an audit?

Typically the trial balance and books of account, bank statements, fixed asset register, GST and TDS returns, previous year audited financial statements, key agreements and statutory registers. We share a tailored checklist at the start of each engagement.

How long does a statutory audit take?

For most small and mid-sized companies, fieldwork takes one to three weeks once books are closed and documents are ready. We agree a timetable at the start so that board meetings, AGM and ROC filing deadlines are met.