Attestation Specialists — DC / Virginia / Maryland

    Attestation Services — Agreed-Upon Procedures, Reviews & Compilations

    Attestation services are CPA engagements that provide independent assurance on subject matter beyond a full financial statement audit. Under SSAE No. 18 (AICPA professional standards), attestation engagements include: agreed-upon procedures (AUP), financial statement reviews, compilations, and examination engagements. Your Virtual CPA provides all levels of attestation for nonprofits, businesses, government contractors, HOAs, and lenders throughout Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland — and nationwide via our virtual model.

    Schedule a Call

    The Attestation Hierarchy — Choosing the Right Level

    Different situations require different levels of CPA assurance. Understanding the hierarchy helps you select the right service for your needs.

    Audit (GAAS)

    Highest — Reasonable Assurance

    What the CPA Does:

    CPA performs extensive testing of transactions, balances, and internal controls. Expresses an opinion on whether financial statements are fairly presented in all material respects.

    When It's Used:

    Required by: grant-makers for large nonprofits ($1M+ federal), banks for large loan covenants, government agencies, HOAs (per bylaws), state charity regulators

    Review (SSARS)

    Moderate — Limited Assurance

    What the CPA Does:

    CPA performs analytical procedures (ratio analysis, trend comparison) and inquiries of management. Reports that nothing came to attention indicating statements are not fairly presented.

    When It's Used:

    Accepted by: many lenders for mid-size loans, HOA boards seeking assurance without full audit cost, some grant-makers, company boards seeking financial oversight

    Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP)

    Targeted — Findings Only

    What the CPA Does:

    CPA performs only the specific procedures agreed upon by the client and specified party. Reports factual findings — no opinion or conclusion expressed. Highly flexible and cost-effective.

    When It's Used:

    Used for: grant compliance testing, specific account verification, loan covenant verification, regulatory filings, pre-acquisition due diligence, HUD/state agency requirements

    Compilation (SSARS)

    None — No Assurance

    What the CPA Does:

    CPA assembles financial statements from management's information without performing any verification procedures. No assurance is expressed. Primarily for internal use or situations where parties understand the limitation.

    When It's Used:

    Accepted by: internal board reporting, minority shareholders, some smaller HOAs (per bylaws), management reporting, tax preparation support

    Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) — The Flexible Attestation

    AUPs are increasingly popular because they're highly flexible, cost-effective, and can be tailored to exactly what the specified party needs to know.

    Grant Compliance AUPs

    Many federal and state grant programs require AUPs to verify specific compliance items — drawdown requests, cost matching, eligibility testing, or performance metric verification. We design AUP procedures to meet your specific grantor's requirements.

    Loan Covenant Verification

    Lenders frequently require AUPs to verify specific financial ratios (DSCR, leverage ratio), borrowing base calculations, or compliance with loan agreement covenants. We perform precisely the procedures your lender requires.

    Government Contractor AUPs

    DCAA and contracting officers frequently request AUPs on specific contract costs, labor charges, or accounting system procedures. We prepare AUP reports that meet federal contracting requirements for government contractors in Northern Virginia and nationwide.

    Business Transaction AUPs

    Buyers, sellers, and investors use AUPs in M&A transactions, partnership buy-ins, and equity investments to verify specific financial information without the full cost of an audit. Common for smaller transactions where a full audit is disproportionate.

    Regulatory Submission AUPs

    State licensing boards, HUD, and other regulatory bodies frequently require AUPs as part of annual compliance filings. We prepare AUP reports in the format required by the specific regulatory body.

    Internal Control AUPs

    Organizations seeking assurance about specific internal control procedures (cash handling, procurement, payroll) can commission AUPs to test those specific controls without a full audit engagement.

    Attestation Services FAQs

    Common questions about CPA attestation engagements, AUPs, and assurance levels.

    Not Sure Which Attestation Service You Need?

    Book a free consultation with our attestation team. We'll review your specific requirements — whether from a grantor, lender, regulator, or board — and recommend the right level of service at the right price.

    Schedule a Call

    Serving Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, and clients nationwide.