Audit and Assurance for Churches and Faith-Based Organisations

An audit provides independent assurance that your financial statements are accurate and fairly presented. For churches, this is about more than just compliance, it demonstrates to your congregation, donors, and the broader community that your organisation is managing its resources with integrity. It also helps your board and leadership identify financial risks early and make well-informed decisions.

It depends on your size, structure, and registration status. Churches registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) are subject to reporting requirements that vary by tier: Tier 1 charities (annual revenue under $500,000) are not required to have their financials audited or reviewed, though many choose to do so. Tier 2 charities (annual revenue $500,000–$3 million) are required to have their financials reviewed or audited. Tier 3 charities (annual revenue over $3 million) must have a full audit each year. Some denominations or state-based legislation may impose additional requirements. We can help you understand exactly what applies to your organisation.

A financial statement audit is an independent examination of your organisation’s financial records, transactions, and internal controls. Our team reviews your accounts, tests key transactions, assesses your financial processes, and forms an opinion on whether your financial statements give a true and fair view of your organisation’s financial position. For churches, we also take the time to understand your specific governance structure, funding sources (such as tithes, grants, and donations), and any related-party arrangements, ensuring our assessment reflects the realities of how your organisation operates.

A well-conducted audit acts as a meaningful deterrent to fraud and financial mismanagement. By reviewing your internal controls and financial processes, we can identify weaknesses, such as inadequate authorisation procedures or poor segregation of duties and provide practical recommendations to address them. Beyond fraud prevention, an audit gives your board and leadership greater confidence in the financial information they rely on to make decisions. It also provides your congregation and donors with independent assurance that funds are being managed appropriately, strengthening the trust that underpins everything your organisation does.