Audit

What Is a Statutory Audit and Who Needs One in the UK?

12-02-2026

By Wisteria Accountants

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If you run a company in the UK, particularly a limited company, you may have heard of statutory audits and wondered whether one applies to your business. 

Audits are often associated with large organisations, but many smaller companies are also affected by audit requirements or may benefit from choosing an audit voluntarily.

Understanding what a statutory audit is, when it is legally required, and why some businesses choose to have one even when it is not mandatory can help you make informed decisions and stay compliant with UK regulations.

At Wisteria, we work with businesses across a range of sectors to provide clear advice on audit requirements and financial reporting, helping directors approach audits with confidence.

What Is a Statutory Audit?

A statutory audit is an independent examination of a company’s financial statements and underlying records. It is carried out by a registered auditor and is required by law for certain companies.

The purpose of a statutory audit is to confirm that a company’s accounts present a true and fair view of its financial position and that they comply with relevant accounting standards and legal requirements. This provides assurance to shareholders, lenders, investors and other stakeholders that the financial information can be relied upon.

A statutory audit is not designed to find fraud, but auditors will consider the risk of material misstatement and assess whether financial controls are operating effectively.

Audit Requirements in the UK

Audit requirements in the UK are set out in company law and depend largely on the size of the business. Not all limited companies need a statutory audit.

A company will usually require a statutory audit if it meets two or more of the following company audit threshold conditions in a financial year:

  • An annual turnover of more than £10.2 million

  • Total assets valued at more than £5.1 million

  • An average of more than 50 employees

If a company falls below these thresholds, it may qualify for audit exemption. 

However, some companies must still have an audit regardless of size. This can include certain regulated businesses, public companies, and companies whose shareholders request an audit.

Understanding whether your business meets the audit requirements UK regulations is important, as failing to comply when an audit is required can lead to penalties and reputational damage.

Who Needs a Statutory Audit?

Statutory audits apply most commonly to medium and larger limited companies. However, smaller companies may also require an audit in certain circumstances.

You may need a statutory audit if your company exceeds the audit threshold, operates in a regulated sector, or if shareholders holding at least 10 percent of shares formally request an audit.

Some companies also require an audit as part of contractual agreements. Lenders, investors or grant providers may ask for audited accounts as a condition of funding, even if the company would otherwise qualify for exemption.

What Is a Voluntary Audit?

A voluntary audit is an audit carried out even though the company is not legally required to have one. Many businesses choose to have a voluntary audit for commercial or strategic reasons.

For growing businesses, a voluntary audit can improve financial transparency and strengthen internal controls. It can also provide reassurance to directors and shareholders that the company’s financial reporting is accurate and robust.

Voluntary audits are often useful for companies preparing for investment, seeking finance, planning a sale, or undergoing restructuring. They can also help identify risks and opportunities within financial systems before they become issues.

Benefits of Having an Audit

Whether statutory or voluntary, an audit can offer value beyond compliance. An audit provides independent assurance over your accounts and can increase confidence among stakeholders.

Audits can also highlight weaknesses in financial controls, improve reporting processes, and support better decision making. For directors, this insight can be particularly valuable when planning growth or managing risk.

For businesses that deal with external funders, suppliers or partners, audited accounts can enhance credibility and demonstrate a commitment to good governance.

What Does the Audit Process Involve?

While every audit is tailored to the business, the process generally includes planning, reviewing systems and controls, testing financial records, and assessing key judgements and estimates.

Once testing is complete, the auditor issues an audit report stating whether the financial statements give a true and fair view. Management may also receive recommendations for improving financial processes and controls.

A well managed audit process should be thorough while minimising disruption to day to day business operations.

How Wisteria Can Help

Understanding statutory audit UK requirements and deciding whether an audit is necessary or beneficial can feel complex.

At Wisteria, our experienced team provides audit and accountancy services tailored to your business.

We can help you determine whether your company meets the audit requirements UK rules, advise on audit exemptions, and support you through both statutory and voluntary audits. 

Our approach focuses on efficiency and adding value beyond compliance.

If you would like to discuss whether your company needs a statutory audit, or whether a voluntary audit could benefit your business, contact Wisteria today. 

Our specialists are here to provide practical advice and expert support tailored to your circumstances.


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