Key takeaways
- Investors expect audited financial statements — and increasingly, audit-ready monthly reporting.
- Revenue, share-based payments and convertible instruments are the most technical areas for startups.
- Clean records from day one cost far less than fixing them before a funding round.
- A good first audit is also due-diligence preparation.
Why the first audit matters
For a startup, the first statutory audit is often the first time an independent party tests its numbers. Investors, lenders and future acquirers will rely on those statements — and on the systems behind them.
Areas that need attention
Revenue recognition
Subscription models, marketplaces, discounts and bundled services raise questions of timing and whether the company acts as principal or agent.
Share-based payments
Employee stock option plans (ESOPs) and shares issued to advisers must be measured at fair value and expensed over the vesting period — even when no cash changes hands.
Funding instruments
Convertible notes, SAFEs and preferred shares may be classified as liabilities, equity or compound instruments depending on their terms. Classification affects the balance sheet investors see.
Capitalised development costs
Software and product development costs can be capitalised only when strict criteria are met and documented.
Getting audit-ready
- Use a proper accounting system and monthly close from the start.
- Keep contracts, cap table and board minutes organised.
- Reconcile bank, payment-gateway and receivable balances monthly.
- Document key accounting policies early.
- Appoint your auditor well before year-end.
How ASA can help
We act as statutory auditor to a large portfolio of venture-backed companies, and help founders build reporting that satisfies investors from the first round onwards.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Thresholds, rates and procedures change — please contact us or refer to the latest official sources before acting.