Attestation engagement definition

What is an Attestation Engagement?

An attestation engagement is an arrangement with a client where an independent third party investigates and reports on subject matter created by a client. This third party is usually a certified public accountant (CPA). The CPA then produces a report that states the conclusions of the analysis, covering such matters as the accuracy and reliability of the underlying subject matter, or its compliance with certain criteria. This report gives users a higher level of confidence regarding the subject of the engagement.

Examples of Attestation Engagements

Examples of attestation engagements are as follows:

  • Reporting on financial projections made by a client

  • Reporting on a client’s system of internal controls

  • Reporting on pro forma financial information formulated by a client

  • Reporting on how well the internal controls in a client process function

  • Reporting on the efficacy of a client’s environmental sustainability measures

Related AccountingTools Courses

How to Conduct a Compilation Engagement

How to Conduct a Review Engagement

How to Conduct an Audit Engagement