External Audit Services in Saudi Arabia
External audit in Saudi Arabia involves independent financial review conducted by licensed auditors under Saudi Companies Law and ZATCA mandates. Businesses rely on external audits to validate financial statements, meet statutory obligations, and maintain investor and regulatory confidence. MHK Advisory coordinates with certified audit firms to deliver regulator-compliant, commercially sound audit outcomes.
Why External Audit Is Mandatory in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia requires external audits for most registered entities to ensure financial transparency and governance. External audit helps businesses:
- Comply with ZATCA, GAZT, and Companies Law requirements
- Validate financial disclosures and reporting accuracy
- Prepare for investor onboarding and due diligence
- Strengthen internal controls and fiscal accountability MHK ensures that audit engagements are structured, documented, and regulator-aligned.
Which Businesses Require External Audit in Saudi Arabia
External audit is relevant for:
- Limited liability companies and joint stock entities
- Groups preparing for IPO, M&A, or restructuring
- Businesses with foreign ownership or cross-border operations
- Entities undergoing tax review, investor onboarding, or liquidation
- Companies seeking funding or regulatory clearance MHK assesses audit needs based on legal structure, financial exposure, and compliance obligations.
What Are the Legal Requirements for External Audit in Saudi Arabia
External audits must comply with Saudi Companies Law, ZATCA tax mandates, and IFRS standards. Licensed auditors are required to:
- Review financial statements and supporting documentation
- Assess internal controls and risk exposure
- Issue audit reports for regulatory and investor use MHK ensures that audit coordination meets all statutory and fiscal benchmarks.
What Documents Are Required for External Audit Coordination
To initiate external audit, businesses typically provide:
- Commercial registration and licensing documents
- Audited and unaudited financial statements
- Trial balances and general ledger reports
- Tax filings and ZATCA correspondence
- Shareholding structure and capital breakdown
- Internal control and governance documentation MHK compiles and reviews these documents to support audit planning and execution.
External Audit Cost, Timeline, and Process
Estimated Pricing Coordination fees start from SAR 10,000, depending on audit scope, documentation volume, and regulatory complexity.
Estimated Timeline Initial audit planning typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, with final reports aligned to fiscal year-end, investor timelines, or regulatory deadlines.
How the Process Works MHK begins by reviewing financial records and statutory obligations. We coordinate with licensed auditors to structure audit plans, prepare documentation, and support regulatory engagement — without interfering with licensed execution.
How External Audit Supports Business Growth
Independent external audits help businesses:
- Improve financial transparency and governance
- Strengthen investor confidence and regulatory standing
- Facilitate funding, restructuring, or exit planning
- Align with Saudi fiscal and corporate mandates MHK ensures that audit outcomes are regulator-approved and commercially viable.
What Challenges Do Businesses Face With External Audit
Common issues include:
- Incomplete or inconsistent financial documentation
- Weak internal controls or governance gaps
- Delays in audit readiness or regulatory response
- Exposure to tax penalties or investor scrutiny
- Misalignment with IFRS or Saudi accounting standards MHK helps resolve these challenges through structured coordination and licensed engagement.
Contact Us
Book an Appointment with Us
Schedule a consultation with MHK Services today and discover how our expert Actuarial Valuation and financial consulting services can enhance the accuracy and reliability of your financial records.
How We Solve External Audit Issues
MHK offers structured support for external audit:
- Financial documentation review and gap analysis
- Liaison with licensed audit professionals
- Internal control mapping and governance support
- Regulatory coordination and compliance tracking
- Post-audit advisory and strategic refinement We ensure that audit engagements are accurate, timely, and regulator-compliant.
Why Choose MHK for External Audit in Saudi Arabia
MHK Advisory is trusted by corporates, SMEs, and investor-backed entities for audit coordination. We work with certified auditors to ensure that financial reviews meet Saudi regulatory standards and commercial objectives — supporting transparency, compliance, and growth.
Ready to Strengthen Financial Governance With Regulator-Aligned External Audit?
Let MHK Advisory coordinate your external audit engagement from planning to execution. We organize documentation, liaise with licensed auditors, and ensure your financials meet ZATCA and Companies Law standards — so your business remains investor-ready, audit-aligned, and regulator-compliant.
FAQ's
It’s an independent financial review conducted by licensed auditors under Saudi law.
Any registered entity preparing for investor engagement, restructuring, or regulatory compliance.
No. MHK coordinates with licensed professionals to manage audit planning and execution.
Typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on scope, documentation, and regulatory complexity.