Nail your working paper prep with confidence
Accounting firms across the UK face increasing pressure to deliver efficient, accurate, and audit-ready files, all while juggling deadlines, compliance demands, and a constant stream of client queries. Whether you’re managing year-end accounts, limited company audits, or corporation tax returns, the quality of your working papers is central to getting it right.
That’s why we’ve created The ultimate workpaper checklist for UK accountants. This isn’t your average tick-box exercise, it’s a practical tool built to help your team streamline processes, reduce errors, and stay HMRC-compliant with less stress.
What are working papers, and why do they matter?
Working papers are the documentation accountants prepare to support the conclusions and outputs of an engagement. They provide:
- A clear audit trail
- Evidence of compliance and due diligence
- A record of decisions made and client correspondence
- A structure for collaboration between team members
In short, good working papers make reviews faster, errors easier to catch, and regulatory checks far less painful.
The workpaper essentials – your checklist starts here
Here’s what every UK firm should include:
1. Engagement details and planning documents
- Client name, period covered, engagement type
- Signed engagement letters
- Risk assessments and planning notes
2. Trial balances and lead schedules
- Import or map client trial balances
- Link accounts to lead schedules
- Include references to source docs
3. Supporting documents and notes
- Client records, bank statements, contracts
- Working notes that justify treatments or adjustments
4. Compliance and quality control
- Evidence of internal review
- Workflow status indicators (e.g., prepared, reviewed)
- Templates in line with UK GAAP or IFRS
5. Final outputs and sign-offs
- Finalised financial statements
- Sign-off by preparer and reviewer
- Completion checklists and quality review logs
How MyWorkpapers helps UK accountants stay on top
MyWorkpapers simplifies the process from end to end:
- Pre-built UK templates aligned with FRS 102, FRS 105 and ISA requirements
- Automated workflow tracking and sign-off history
- Cloud-based storage for remote access and collaboration
- Real-time updates so your whole team works from the latest version
Benefits beyond compliance
Adopting a checklist approach doesn’t just help with reviews and inspections – it also:
- Saves time and reduces duplication of work
- Enables clearer communication across teams
- Improves client confidence and professionalism
Final thought
Great working papers are the foundation of quality client service. Use our checklist to review your current approach and start improving today.
Want to see it in action? Book a MyWorkpapers demo or download your free checklist now.
