GB-Leeds: Connect External Auditors Tender

Appointment of External Auditors for the period 2019/20 - 2023/24 (5 years)

Connect Housing is seeking to appoint an Auditor to audit the annual accounts of Connect Housing Association Limited in accordance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.

To enable the Board to fulfil it's obligations a full external audit service is required which must, as a minimum:-

• Perform the audit of Connect Housing in accordance with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements and the United Kingdom Auditing Standards.
• Issue draft findings and a draft management letter for the Association for the presentation to the Board.
• Issue independent auditors' reports by a date to be agreed confirming that the financial statements of Connect Housing are true and fair and properly prepared in accordance with current legislation and regulatory accounting requirements for Housing Associations.
• Submission of final audit letter and audit memorandum.
• Identify, test and evaluate key systems and controls.
• Confirm key controls are in place, appropriate and effective.
• If weaknesses are found, propose ways of improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the Association's systems, procedures and controls.
• Liaise effectively the Association's internal auditors, managers and staff as required to ensure efficient and effective deliver of services.
• Offer advice and other services as required to assure compliance and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Association.

The contract for services will commence with the current financial year 2019/20 with the appointment of the Association's auditor reviewed annually. However it is envisaged that, subject to satisfactory performance, the Association will not seek to tender the audit within the next four years.

Connect wishes to maximise the value obtained from the available external audit service, however does not bind itself to accept the lowest tender.

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.