Auditing Requirements of a Private Limited Company in India

1. Statutory Audit

Under the Companies Act, 2013, it is mandatory for all private limited companies, regardless of their size or turnover. It is conducted by an independent Chartered Accountant who verifies whether the company’s financial statements are free from material misstatements and presents a true and fair view of its financial position.

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2. Internal Audit

It is required for companies that meet certain financial thresholds related to turnover, outstanding loans, or paid-up capital, as defined under Section 138 of the Companies Act. This audit is not focused on external compliance but on assessing the efficiency of internal controls, identifying risks, and recommending improvements to management processes.

3. Tax Audit

It becomes mandatory under the Income Tax Act, 1961, when a company’s turnover exceeds ₹1 crore or ₹10 crore for companies with significant digital transactions. The main objective is to ensure accurate tax reporting and adherence to income tax laws and provisions.

4. Cost Audit

It applies to companies operating in specific industries, such as manufacturing or telecommunications, as notified by the Central Government. This audit examines cost accounting records and cost statements to ensure that the company is maintaining cost efficiency and following prescribed norms.

Only a Chartered Accountant (CA) in practice who is registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is legally authorised to conduct a statutory audit.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Valid ICAI membership.
  Holding a Certificate of Practice (COP).
  

• Independent of the company (not an employee or related party).
  

The audit report must be signed by the appointed Statutory Auditor, who is a qualified Chartered Accountant. The CA must include:

• Their name and membership number.
  

• Firm registration number (if applicable).
  

• Date and place of signing.
  

Only the auditor appointed by the company in accordance with the law can legally sign the report.

As per Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013, 

• The first auditor must be appointed by the Board of Directors within 30 days of incorporation.
  

• Subsequent auditors are appointed by shareholders at the AGM for a term of five years.
  

• The company must file Form ADT-1 with the ROC within 15 days of appointment.
  

The audit must be completed before the Annual General Meeting (AGM). For companies following the April-March financial year, the audit must typically be completed by September 30 of the following financial year.

In case of a delayed audit, the company and its officers may face penalties ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹5 lakh. Auditors may also be held liable for professional misconduct.

Auditors require the following documents for conducting the audit:

• Audited Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement
  

• Trial balance
  

• Ledger accounts
  

• Bank statements and reconciliations
  

• Fixed asset register
  

• Invoices (sales and purchase)
  

• Loan agreements
  

• GST returns and tax filings
  

• Previous audit reports (if applicable)
  

• Board meeting minutes
  

Step 1: Visit the Official FSSAI Website

Head over to the official Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal: https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in

Step 2: Create an Account

Click on “Sign Up” and fill in your details like name, mobile number, email ID, and state of operation. Once registered, you’ll receive login credentials via email or phone.

Step 3: Fill in the Application Form

After logging in, choose the appropriate license type based on your business size and turnover (Basic, State, or Central). Then, fill in the required details such as:

• Business name and address
  

• Type of food business (manufacturer, distributor, caterer, etc.)
  

• Contact information
  

• Business turnover and food handling capacity
  

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of all the necessary documents.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Once the form is complete and documents are uploaded, proceed to pay the applicable fee online. The amount depends on the license type and duration selected (1–5 years).

Step 6: Submit the Application

Double-check all details before clicking “Submit”. Once submitted, you’ll receive an application reference number which you can use to track your status.

Step 7: Track Your Application Status

Use the “Track Application” feature on the dashboard to monitor progress. You’ll receive notifications if additional info or documents are required.

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the local food safety officer. They may conduct a physical inspection (for licenses) or approve the application directly (for Basic Registrations). Upon approval, you’ll receive your FSSAI certificate online.

Step 1: Audit Planning

• Understand the nature of the business, industry specifics, and existing internal controls.
  

• Define the scope, materiality thresholds, and timeline for the audit.
  

• Develop an audit strategy and allocate resources accordingly.
  

Step 2: Preliminary Review & Risk Assessment

• Review previous audit reports, financial statements, and key transactions.
  

• Identify high-risk areas that may require additional scrutiny.
  

• Finalise audit procedures based on the assessed risk.
  

Step 3: Fieldwork and Evidence Collection

• Inspect primary financial records like ledgers, journals, cash books, and bank statements.
  

• Verify supporting documents such as invoices, purchase orders, tax returns, and payroll data.
  

• Confirm physical assets, inventory, and liabilities where applicable.
  

Step 4: Evaluation of Internal Controls

• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the company’s internal control systems.
  

• Detect any control lapses or non-compliance with statutory norms.
  

• Recommend improvements to strengthen the internal framework.
  

Step 5: Drafting the Audit Report

• Compile audit findings, observations, and any qualifications or adverse remarks.
  

• Engage with the management for clarification or additional data where required.
  

• Prepare the audit report as per the format prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.
  

Step 6: Final Report Submission

• Submit the signed audit report to the company’s board or shareholders.
  

• Ensure timely filing of necessary forms like AOC-4 and MGT-7 with the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
  

For many founders, audits can seem intimidating or purely bureaucratic. But in reality, they’re a powerful tool that helps you take control of your business finances. A thorough audit not only ensures you're playing by the rules- it also gives you deeper insights into where your money is going, how your company is performing, and where the risks lie.

Whether it's a statutory audit mandated by the Companies Act, a tax audit required under the Income Tax Act, or an internal audit to strengthen operations, each type plays a distinct role in reinforcing the company’s foundation. Audits help catch errors early, uncover inefficiencies, and mitigate risks before they become serious problems.

In the long run, a well-audited company is a well-governed company.