For trading, distribution and F&B businesses, inventory is usually the biggest and riskiest number on the balance sheet. We attend or carry out physical counts, reconcile them to your system and test valuation and obsolescence, both for year-end audits and for lenders who rely on stock as collateral.
Who this is for
- Traders and distributors with warehouse or multi-location stock
- Restaurants and F&B groups tracking food cost and wastage
- Banks and financiers monitoring stock-backed facilities
- Owners who suspect shrinkage or system errors
What the engagement covers
Count planning
We agree cut-off procedures, count teams and instructions in advance so nothing moves twice or gets missed.
Physical verification
We attend counts, re-perform test counts in both directions (floor to sheet and sheet to floor) and record condition.
Reconciliation
We reconcile the count to your system and ledger and investigate variances to their root cause.
Valuation & ageing
We test costing, net realisable value and slow-moving or expired stock provisions.
What you receive
- Stock count observation report
- Variance analysis with explanations
- Valuation and provision review
- Lender-format stock certificate (where required)
Frequently asked questions
Can you count outside business hours?
Yes. Many counts happen overnight or at weekends so operations aren't disrupted. We plan around your schedule.
How often should we do a stock audit?
At least once a year at the year end. High-value or high-shrinkage businesses benefit from quarterly or surprise counts.