Statutory and voluntary audits

A statutory audit should not be seen solely as a legal obligation. At RSM Switzerland, we are committed to delivering audit and assurance services that go beyond compliance by creating a relationship of trust and providing meaningful insight into your business.

Our teams focus not only on financial information, but also on understanding how your organisation operates, the risks it faces and how an effective audit can support its development. Through our risk-based and tailored audit approach, we help improve transparency, strengthen governance and support better decision-making.

Our audit approach

A value-driven audit

We believe that audits should create value. Throughout the engagement, we share observations and findings with management to support improvements in compliance, processes and performance.

Understanding your business

Our teams go beyond financial statements by analysing your business model, operational environment and key risks in order to deliver a high-quality and relevant audit.

Clear reporting and communication

Audit results are presented in a formal report to the general meeting. For ordinary audits, we also provide a detailed report to those charged with governance, such as the Board of Directors or executive management.

Audit requirements in Switzerland

Under Swiss law, audit obligations are based on the economic relevance of an entity rather than its legal form. Most legal entities are subject to audit requirements, with the exception of certain small structures.

Companies may be subject to different types of statutory audit requirements, including:

• Ordinary audit
• Limited statutory examination
• Opting-out (under specific conditions)

Additional audits may also be required by stakeholders or authorities, such as AML audits, tax audits or social security audits.

Ordinary audit

An ordinary audit applies to economically significant companies and provides a reasonable level of assurance that financial statements are free from material misstatements.

When is an ordinary audit required?

Companies are subject to an ordinary audit if they:

• Are publicly listed or have issued bonds
• Contribute significantly to consolidated financial statements
• Exceed two of the following thresholds for two consecutive years: 
  • CHF 20 million in total assets
  • CHF 40 million in turnover
  • 250 full-time employees on average
• Are required to prepare consolidated financial statements
• Request an audit through shareholders or internal governance rules

Scope of the audit

An ordinary audit is comprehensive and includes:

• Assessment of financial statements
• Review of the internal control system (ICS)
• Delivery of an audit opinion with a recommendation to shareholders
• A detailed report to management and governance bodies

This type of audit is performed in accordance with Swiss Auditing Standards, ensuring a high level of rigour and reliability.

Limited statutory examination

A limited statutory examination applies to companies that do not meet the criteria for an ordinary audit.

Key characteristics

• Provides limited assurance compared to an ordinary audit
• Requires less extensive testing procedures
• Typically more cost-efficient and less time-consuming

Auditor’s conclusion

The auditor determines whether they have identified any elements indicating that the financial statements or proposed use of earnings do not comply with Swiss law and the company’s articles of association.

Opting-out

With the consent of all shareholders, a company may opt out of a limited statutory examination if it has no more than 10 full-time employees on average.

This option allows smaller organisations to reduce their audit burden while remaining compliant with Swiss legal requirements.

Voluntary audits

Even when not legally required, voluntary audits can provide significant benefits for organisations.

They can help to:

• Enhance the credibility of financial statements with stakeholders
• Facilitate access to financing and improve lending conditions
• Attract investors and business partners
• Support compliance with external requirements
• Identify weaknesses in internal controls
• Detect accounting errors and improve financial processes
• Provide shareholders with a clear view of the company’s financial position

Voluntary audits therefore represent a valuable tool for strengthening transparency and supporting strategic development.

Why work with RSM Switzerland

Independent and reliable audits

As a licensed audit firm, we deliver independent and objective assessments aligned with Swiss regulatory expectations.

A risk-based approach

Our audits focus on the areas that matter most, ensuring a relevant, efficient and insightful audit process.

Tailored to your organisation

We adapt our approach to your size, structure and industry, ensuring that the audit provides practical and actionable value.

Get in touch

If you would like to discuss your statutory or voluntary audit requirements, our specialists are available to provide tailored and efficient solutions aligned with your organisation’s needs.