Audits for Bonded Companies: Key Insights to Stay Compliant

Introduction

If you're in construction, contracting, or manufacturing and require a surety bond to bid on or perform work, you’re already a "bonded company"—or aiming to become one. A surety bond is a financial guarantee that assures your clients or project owners that you can fulfill the terms of your contract.

But before a surety will vouch for you, it needs proof that you're financially solid. That proof comes in the form of audited or reviewed financial statements, usually prepared by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). These financials are not just a box to check—they are a key tool sureties use to evaluate your risk, set bonding limits, and determine your eligibility for larger or more frequent bonds.

In this guide, we’ll break down what securities look for in your audit, who can conduct it, and how you can stay compliant to maximize your bonding capacity.

What Do Bonding Companies Look for in Financial Statements?

Surety underwriters are primarily concerned with financial strength, stability, and performance trends. When reviewing your financial statements, they focus on:

• Working Capital – Current assets minus current liabilities
• Net Worth – Retained earnings and equity trends over time
• Job Cost Schedules – Work-In-Progress (WIP) reports that show revenue recognition and project profitability
• Leverage Ratios – Especially debt-to-equity ratios
• Cash Flow – Your ability to manage obligations without liquidity issues
• Backlog Analysis – Can you handle current and upcoming workloads profitably?
• Credit History & Tax Compliance – Late payments or unresolved tax issues can raise red flags

Bottom line: Sureties want to know you can complete the jobs you take on, avoid financial pitfalls, and grow sustainably.

Who Sets Auditing Standards for Private Companies?

Private companies that are not publicly traded are typically audited under standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Key frameworks include:

• Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)
• Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS)

In cases involving federal funding or government contracts, additional rules may apply, such as:

• Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book) issued by the GAO
• Uniform Guidance for entities receiving federal grants

Following these standards ensures that the audit is credible and acceptable to bonding companies.

Who Can Audit a Private Company?

Only a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a registered CPA firm can perform an audit that meets bonding requirements. A compliant auditor must be:

• Independent of the business
• Licensed and in good standing with their state board of accountancy
• Experienced in the client’s industry (e.g., construction, service contracting, or manufacturing)

While full audits are the gold standard, some bonding companies may accept reviewed or compiled financial statements—especially for smaller bonds or well-established firms.

When Is an Audit Required for Bonding?

Your surety may request an audit if you are:

• A new or growing company applying for large bonds (typically over $500,000 to $1 million)
• Seeking an increase in aggregate bonding capacity
• Renewing your bonding line annually
• Working on government or public works contracts with specific financial reporting obligations

Note: Even if not required every year, having audited statements can speed up approvals and strengthen your surety relationship.

How to Prepare for an Audit as a Bonded Company

Being audit-ready helps ensure a smoother process and better outcomes. Here's how to prepare:

• Use job costing software that accurately tracks WIP, billings, and overhead
• Reconcile accounts and close year-end books early
• Organize documentation for:
  
  • Contracts and change orders
  • Aged receivables and payables
  • Payroll, equipment leases, and insurance policies
• Engage a CPA with industry experience in bonded-company audits
• Review prior-year audits and correct any flagged issues

The more transparent and timely your records, the more confidence your surety will have in you.

Conclusion

Audits aren’t just a compliance obligation—they’re a strategic tool for growing your bonding capacity and winning better projects. Sureties rely on them to assess risk and make informed underwriting decisions.

A CPA-conducted audit demonstrates financial credibility, instills confidence in bonding agents, and paves the way for higher bonding limits and bigger contracts.

Need help preparing for a bonded audit? Contact our team today for CPA-reviewed financials tailored for bonding approval.

FAQs

What do bonding companies look for in financial statements?

‍They assess working capital, net worth, WIP reports, leverage, cash flow, backlog, and overall financial health.

Who sets auditing standards for private companies?

‍The AICPA sets standards for audits through GAAS and SAS. GAO standards apply for federal projects.

Who can audit a private company?

‍Only a licensed, independent CPA with industry experience and in good standing can conduct a bonding-eligible audit.

‍