Auditing is essential in ensuring cost savings, risk mitigation, and overall compliance for all types of large-scale projects. In particular, a construction audit provides an in-depth analysis of a given construction project to determine if the project is completed on time, within budget, and with due regard to design guidelines.
Because most construction projects involve several moving parts — and often have multiple workers performing multiple tasks at once — construction audits provide project managers with insight, into the need to keep things safe and on schedule without sacrificing quality or cost.
An audit like this is more than a simple one-time backtest for specification compliance; Construction auditors closely examine every project stage, including pre-construction and planning, to manage risk and maintain financial control.
How can a construction audit improve your project?
Expense Recovery: Without a split plan and cost control, your construction project can quickly cause you to spend beyond your means. Construction audits help determine which units are responsible for which costs and can prevent disputes and overspending.
Site Safety: Compliance is another critical aspect of a construction audit. As part of this process, the auditor will closely examine the procedures used to operate equipment, handle hazardous materials, and other aspects of the project to ensure that the site provides a safe environment for workers.
Progress and Controls: Construction audits ensure the progress of a given project is met by analyzing the progress made and assessing whether the project can be completed on schedule. These audits also allow for greater internal control over the project to ensure processes are being followed as directed and that managers are facilitating the process.
Improved internal control
Many conflicts on construction sites stem from being unable to stay within the project's scope. Project managers are tasked with ensuring that all parties perform their required tasks, that the project plan is followed correctly, and that safety measures are in place. Construction audits provide that project managers are doing their jobs correctly.
Determine project progress
Construction audits are essential because they can help ensure timelines are met. The construction auditor will visit the work site, review the progress, and speak with staff to get an accurate sense of the project's stage. They can assess whether the project is on time, behind schedule, or ahead of schedule. From a financial standpoint, many construction companies bill clients based on how well the project is completed. Construction auditors can notify all parties if the project is at a point where the invoice is appropriate.
How can a construction audit benefit an organization with a significant construction project?
Construction audits can help establish project roadmaps by establishing monitoring. Hiring a construction auditor with experience in the contract phase often leads to increased savings through cost avoidance. Joining early yields more savings than an independent, closed audit. Including the auditor during the contract phase will also help you determine that your risks and contractual rights are protected. Many organizations may not have experienced in-house professionals with construction expertise to lead an audit. With a construction audit, you review contract terms, identify excess charges, recommend better risk management, and test your control procedures to ensure they work correctly. These audits keep all parties honest.
This process benefits more than just business owners. Construction companies also often benefit from an audit. The construction audit assures you that the financial part of the project is being well managed and monitored, strengthening the relationship between the business owner and the construction company. When you audit, costs are verified, and the cost structure is considered. This can significantly shorten the closing time from when the project is substantially completed until the contractor receives the final payment. Shorter closing times save you and your contractors time, money, and effort. A well-managed and controlled project also leads to less conflict. Thus, less negotiation is required at the project's end, helping avoid potentially costly disputes and litigation.
Basic construction audit process
1. Preliminary assessment planning
Define audit scope and objectives: Identify the areas and aspects of the construction project that will be audited.
Establishing audit team: Selecting auditors with experience and expertise in construction projects.
Collect project information: Project contracts, plans, budgets, schedules, and other related documents.
2. Risk assessment
Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities: Analyze the project to identify potential areas of risk and non-compliance issues.
Prioritize areas to audit: Focusing on high-risk regions is critical to project success.
3. Fieldwork
Site visits and observations: Visit construction sites to observe progress, construction safety principles and requirements, and compliance with construction standards.
Interview: Conduct interviews with project staff, contractors, and stakeholders to gather information and update issues.
Document review: Inspect project documents, contracts, change orders, invoices, and other records to verify compliance.
4. Financial audit
Cost Analysis: Review project costs and expenditures to ensure they align with the approved budget and are properly accounted for.
Invoice Verification: Verify that invoices from contractors and suppliers are accurate and supported by appropriate documentation.
5. Assess compliance
Regulatory Compliance: Assess compliance with local building codes, safety regulations, environmental laws, and other relevant regulations.
Contract Compliance: Ensure that the project meets the requirements outlined in the contract and agreement.
6. Quality control and workmanship
Assess the workmanship quality: Review the work quality and compare it to established standards and specifications.
Material Testing: Checks that the materials used meet the required standards and specifications.
7. Internal control assessment
Project Control Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of project management, internal controls, and risk management processes.
Identify control weaknesses: Indicate areas of control that need improvement to reduce risks.
Auditing in a construction project is indispensable to ensure compliance, quality, risk management, cost control, and overall project success. It promotes accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement, benefiting all stakeholders involved in the construction process.
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Construction Audit service of RSM Viet Nam
With the integration, globalization, and development of Vietnam's economy, the size and quantity of foreign and domestic companies’ construction projects become greater and greater. To ensure the efficiency of capital investment and quality management of the construction works in Vietnam, the Vietnamese government has issued various legislation such as Laws, Decrees, and Circulars to regulate construction investment activities. At the same time, in the regulation process, the Government also has changes, amendments, and updates to suit the regulation practices and to ensure the management purpose.
Through our construction audit services, we will provide deep insights and advise you on legal matters, project management, contract management, accounting, and tax matters related to your business activities and update you on the regulatory changes via email, conferences, and in-depth analysis reports.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
Compliance audit
Audit of value settlement identification
Audit of construction final account