Audit for German subsidiaries of international groups

Cross-border audits

For German subsidiaries of international groups

Financial statement audits under HGB, reconciliation to IFRS or US-GAAP and close coordination with the group auditor - in German and English.

Cross-border auditing

German subsidiaries of international groups operate in two worlds: they must comply with the requirements of German commercial law and at the same time meet the demands of the foreign parent company and the group auditor. We combine both perspectives under one roof.

We conduct financial statement audits under German commercial law - as a statutory or voluntary audit depending on the company's size - and prepare the reconciliations to IFRS, US-GAAP or other international accounting standards. All communication and reporting can be provided in English on request.

Our services at a glance

  • Financial statement audit under HGB
  • Reconciliation to IFRS, US-GAAP or local standards
  • Reporting packages and supplementary analyses
  • Coordination with the group auditor
  • Limited review (review engagement)
  • English-language communication
Wolfgang Dittrich

Your expert

Wolfgang Dittrich

CEO

MBA, Tax Consultant, Chartered Accountant, Expert Adviser for International Taxation, Expert Adviser for Customs and Excise Duties

Our focus areas in group auditing

From the HGB financial statement audit to the reporting package: four areas form the core of our service for German subsidiaries of international groups.

Financial statement audit under HGB

We audit the financial statements of your German subsidiary under German commercial law - as a statutory mandatory audit or as a voluntary audit. In doing so we identify risks and opportunities and provide the reliable basis on which all further group reporting is built.

Reconciliation to international standards

For inclusion in the group financial statements we prepare and audit the reconciliation from German commercial law to IFRS, US-GAAP or the parent company's relevant local accounting requirements. Differences between the standards are clearly identified, documented and substantiated in an audit-ready manner.

Reporting packages and key figures

We familiarise ourselves with your group's reporting package - whether a standardised tool or individual templates - and deliver the required content on time. This includes cash flow statements, segment information and supplementary disclosures that go beyond the scope of HGB reporting.

Coordination with the group auditor

We coordinate the audit plan, reporting requirements and timeline with the group auditor at an early stage, deliver agreed work products on time and document our work so that it flows seamlessly into the group audit. All communication can be conducted in German or English.

Further services for group subsidiaries

Alongside the financial statement audit, we support you with all further questions arising from your integration into an international group.

English-language reporting

Audit report, management letter and closing meeting in English

Cash flow statement

Preparation and audit as a supplement to the HGB financial statements

Limited review

Review of individual key figures or financial statement components per group requirements

Internal control systems

Assessment and optimisation of ICS in line with group requirements

Tax support

Ongoing tax advice, transfer pricing and permanent establishment matters from a single source

Digital auditing

Remote audit with data analytics and minimal on-site effort

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most important questions about auditing German subsidiaries of international groups.

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A local firm knows the specifics of German commercial law and the domestic tax authorities from daily practice and can arrange on-site appointments at short notice. At the same time, we bring the international experience needed for coordination with the group auditor and reconciliation to international accounting standards. You get a dedicated, personal contact in Germany with the broad perspective of an internationally experienced auditor.

Yes. The audit, all communication and reporting can be conducted entirely in English. Working in English is part of our everyday practice with German subsidiaries of international groups - both in discussions with management and the audit committee and in coordination with the group auditor.

We coordinate the audit plan, reporting requirements and timeline with the group auditor at an early stage. During the audit we deliver agreed work products and reporting packages on time and are available for queries. Once the audit is complete, we ensure clean documentation so that the group auditor can follow our work and build on it.

We support standard group reporting packages and familiarise ourselves with your specific format - regardless of whether it is a standardised tool or individual Excel templates. Typical content includes reconciliations to the group accounting standard, cash flow statements, segment information and supplementary disclosures. Where required, we coordinate directly with the relevant team in group accounting.

The statutory financial statement audit of the German subsidiary is conducted under German commercial law. For group purposes we additionally prepare and audit the reconciliation to IFRS, US-GAAP or any other relevant accounting standard. Our experience with international accounting frameworks allows us to clearly identify and document the differences from HGB in an audit-ready manner.

Group reporting timelines are often tight. With clear schedules, digital audit tools and dedicated contacts, we can complete audits reliably even under time pressure. At the point of engagement we agree a timetable with you and the group that takes reporting deadlines and your operational workflows into account - so deadlines can be met without any loss of quality.

Questions about auditing your German subsidiary?

Whether it is a first-time audit, a change of auditor or ongoing support - talk to our auditor. The initial consultation is free of charge and can be conducted in English on request.