Armanino reports annual audit fees from the 10-K and proxy statements of California-based, publicly traded companies, providing you with a tool to help you quickly compare your audit fees to those of your peers from the same revenue bracket.
We compiled and analyzed more than 800 California-based public companies’ revenues and audit fees over the past three years (2016-2018).* Consistently, we found companies overpaying for their national and Big 4 audits.
In 2018, companies with less than $50M in revenue listing Big 4 firms as their auditors paid 180% higher fees than the average fees paid by firms with the same revenue. In addition, companies within the $50M-$100M revenue range paid 70% higher fees than average when working with the Big 4.
When it comes to public companies, the fee-to-value proposition makes regional audit firms the most attractive option for companies on the lookout for a new audit partner — and significant cost savings with increased service.
Are you paying above-average prices for an average audit?
In 2018, companies with less than $50M in revenue listing Big 4 firms as their auditors paid 180% higher fees than the average audit fee of $343,829. Companies listing national firms as their auditors paid 9% less than average for an audit ($314,938).
Companies using regional firms paid an impressive 74% less than average, paying an average of $87,729 for their audit.
In 2018, companies with $50M-$100M in revenue listing Big 4 firms as their auditors paid 70% higher fees than the average audit fee of $681,427. Companies listing national firms as their auditors paid 55% less than average for an audit ($440,322).
Companies using regional firms paid an impressive 88% below average, paying $363,327 for their audit, on average.
In 2018, companies with $101M-$500M in revenue listing Big 4 firms as their auditors paid 20% higher fees than the average audit fee of $1,373,313. Companies listing national firms as their auditors paid 35% less than average for an audit ($1,014,830).
Companies using regional firms paid an impressive 60% below average, paying $551,142 for their audit, on average.
In 2018, companies with $501M-$1B in revenue listing Big 4 firms as their auditors paid 6% higher fees than the average audit fee of $2,351,430. Companies listing national firms as their auditors paid 74% less than average for an audit ($1,354,347).
Companies using regional firms paid an impressive 89% under average, paying $1,246,020 for an audit, on average.
In 2018, companies with more than $1B in revenue listing Big 4 firms as their auditors paid $5,695,989 in audit fees, on average. Companies listing national firms as their auditors paid 60% less than average for an audit ($2,229,073).
Whether you use this report to compare your audit fees to the average or directly with your peers, we hope you have found valuable insight to help guide you when you face an auditor switch. As a regional firm, Armanino has been handling the accounts of publicly traded companies for more than 20 years, matching the Big 4 and national firms’ capabilities and resources, including meeting international requirements.
If you’re considering a move to a new audit firm or just looking for a more cost-effective solution to handle tax accounting, disclosure or internal control issues, Armanino is in the right position, equipped with the resources and expertise to deliver a complete solution at a reasonable fee. Our team of professionals, which includes Big 4 veterans, has the experience and knowledge to solve the issues facing today’s public companies.
October 22, 2019
