Cash and borrowing balances often sit near the top of an auditor’s risk assessment. When confirmation letters leave late, the entire fieldwork calendar slips — especially when local banks require wet-ink authorisations.
Start by listing every account that appears on the trial balance, including dormant accounts and foreign-currency facilities. Auditors will want evidence for each balance that is material, not only the operating cheque account.
Ask your bank contact early whether electronic confirmation portals are accepted for your entity type. Some Taiwanese branches still prefer paper forms signed by authorised directors; knowing this two weeks ahead saves courier time.
Reconcile book cash to the bank statement as of the reporting date before the confirmation goes out. Differences that appear after the auditor receives the bank reply create rework that is entirely avoidable.
Keep a log of dispatch dates and follow-ups. If a confirmation remains outstanding after ten business days, escalate with a director-level chase rather than waiting until the draft report meeting.