ENTERPRISES
Ordinary audit for Swiss companies
- Established, independent audit firm
- Fully coordinated by Nexova
- Transparent hourly pricing
What an ordinary audit covers
A full examination of your finances
Financial statement audit
A comprehensive examination of your annual financial statements to verify accuracy and completeness.
ICS assessment
An independent review of whether your company has a functioning internal control system in place.
Proposed profit appropriation
The auditor reviews and reports on the board's proposed distribution of profits or covering of losses.
Positive assurance
A formal written opinion confirming that the financial statements present a true and fair view in all material respects.
Formal audit report
A signed report is issued to your board and general meeting in accordance with SA-CH standards.
Findings review
Nexova discusses the results with you, explains any observations, and advises on recommended next steps.
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Which audit applies to you?
Understanding your obligations
- * Company must also not exceed the thresholds for an ordinary audit.
- ** An ordinary audit can also be requested by shareholders holding 10% or more of the share capital.
| Criterion | Limited audit | Ordinary audit |
|---|---|---|
| Size thresholds | 10+ FTE (opt-out possible below 10 FTE if all shareholders agree in writing) | Two of three in two consecutive years: CHF 20M assets, CHF 40M revenue, 250 FTE |
| Scope of audit | Annual financial statements, proposed appropriation of profits | Annual financial statements, proposed appropriation of profits, existence of internal control system (ICS) |
| Level of assurance | Moderate (negative assurance) | High (positive assurance) |
| Reporting | Summary report to the general meeting | Summary report to the general meeting, comprehensive report to the board |
| Applicable standard | SER (Swiss Standard on Limited Statutory Examinations) | SA-CH (Swiss Auditing Standards) |
Unsure which audit obligations
apply to your company?
Managing your audit alone?
The difference Nexova makes
You search for and evaluate a licensed audit expert independently
Your team collects and organizes all financial documents
You coordinate communication between your accountant and auditor
You receive a report without a structured debrief
You risk missing or misunderstanding the audit thresholds
Established, independent audit partner already in place
We prepare and organize everything before the audit begins
We coordinate all parties directly. You are not the go-between
We walk you through every finding and outline next steps
We assess your obligations during the first call
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with our experts.
Our service promise
Auditing made simple and reliable
Fully independent
Conducted by an established, independent audit firm in accordance with the Swiss Auditing Standards (SA-CH).
One point of contact
Nexova coordinates every-thing. One team, not two separate firms.
Transparent pricing
Clear hourly rates with no hidden fees. No surprises.
Audit-ready books
Already a Nexova client? Your books are organized and audit-ready from day one.
Fast turnaround
Efficient processes and well-prepared documen-tation mean your audit is completed on time.
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with our experts.
The steps to your audit
From first call to signed report
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Initial consultation
We assess your audit obligations, confirm that an ordinary audit applies, and clarify the applicable accounting standard and reporting requirements.
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Transparent quote
You receive a clear cost estimate based on the scope and complexity of your audit. No hidden fees.
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Document preparation
We organize your financial documents and make everything audit-ready. If you work with another accounting provider, we coordinate directly with them.
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Independent audit
Our independent audit partner conducts the examination in accordance with the SA-CH standards and CO Art. 728. Full independence is maintained throughout.
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Audit report & review
You receive the completed audit report, including the board report on the internal control system. We review the findings with you and provide recommendations.
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Ongoing support
Whether it’s implementing audit recommendations, preparing for next year, or addressing follow-up questions, Nexova remains at your side.
Limited audit, ordinary audit, or special audit
Comparing the three audit types
The default statutory audit for most Swiss SMEs with more than 10 full-time employees. A structured review of your financial statements using analytical procedures, inquiries, and targeted testing, resulting in negative assurance.
Go to limited auditcommon
Required for larger companies exceeding two of three size thresholds (CHF 20M assets / CHF 40M revenue / 250 FTE) in two consecutive years, as well as for publicly listed companies and groups. A full examination of your financial statements and internal control system, resulting in positive assurance.
You are herecompanies
Event-driven audits tied to specific corporate actions: capital increases, company formation with contributions in kind, capital reductions, restructuring, liquidation, and voluntary due diligence. Not annual. Fixed-price packages are available for well-defined engagements.
Go to special auditpurpose
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Why Nexova
Trusted by companies across Switzerland
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Trusted by over 250 companies
Discover the diversity of our customers
As an internationally active biotechnology company that stands for innovation and the highest quality, we work exclusively with partners who meet our high standards. Nexova consistently impresses us with exceptional service quality, robust processes, and an impressive pace. The professional, solution-oriented, and efficient collaboration allows us to fully focus on our core business. Additionally, we would like to highlight the remarkable cost savings of 35% compared to in-house accounting. We particularly appreciate how Nexova quickly understands, develops, and promptly implements complex requirements – both within Switzerland and at our international subsidiaries. We can wholeheartedly recommend the Nexova team.
Nexova AG offers highly professional accounting services that have significantly enhanced our financial management at Learning Lab. Their team is precise and reactive, always delivering accurate and timely reports while promptly addressing our queries. With Nexova AG’s support, we manage our clients’ accounts and finances more efficiently. We highly recommend Nexova AG for their exceptional accounting services.
For us as a new catering company, it is essential that our trustee understands our specific needs and responds flexibly to our requirements. In Nexova AG, we have found the ideal partner who supports us competently in all fiduciary matters and actively promotes our growth.
Uncomplicated or serious? Or is it and? A young, clever team is at work here, offering excellent services, highly uncomplicated and competent. Instead of a prestigious reception, expensive offices and chocolates, there are fast services and competent services. For me as a one-man company, this is exactly what I need.
Arvy AG has found an exceptional partner in Nexova AG. Their very high level of expertise in FINMA-regulated industries ensures that our financial transactions are in safe and competent hands. What sets Nexova apart is their flat-rate pricing structure, which has helped us greatly with budgeting and financial planning. As a company committed to long-term success and integrity in investments, we are very satisfied with the services provided by Nexova AG.
For us as an EdTech startup, it is very important that our trustee is as digital and agile as we are. With Nexova AG, we have found the perfect partner who can actively support us in our growth.
That’s what our customers say
Your feedback matters
5.0 stars
Mr. Merz has a very broad knowledge and was able to help me with all my questions. The conversation was very pleasant and very informative for me. Thank you for your support.
Uncomplicated or serious? Both here. A young, smart team is at work here, offering excellent services, highly uncomplicated and competent. Instead of a prestigious reception area, expensive offices and a few small gifts, you offer fast and competent services. For me as a one-man company, this is exactly what I need.
I have been a Nexova customer for some time now and so far I am very satisfied! Thanks to the digital working methods and high responsiveness of the client managers, little time is lost in the daily process in particular. The prices are also very fair. Nexova handles the annual financial statements for me, including the tax balance sheet. The processes are standardized, which is a great advantage for audits (AHV and taxes). The two founders are two young, innovative guys and very serious.
The friendly and competent Nexova employee was able to answer my questions about company car taxation quickly and specifically. Thank you very much for this!
When I founded my company a year ago, I needed a reliable fiduciary partner. In addition to pure accounting, Nexova also offers me very good advice on all aspects of labor law. Thanks to the E-Post solution, I no longer even have to worry about my company mail and can focus purely on my service activities. My contacts at Nexova are always very friendly and pleasant to deal with. The complete package is simply TOP and I can only recommend Nexova!
Top company & friendly owners. A highly recommended trustee.
Very good and competent advice!
Professionally at a very high level. They are very good with Excel and could also support us with automation of processes.
I had a few questions about remote work and was advised super and free of charge. Thank you very much!
Very good service. Good and competent advice with friendly staff. I can definitely recommend
The Nexova team is very professional and I felt they always had my best interests at heart. I highly recommend Nexova and will continue to refer my clients to them and trust them with my business.
I am impressed with their outstanding service, especially in the field of accounting services, they demonstrate a professional approach and exceptional attention. As a lawyer, I have found Nexova to be a valuable partner in the financial world.
I had an excellent consultation with Nexova AG regarding withholding tax. Their expertise is remarkably extensive and their guidance was invaluable, I highly recommend their services. A first class experience.
The Nexova Team is an important partner to our startup, enabling us to pass all of our accounting, tax and payroll duties. We specially value their expertise with Startups and flexibility, which allows us to plan and manage our financials effectively and to focus on the bottom line of our operations.
We are very satisfied with Nexova as our trustee. Thanks to the Teams group chat, I can always count on very fast response times (of a few minutes). The Teams Chat group is great. With our old trustee, we had to write mails and always had to wait a long time for an answer and on top of that we were charged for every little question. Fortunately, this is not the case with Nexova.
Nexova solved my problem with a non-paying tenant quickly and efficiently. I was simply overwhelmed with the situation and glad for the competent legal advice. Nexova handled everything from the reminder with threat of termination, to representation in court, to the police eviction quickly, efficiently and also inexpensively. Many thanks for the valuable help.
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Facts and figures
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FAQ
Answers at a click
Do I need an ordinary audit?
Your Swiss company (AG, GmbH, or cooperative) requires an ordinary audit under CO Art. 727 if it exceeds two of the following three thresholds in two consecutive financial years: CHF 20 million in total assets, CHF 40 million in revenue, or 250 full-time employees. Publicly listed companies and groups that must prepare consolidated accounts are also subject to ordinary audit regardless of size. Shareholders holding 10% or more of share capital can also request an ordinary audit at any time. Book a consultation and we will confirm your exact obligations.
What is positive assurance?
Positive assurance means the auditor confirms, based on a full examination of your financial statements and internal controls, that the accounts present a true and fair view in all material respects. This is the highest level of audit assurance available under Swiss statutory law and is significantly more rigorous than the negative assurance issued under a limited audit.
What is the internal control system (ICS) and why does it matter?
An internal control system (ICS) is the set of processes and controls your company uses to ensure accurate financial reporting, prevent errors, and safeguard assets. Under an ordinary audit, the auditor is required to assess whether a functioning ICS exists and report on its adequacy to the board. Companies without adequate controls will receive observations in the board report, which may need to be addressed before the next audit cycle.
How is an ordinary audit different from a limited audit?
An ordinary audit is a full examination of your financial statements and internal control system, resulting in positive assurance. A limited audit is a review using analytical procedures and targeted inquiries, resulting in negative assurance. The ordinary audit is substantially more comprehensive, more time-intensive, and subject to stricter independence requirements. It also includes a separate, detailed report to the board of directors, which the limited audit does not.
Can the same firm handle both my accounting and my ordinary audit?
No, Swiss auditing standards set strict independence requirements for ordinary audits, and the same firm cannot provide both services. Nexova ensures full compliance by working with an established, independent audit firm to conduct the audit. We manage your accounting and coordinate the entire process, while the audit itself is conducted independently. This structure gives your stakeholders the highest level of credibility.
How long does an ordinary audit take?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of your company and the state of your financial records. Nexova clients with current, well-organized books move through the process most efficiently. We provide a clear timeline estimate at the start of every engagement.
What happens if issues are found during the audit?
The auditor documents any findings in both the report to the general meeting and the detailed report to the board. Nexova reviews these findings with you and helps you implement any necessary corrections, whether that involves adjusting your financial statements, strengthening internal controls, or updating processes.
What is an audit body (Revisionsstelle) and what are the requirements for an ordinary audit?
The audit body is the independent organ that examines your company's annual financial statements. For an ordinary audit, the requirements are stricter than for a limited audit: the audit body must be led by a licensed audit expert (Revisionsexperte) — a higher qualification than the licensed auditor sufficient for a limited audit. It must be fully independent of the company, with no exceptions, and registered with the Federal Audit Oversight Authority (RAB). At Nexova, we work with an established, independent audit expert and handle all coordination for you.
What are the benefits of an ordinary audit for my company?
An ordinary audit delivers the highest level of assurance available under Swiss law. Beyond legal compliance, it provides a comprehensive review of your financial statements and an independent assessment of your internal control system, giving management and the board a clear picture of where controls are strong and where improvements are needed. This level of scrutiny strengthens credibility with banks, investors, regulators, and transaction counterparties. It is also why shareholders holding 10% or more of share capital sometimes request an ordinary audit voluntarily, even when only a limited audit is legally required, as the higher assurance level can be decisive in financing or M&A contexts
What happens if my company no longer meets the ordinary audit thresholds?
If your company falls below two of the three size thresholds (CHF 20M assets / CHF 40M revenue / 250 FTE) for two consecutive financial years, it may be eligible to switch to a limited audit. The change requires a resolution and must be reflected in the appointment of the audit body. Nexova can assess whether a downgrade applies to your situation and manage the transition.
Independence Statement: Nexova AG is an independent private fiduciary firm. We are not a government agency or authority, and we are not affiliated with any government department or official register. All official acts, registrations, and approvals are carried out solely by the competent Swiss authorities and notaries.
Read our full Independence Statement
Any more questions?
“I’m happy to discuss your audit requirements and help find the right solution for your business.”