Hi Reader,

The email that starts with “The audit is coming” often sparks panic—but it doesn’t have to.

Audits can be stressful, no matter how experienced your team is. The endless questions, document requests, and tight timelines can feel like a storm heading your way.

Having been on both sides of the audit table—auditor and auditee—I’ve seen it all: the last-minute emails (often really late at night), the communication breakdowns (I know some people who got into serious fights!), and yes, even sometimes a smooth audit process (ok not that often 😉).

So, let me share 10 practical steps to help you and your team navigate the audit season with confidence and clarity. Think of this as your toolkit for turning audit pressure into preparation power.

On top of this, here is what we'll cover:

1. ​Free invitation to a webinar on Top ERP Trends and Opportunities for 2025 by SAP
2. ​Watch my video on The Top 10 AI Tools for Finance in 2025
3. ​​How to Be Audit-Ready Without Losing Sleep (my top 10 tips)
4. ​Advanced ChatGPT Live Course: Enrollment Closing Soon​
5. ​Free 5-Day AI Finance Fundamentals Course​

Enjoy!

Nicolas

1) Exclusive Webinar: Top ERP Trends and Opportunities for 2025​

You want to know how your ERP is going to change?

In this free webinar, you’ll hear from Mickey North Rizza (Group VP, IDC) and Lauren Husum (VP of Product Marketing, GROW with SAP) on the top ERP trends.

They’ll unveil their key predictions that could dramatically transform how you manage data, optimize workflows, and ultimately stay competitive in an AI-driven world.

When? Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM CET/SGT/EST (they offer the 3 time zones)

​Why Attend?​

• Discover top predictions on ERP changes
• Learn how GenAI could dramatically transform ERPs
• Future-proof your ERP strategy with expert insights

2) New Video: Top 10 AI Tools for Finance in 2025​

After you register for the webinar, level up your AI game with my latest YouTube video on the Top 10 AI Tools for Finance.

You’ll learn how to:

• Automate repetitive tasks
• Simplify complex financial reporting
• Drive real-time insights to support strategic decisions

​Watch the full video here to stay ahead of the AI revolution.

3) How to Be Audit-Ready Without Losing Sleep

#1: Understand the Process

The first step to mastering anything? Know what you’re up against.

Storytime:​
I once worked with a new team that had no idea what the auditor was looking for. Every email felt like a riddle to solve.

How did we fix this?

A quick pre-audit meeting cleared up expectations and avoided weeks of back-and-forth. My luck is that I am an ex-auditor, so I could help facilitate the meeting. But even if you have not work in audit, use the most experienced person in your advantage to help the younger team members get ready!

Here’s your game plan:

• Schedule a meeting to clarify the audit’s focus and methodology
• Agree on communication channels, document delivery methods, and escalation procedures

#2: Get Organized

Imagine trying to pack for a big trip without a list. That’s what it feels like to walk into an audit unprepared.

Before the audit kicks off:

• Gather trial balances, invoices, and supporting docs
• Organize them in one place for easy access
• Create a list summarizing all documents and where they are saved (ideally use tools like Sharepoint or a share folder)

Pro tip: Build an annual habit of keeping financial records audit-ready. Future-you will thank you.

#3: Learn from the Past

Audits can be great teachers—if you’re willing to learn.

Reflection:​
What went well (or horribly wrong) in your last audit? Schedule a “lessons learned” session with your team and auditors to close any gaps and address unresolved issues... but don't do it 3 months after the end of the audit! Do it actually as soon as you can.

What also works is a middle-audit alignment call/meeting to help improve the audit collaboration.

#4: Communicate Effectively

An audit isn’t a one-way interrogation. It’s a dialogue. Be clear, concise, and proactive.

If something doesn’t make sense, ask. And if you disagree with a finding, present your reasoning with evidence. Speedy responses often mean fewer headaches later.

My tip for you: use your phone, a video call or a in-person meeting as much as you can. Email threads are not the right solution for these problems!

#5: Be Transparent

Mistakes happen—it’s part of the job. Auditors appreciate honesty. Being upfront about issues builds trust and often leads to quicker resolutions.

To avoid forgetting these mistakes, document them when they happen and keep them in your audit file. This will save you a lot of time!

#6: Document Everything

Think of this as your audit diary. Track all meetings, emails, and shared documents. When questions arise later, you’ll have all the answers at your fingertips.

My team still remembers that I always told them "Write that in an email and document what happened, we'll need it for the auditors!"

#7: Focus on Key Areas

Auditors love a deep dive into areas like revenue, payables, and provisions. Be ready.

I know provisions is not something a lot of finance pros are comfortable with... but you better get your process and documentation on point before it's too late!

Quick Tip: Same than explained previously: throughout the year, document significant decisions and transactions as they happen—it’s easier than scrambling to remember later.

#8: Prepare for Big Events

Big transactions—like mergers or financing activities—get extra scrutiny. Make sure your documentation tells a clear story about what happened and why.

What helps is a memo or a slide deck explaining the context, the persons involved in the decision, the calculation and risks and opportunities.

#9: Delegate Responsibilities

You’re not in this alone. Assign team members to specific audit areas and ensure everyone knows their role.

Use my checklist (below) to streamline task allocation.

#10: Think Beyond External Audits

Don’t double your workload. The effort you put into external audits can often cover internal and tax audits, too.

Build reusable processes to save time and sanity (this means thinking ahead by gathering documents that would also help on the other audits).

Free template:

​​I have made a free Audit Preparation Checklist for you.

Download it here: Year-End Audit Preparation Checklist ​

Remember, audits aren’t here to trip you up; they’re a tool to make your financial processes stronger. With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll turn stress into success.

You’ve got this :)

4) Advanced ChatGPT Live Course: Enrollment Closing Soon​

Ready to master ChatGPT for real, hands-on business scenarios?

The Advanced ChatGPT Live Course is almost full—don’t miss your chance to:

• Learn how to create and customize your own finance GPTs
• Learn why your prompts aren't working and how to fix them
• Discover how to analyze sensitive data without risk using Python with AI
• Predict the future with Machine Learning
• Get all of your questions answered and receive a lot of material prepared by me and Christian Martinez

Only a few seats remain—enroll now before enrollment closes!

​5) Free 5-Day AI Finance Fundamentals Course​

Not ready for advanced just yet? Or do you simply want to brush up on core AI concepts before diving deeper?

​Join my 5-day Free AI Finance Fundamentals email course now! ​

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Day 1: The #1 Reason Why Most Finance Leaders Fail to Implement AI
• Day 2: The 6 AI Terms Every Finance Leader Must Know
• Day 3: Prompt Engineering 101
• Day 4: The 1 Biggest AI Risk in Finance (and How to Use AI Safely)
• Day 5: How to Prepare Your Data for AI

​Sign up here to get a daily actionable lesson delivered straight to your inbox.

I’m excited to hear your feedback from feedback.

And whether you’re looking to master ChatGPT or build a solid AI foundation, I’ve got you covered.

Here’s to staying ahead of the AI curve in 2025!

​
Nicolas

P.S. Seats are almost gone—reserve your spot for the Advanced ChatGPT live course before it's too late!