Companies must produce annual accounts under company legislation.
The material states that accounts should include the trading and profit & loss account, balance sheet and directors' report.
The material states an audit requirement at a turnover level of £10.2 million.
Where the audit requirement applies, suitably qualified and registered independent auditors report on the company's financial situation and accounting records.
The auditors are paid by the company but their primary duty is to shareholders.
Companies below the stated turnover threshold still need accounts prepared by a qualified accountant but, according to the material, do not require an independent audit.