# Get ready for your first audit with confidence

Preparing for your first audit can feel intimidating, but we’re here to help. Every auditor may ask for slightly different materials, but this list covers what most auditors will need to get started.

A [financial audit](/content/learn/startups/financial-statements/financial-audits/index.html) is a third-party evaluation of your company’s financial statements to assure investors, regulators, and other outside parties that your reported values are complete and accurate. Depending on your company’s financial goals and growth, you may want an independent audit to:

- Appeal to outside investors and gain their trust
- Satisfy a requirement from an insurance company
- Get a loan from a bank

## Get audit-ready reports in a few clicks

Easily generate fully customizable reports that accurately reflect the unique needs of your business and capture every scenario, including stock splits and grant re-pricing with [Carta’s financial reporting tool](/content/equity-management/cap-table/financial-reporting/index.html).