I have been asked by various prospects to look at the books, tax returns, technology, and processes of companies they are contemplating buying. Basically, see if I spot anything of concern, incorrect, if tax returns cannot be reconciled to financials and bank accounts and try to ascertain why they do not, look at their technology for proper utilization and efficiency or if it needs to be replaced, etc.
Is this crossing into attestation services? It seems like a gray area to me given I am not being hired to give any assurance concerning the books. I am potentially being hired to FIND PROBLEMS the buyer may not spot on their own based on the fact I have a lot of controllership experience.