Bristol organisations can choose from large professional services networks, regional accountancy firms and specialist audit practices covering internal audit, enterprise risk, controls assurance, governance, technology risk and external audit. Most firms in this guide have an established Bristol office, while the list also includes a UK-wide provider able to support organisations nationally. This is a practical company and services overview rather than a ranking.
Acumon
Acumon is a UK firm of chartered accountants and registered auditors providing risk and assurance services alongside external audit, accounting, tax and advisory work. Its Risk & Tech Assurance practice covers internal audit, risk management, corporate governance, IT risk, cybersecurity assurance, anti-fraud reviews and other independent assurance assignments for organisations seeking greater oversight of their controls, governance and operational risks.
The firm works with organisations ranging from growing owner-managed businesses and charities through to larger corporate groups and regulated entities. Audit engagements are delivered in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and supported by a structured risk-based audit methodology.
Acumon holds a Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence, allowing the firm to audit listed companies and other entities subject to enhanced regulatory oversight in the United Kingdom. PIE audits are subject to additional regulatory supervision and quality requirements, and only a limited number of firms are authorised to undertake this type of work.
In addition to its UK audit registration, Acumon also holds recognised auditor status in Jersey and the Isle of Man. These authorisations enable the firm to support international corporate groups where entities are located across multiple jurisdictions.
International group structures frequently involve a combination of UK operating companies and offshore holding entities, particularly in sectors such as investment management, technology, energy, and international trade. Coordinating audit and assurance work across these structures requires familiarity with cross-border financial reporting, group consolidation processes, governance arrangements and internal control environments.
Acumon works with finance teams, management and boards on risk and assurance requirements while also supporting organisations with statutory audit, financial reporting, governance and internal controls. Risk engagements can be delivered as fully outsourced functions, co-sourced support alongside an existing team, or focused individual reviews depending on the organisation’s requirements.
Risk and Assurance Capabilities
Acumon provides risk and assurance services for organisations across a wide range of structures and sectors.
These include:
- UK limited companies and corporate groups
- Public Interest Entities (PIEs) and regulated organisations
- UK subsidiaries of international groups
- charities and not-for-profit organisations
- owner-managed businesses approaching statutory audit thresholds
- offshore holding companies and investment vehicles
Risk and assurance engagements are typically led by senior risk and assurance professionals with direct involvement throughout the engagement.
Regulatory Licences and Registrations
Acumon holds several audit registrations that enable it to support organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
These include:
- UK statutory audit registration
- Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence
- Jersey audit licence
- Isle of Man audit licence
- Cayman Islands audit licence
- British Virgin Islands audit licence
These registrations allow the firm to provide audit services to groups that include entities in both the UK and key international financial centres.
Core Services
Acumon provides a range of services that support financial reporting and governance.
These include:
- statutory external audit
- group and subsidiary audits
- Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits
- charity and not-for-profit audit
- audit of international group structures
- internal audit and governance reviews
- risk management and compliance support
Audit work is often delivered alongside discussions with management and boards regarding financial reporting processes and governance frameworks.
Many organisations initially encounter statutory audit requirements as they grow and exceed the audit exemption thresholds set out in the Companies Act.
Acumon works with businesses that are:
- approaching their first statutory audit
- preparing for external investment
- expanding into international markets
- operating within corporate group structures
Early engagement with an audit firm can help ensure that financial reporting systems and documentation are aligned with statutory audit requirements.
Contact Information
- Website: acumon.com
- Phone: 020 8567 3451
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Address: 1-2 Craven Road, Ealing, London, W5 2UA, UK
Bishop Fleming
Bishop Fleming has a substantial Bristol presence and a dedicated Internal Audit and Risk Assurance practice. Its team works with boards, audit committees and senior management on risk-based internal audit plans, risk assurance, governance frameworks and the effectiveness of internal controls. Engagements can range from individual reviews to fully outsourced or co-sourced internal audit functions.
The firm’s wider audit practice covers corporate, public sector, education, charity and other organisations. This combination makes Bishop Fleming particularly relevant where assurance requirements involve both financial reporting and broader governance or operational risk. Its Bristol office is at 10 Temple Back.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Organisations seeking regional internal audit and governance support
- Core services: Internal audit, risk assurance, governance reviews, external audit, internal control reviews
- Specialization: Risk-based internal audit and board assurance
Contact Information:
- Website: www.bishopfleming.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Life-at-Bishop-Fleming/100093464198343
- Twitter: x.com/BishopFlemingUK
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bishop-fleming-chartered-accountants
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bishopfleminguk
- Address: 10 Temple Back. Bristol. BS1 6FL
- Phone: 0117 9100250
Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton’s Bristol office provides audit and assurance services alongside a broader advisory practice. Its Business Risk Services team covers enterprise risk management, internal audit, controls advisory, technology risk, supplier and contract assurance, project assurance, data assurance and service organisation controls reporting. This gives organisations several routes to obtaining independent assurance depending on whether the concern sits in operations, technology, reporting or third-party relationships.
The Bristol team also delivers audit and assurance work for privately held businesses, public interest entities and public sector organisations. Wider assurance capabilities include ESG assurance, grant assurance, CASS assurance and targeted non-statutory assignments.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Businesses requiring multidisciplinary risk and assurance work
- Core services: Internal audit, enterprise risk management, controls advisory, technology risk, external audit, wider assurance
- Specialization: Business risk services and targeted assurance reviews
- Location: Bristol, with coverage across the South West
Contact Information:
- Website: www.grantthornton.co.uk
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/grant-thornton-uk
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gt_trainees
- Address: 2 Glass Wharf, Bristol, BS2 0EL
- Phone: +44 (0)11 7305 7600
BDO
BDO operates a Risk Advisory Services practice covering internal audit, enterprise risk management, corporate governance, controls assurance, SOX compliance, contract and commercial risk and technology risk. Its technology work addresses areas including cyber security, data privacy and technology resilience, allowing assurance programmes to include both business and IT control environments.
The firm’s audit and assurance practice includes external audit, financial reporting, governance, risk and compliance, and internal audit and risk assurance. BDO’s Bristol office at Finzels Reach serves organisations across the South West and provides independent audit services to regional businesses ranging from private companies and charities to listed organisations.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Mid-market and larger organisations needing audit plus structured risk advisory
- Core services: Internal audit, enterprise risk management, controls assurance, governance, technology risk, external audit
- Specialization: Integrated risk advisory and audit services
Contact Information:
- Website: www.bdo.co.uk
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bdo-llp
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatbdo
- Address: Bridgewater House, Finzels Reach, Bristol BS1 6BX
- Phone: 0117 930 1500
S&W Group
S&W combines audit and assurance with a dedicated risk advisory division. Its risk work covers governance, risk and compliance, enterprise risk management, internal assurance, operational resilience and controls assurance. The firm also works with recognised reporting frameworks for controls, including ISAE 3402 and related service organisation assurance requirements.
The Bristol office provides audit and assurance, accounting advisory, risk consulting, forensic services and other business advisory work. Its local team includes specialists in financial services controls assurance, including ISAE 3402, SOC and AAF engagements, making S&W relevant to businesses that need independent reporting over control environments as well as conventional financial audit.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Organisations needing controls assurance, GRC and audit from one firm
- Core services: Risk advisory, GRC, controls assurance, enterprise risk management, audit and assurance
- Specialization: Governance and controls, including financial services assurance
Contact Information:
- Website: www.swgroup.com
- Twitter: x.com/S_W_Group
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/swgroupuk
- Address: EQ Building, 111 Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6AX
- Phone: +44 117 233 2200
RSM UK
RSM has a dedicated Risk and Governance practice providing assurance and advisory work across internal audit, enterprise risk management, corporate governance, technology risk and non-financial assurance. Its internal audit work includes risk-based planning, control design and effectiveness testing, operational reviews and reporting to boards and audit committees.
The firm’s assurance scope also extends to ESG and sustainability reporting, service organisation controls, data protection and other non-financial information. RSM operates a Bristol office at Temple Quay, while its external audit practice provides statutory audit alongside outsourced and co-sourced internal audit services.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Organisations building structured risk, governance and internal audit programmes
- Core services: Internal audit, ERM, corporate governance, technology risk, non-financial assurance, external audit
- Specialization: Risk and governance consulting
Contact Information:
- Website: www.rsmuk.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/rsm-uk
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rsm.uk
- Address: 2nd Floor, 1 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6DG
- Phone: +44 (0)117 945 2000
Forvis Mazars
Forvis Mazars offers risk consulting across enterprise risk management, governance, internal audit, internal controls, regulatory compliance, technology assurance and third-party risk management. Its internal audit work can support organisations setting up a new function, strengthening an existing team or obtaining specialist input into selected areas of an audit plan.
The firm’s audit and assurance practice covers financial audit and independent assurance reviews. Separate assurance work can address internal controls, data security, fraud, non-financial reporting and other subject matter. Forvis Mazars moved its Bristol operation to Assembly Campus in 2025 and has identified the development of its mid-market and public interest entity audit offering as part of the local office’s growth.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Mid-market and larger organisations with complex risk and assurance requirements
- Core services: Internal audit, ERM, governance, regulatory compliance, tech assurance, external audit
- Specialization: Integrated risk consulting and independent assurance
Contact Information:
- Website: www.forvismazars.com
- Twitter: x.com/ForvisMazarsUK
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/forvis-mazars-in-the-uk
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/forvismazarsuk
- Address: 8th Floor, Assembly C, Cheese Lane, Bristol, BS2 0JJ, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 (0) 117 928 1700
Deloitte
Deloitte’s Bristol operation includes Audit & Assurance and Strategy, Risk & Transactions Advisory teams. Its South West risk practice works on business process, technology and operational risks, as well as cyber threats, regulatory requirements and organisational resilience. This makes the firm’s local capability broader than statutory audit alone.
Its regional Audit & Assurance teams work with listed companies, financial services organisations and privately owned businesses. Assurance expertise also extends into areas such as accounting, regulatory matters, financial modelling, treasury controls and transaction-related requirements. Deloitte’s Bristol office is located at HALO in Redcliffe.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Large, regulated and complex organisations requiring multidisciplinary assurance
- Core services: Audit and assurance, risk advisory, cyber risk, regulatory risk, controls and resilience
- Specialization: Large-scale audit and complex risk advisory
Contact Information:
- Website: www.deloitte.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/deloitteuk
- Twitter: x.com/deloitteuk
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/deloitte
- Address: HALO, Counterslip, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6AJ
- Phone: +44 (0)117 921 1622
KPMG
KPMG’s Bristol office operates as a full-service regional hub with audit and advisory capabilities that explicitly include risk, governance and controls. The office works across sectors including financial services, aerospace and defence, industrial businesses, energy, consumer markets and the public sector.
Across its UK assurance practice, KPMG provides regulatory assurance, ESG assurance, KPI assurance, grant and compliance assurance and controls assurance. Controls work can include SOC reporting, ISAE 3402 and related frameworks used by organisations that need independent assurance over processes, systems and outsourced services.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Large organisations requiring financial, regulatory or controls assurance
- Core services: Audit, controls assurance, regulatory assurance, ESG assurance, governance and risk advisory
- Specialization: Complex control environments and regulated organisations
Contact Information:
- Website: kpmg.com
- Twitter: x.com/kpmguk
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/kpmg
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KPMG
- Address: 66 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4BE
- Phone: +44 (0)117 905 4200
PwC
PwC’s risk and regulation practice covers governance, risk and compliance, internal audit, investigations, resilience, financial crime and risk modelling. Its internal audit services can include function design, outsourced and co-sourced delivery, technology-enabled auditing, specialist reviews and assessments of emerging business risks.
PwC also performs non-financial assurance over service provider controls, technology platforms, cyber security systems and critical operational infrastructure. Its Bristol office at Glass Wharf serves private and public sector organisations ranging from early-stage businesses to multinational groups.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Organisations with complex internal audit, regulatory and technology assurance needs
- Core services: Internal audit, GRC, resilience, investigations, controls assurance, cyber assurance
- Specialization: Technology-enabled risk and assurance functions
Contact Information:
- Website: www.pwc.co.uk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/PwCUK
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pwc-uk
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pwc_uk
- Address: 2 Glass Wharf, Bristol BS2 0FR
- Phone: +44 (0)117 955 7779
EY
EY’s Assurance practice covers financial audit, technology risk, financial accounting advisory, forensic and integrity work, and climate and sustainability assurance. Technology Risk teams provide assurance around systems and controls, while the firm’s wider Risk Consulting practice addresses enterprise resilience, third-party risk, financial services risk and regulatory challenges.
EY has an established Bristol office, with local teams working across Assurance and Consulting as well as other service lines. The office works with sectors including financial services, fintech, defence and aerospace, giving Bristol organisations access to both financial assurance and broader risk expertise.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Large and regulated organisations with financial and technology risk requirements
- Core services: Audit, technology risk, risk consulting, sustainability assurance, forensic and integrity services
- Specialization: Complex assurance and enterprise risk
Contact Information:
- Website: www.ey.com
- Twitter: x.com/EYnews
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/EY
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ernstandyoung
- Address: The Paragon, Counterslip, Bristol BS1 6BX
- Phone: +44 117 981 2050
Saffery
Saffery provides a dedicated Risk Assurance service focused on identifying and assessing risks, developing mitigation measures, monitoring risk and improving risk reporting. The firm can also help create risk registers and review internal control systems covering financial reporting, operational and compliance risks.
Its wider audit and assurance practice covers statutory, non-statutory and special-purpose audits. The Bristol office serves businesses, charities, international organisations, private clients and other sectors, with audit and accounting included among its local service areas.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Businesses wanting practical risk reviews alongside external audit
- Core services: Risk assurance, internal controls reviews, external audit, financial services assurance
- Specialization: Risk registers, controls and management reporting
Contact Information:
- Website: www.saffery.com
- E-mail: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/saffery
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/saffery_uk
- Address: St Catherine’s Court, Berkeley Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BQ
- Phone: +44 (0)117 915 1617
PKF Francis Clark
PKF Francis Clark’s Bristol team provides audit and assurance as part of a broader accounting and advisory practice. Its audit process examines financial reporting risks together with the design and effectiveness of key systems and controls. Technology-related audit work includes IT controls, access management, system changes, IT-dependent business processes and the reliability of underlying data.
The firm’s Bristol audit operation has also expanded into areas such as IT assurance. Local sectors highlighted by the firm include food and drink, property, construction, media and legal services. Its Victoria Street office gives businesses access to a regional audit team backed by the wider PKF Francis Clark practice and PKF network.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Mid-market organisations looking for regional audit with IT controls capability
- Core services: External audit, assurance, IT controls reviews, accounting and advisory services
- Specialization: Risk-focused financial audit and IT assurance
Contact Information:
- Website: pkf-francisclark.co.uk
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/PKFFrancisClark
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/francis-clark-chartered-accountants
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pkffrancisclark
- Address: 90 Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6DP
- Phone: 01174 039800
Azets
Azets provides internal audit and risk assurance services covering governance, enterprise risk management, internal controls, technology risk and regulatory compliance. Its work includes fully outsourced and co-sourced internal audit functions, corporate governance reviews, targeted risk reviews, financial controls testing, SOX and controls assurance, counter-fraud support and programme or project assurance.
The firm also provides external audit and wider assurance services, allowing organisations to combine financial statement audit with reviews of governance, systems and control environments. Technology assurance can address cyber security, data governance, privacy controls and risks associated with digital transformation. Azets has a Bristol office at One Temple Quay.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Organisations requiring internal audit, governance and broader risk assurance support
- Core services: Internal audit, risk assurance, enterprise risk management, governance reviews, technology assurance, controls testing, external audit
- Specialization: Outsourced and co-sourced internal audit with governance, controls and technology risk assurance
Contact Information:
- Website: www.azets.com
- E-mail: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/azets
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/azets_uk
- Address: One Temple Quay, Temple Back East, Bristol BS1 6DZ
- Phone: 0117 405 9790
Milsted Langdon
Milsted Langdon provides audit and assurance services through a risk-focused process built around each organisation’s structure, reporting timetable, systems and key risk areas. Its audit programmes are designed to provide insight into financial performance and internal controls while identifying areas where processes may need strengthening.
The firm has a dedicated Bristol office in Redcliffe and provides audit and assurance alongside accountancy, corporate finance, forensic accounting and other business services. Its published assurance offering is most directly suited to organisations seeking financial statement audit and associated review of internal control rather than a broad outsourced enterprise risk function.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: Businesses looking for regional financial audit and control-focused assurance
- Core services: Audit and assurance, accountancy, forensic accounting, corporate finance
- Specialization: Risk-focused external audit
Contact Information:
- Website: www.milstedlangdon.co.uk
- E-mail: [email protected]
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/milsted-langdon-llp
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/milstedlangdon
- Address: Freshford House, Redcliffe Way, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6NL
- Phone: 0117 945 2500
ASW Assurance
ASW Assurance is a not-for-profit NHS consortium providing internal audit, assurance, counter fraud and consultancy services. Its work is focused primarily on healthcare organisations, including acute and mental health trusts, foundation trusts, Integrated Care Boards and social enterprises. The assurance practice examines governance, internal controls and organisational risks, with workplans able to include both core internal audits and more specialised assurance reviews.
Its wider consultancy capabilities cover risk management reviews, risk appetite and assurance framework development, information governance, cybersecurity, GDPR and information risk, health and safety compliance, clinical audit and cross-organisational reviews. Counter fraud services add another risk-focused area, addressing fraud identification, prevention, investigation and control. ASW Assurance has a dedicated Bristol office at Trust Headquarters on Marlborough Street.
Key Facts
- Ideal for: NHS bodies and healthcare organisations requiring internal audit and specialist assurance
- Core services: Internal audit, assurance, risk management reviews, governance, counter fraud, information governance and cybersecurity
- Specialization: Healthcare risk, governance and assurance
Contact Information:
- Website: aswassurance.co.uk
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Address: Finance Department, Trust Headquarters, Marlborough Street, Bristol, BS1 3NU
Conclusion
Risk and assurance services in Bristol range from statutory audit and financial controls work to fully outsourced internal audit, enterprise risk management, technology assurance, governance reviews and specialist regulatory reporting. Some firms concentrate mainly on financial audit and related control recommendations, while others have dedicated teams covering operational, cyber, technology and regulatory risk.
There is no single firm that suits every organisation. The appropriate choice depends on the type of assurance required, the complexity of the control environment, regulatory obligations, sector experience, budget and whether the organisation needs a local Bristol team or is comfortable working with a UK-wide provider.