2 April 2026
Preparing Bank Confirmations Without the Usual Delays
Practical steps Japanese finance teams can take so confirmation replies arrive before fieldwork week closes.
Bank confirmations stall more audits than most other evidence. Branches still prefer paper in many prefectures, and holiday calendars can swallow a week of waiting.
Two weeks before fieldwork, list every account — operating, payroll, foreign currency, and unused facilities. Include the exact branch name and account number as they appear on the latest statement, not the nickname used in the general ledger.
Authorize the auditor as the requesting party in writing. When the bank’s form differs from our standard letter, we adapt rather than insisting on a format that clerks will reject.
Keep a tracker of mailed dates and follow-ups. If a facility confirmation is missing on the last fieldwork day, we escalate with management present so the delay does not surprise the board later.