Request for Proposals - External Audit Services

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - External Audit ServicesLegal Name: The Gilbert Centre for Social & Support Services Registered Charity Number: 892626342RT0001Issue Date: August 3, 2026Question Deadline: August 21, 2026Proposal Submission Deadline: August 31, 2026 Contract Term: Three (3) years, with an option to renew for up to two (2) additional years, subject to mutual agreement.The Gilbert Centre appreciates the interest of qualified firms and looks forward to receiving proposals for external audit services.1. About the Gilbert Centre Founded by Ed Gilbert, the Gilbert Centre has been in operation since 1995, serving communities across Simcoe County and Muskoka. Initially developed as a response to HIV/AIDS, the organization has grown to include comprehensive health, harm reduction, and support services for people living with, affected by, and at risk of HIV and Hepatitis C, as well as 2S-LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.Today, the Gilbert Centre operates as a registered charity and incorporated not-for-profit organization. Its work focuses on health equity and human rights, including harm reduction outreach, HIV and Hepatitis C testing and support, and 2S-LGBTQ+ programming across Simcoe and Muskoka. Additional information is available at .The Gilbert Centre is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is committed to accountability, transparency, equity, and responsible stewardship of public and donor funds.2. Purpose of the RFPThe Gilbert Centre invites qualified public accounting firms to submit proposals for the provision of independent external audit services.The selected auditor will conduct annual financial statement audits and provide recommendations regarding financial controls, risk management, compliance, and best practices appropriate for a charitable not-for-profit organization.This RFP is intended to support a fair, transparent, and competitive procurement process that promotes best value for the Gilbert Centre and its funders.3. Scope of Services3.1 Annual Financial Statement AuditThe successful proponent will conduct an independent audit of the organization's annual financial statements in accordance with: Canadian Auditing Standards (CAS); Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations (ASNPO); Applicable Canada Revenue Agency requirements for registered charities; Applicable funder and transfer payment reporting requirements; and Other applicable professional, regulatory, and reporting requirements. 3.2 Required DeliverablesThe annual audit fee should include all required audit deliverables, including support for the Annual Reconciliation Report (ARR) and funder schedules where applicable. Required deliverables include: Audit planning meeting with management and planning communication. Draft & final audited financial statements for management and committee review. Independent Auditor's Report and support related to ARR and required funder schedules, including review, sign-off, or audit-related documentation where applicable. Management Letter identifying internal control observations, risk areas, recommendations for improvement, and opportunities for enhanced financial governance. Presentation of audited financial statements to the Finance and Audit Committee and/or Board of Directors, and attendance at the Annual Members Meeting upon request. 3.3 Optional ServicesOptional services may be requested separately and should be priced separately from the annual audit fee. These may include consultation regarding accounting standards, internal control reviews, finance policy consultation, accounting advice, or support related to emerging reporting requirements.4. Organizational InformationThe successful auditor should anticipate the following organizational profile: Annual operating budget of approximately $1.7 million; Approximately 20 to 25 employees; Multiple government funding agreements; Charitable donations and fundraising revenues; Payroll administration; Restricted and unrestricted funds; Board-governed financial oversight structure; Accounting system: QuickBooks Online (QBO); Fiscal year-end: March 31; and Annual audit completion timeline aligned with fiscal year-end and funder reporting requirements. Illustrative background documents may be provided upon request or to shortlisted proponents, subject to confidentiality expectations. These may include prior audited financial statements, funder schedules, organizational charts, finance policies, and information regarding the organization's bookkeeping and accounting structure.5. Term of EngagementThe Gilbert Centre intends to enter into an agreement for three (3) annual audits, beginning with the fiscal year April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The audit will be conducted after the fiscal year-end.The organization may, at its discretion, extend the engagement for up to two (2) additional years, subject to mutual agreement and satisfactory performance.6. Required Audit TimelineThe audit must be completed in time to support the Gilber