StowbillE-signature for engagement letters, representation letters and reports
Waiting for a signed engagement letter or representation letter can hold up an audit for days. Stowbill sends the document for signature from inside the engagement, records strong evidence of who signed what and when, and ticks the matching checklist item when it's done.
How signing works
- Upload the letter or report as a working paper, then request a signature from the client's signatory or a partner.
- The signer gets an email link, downloads and reads the exact document, and asks for a one-time code sent to their email.
- They enter the code, type their full name and tick a consent statement.
- Stowbill checks the document hasn't changed since the request, records the signature, and emails a certificate to the signer and the engagement leader.
The evidence recorded
| Evidence | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| SHA-256 fingerprint of the document | Proves which exact file was signed; any later change is detectable |
| Email verified by one-time code | Links the signature to the signer's mailbox |
| Typed name and consent wording | Shows intent to sign electronically |
| Time (UTC), IP address and browser | Places the signing event |
| Certificate with its own stored hash | Shows a warning if the stored record is altered after signing |
Legal position, in brief
Pakistan's Electronic Transactions Ordinance 2002 accepts electronic signatures where the law requires a signature, and gives advanced electronic signatures a presumption of authenticity. The UAE's Federal Decree-Law 46 of 2021 governs electronic transactions and trust services. Stowbill provides a simple electronic signature with a strong audit trail, which suits engagement and representation letters in most situations.
Some filings may require a wet or advanced signature. Stowbill shows a reminder on auditor's reports to check what your regulator or filing portal accepts. This is general information, not legal advice.
Questions
Does the signer need an account?
No. They use the link in their email and a one-time code.
What happens if the document changes after the request?
Signing is blocked, and you send a new request for the updated version.
Can partners sign the auditor's report this way?
They can record approval this way. Check whether your regulator's filing process requires a different form of signature.
Last reviewed 27 October 2026. General information, not professional or legal advice.
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