In a compilation engagement, the accountant presents in the form of financial statements information that is the representation of management (owners) without undertaking to express any assurance on the statements. In other words, using management's records, the accountant creates financial statements without gathering evidence or opining about the validity of those underlying records. Because compiled financial statements provide the reader no assurance regarding the statements, they represent the lowest level of financial statement service accountants can provide to their clients. Accordingly, standards governing compilation engagements require that financial statements presented by the accountant to the client or third parties must at least be compiled.