Why SOC Audits Matter More Than Ever
In today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, SOC audits have moved from being “nice-to-have” to a critical business requirement. Companies across SaaS, fintech, healthcare, and enterprise sectors face mounting pressure from customers, partners, and regulators to demonstrate robust security practices and maintain compliance with industry standards.
SOC audits—covering SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 reports serving as a formal validation of an organization’s internal controls, security posture, and operational integrity. These audits not only reassure stakeholders but also differentiate companies in highly competitive markets. For example, SaaS providers handling sensitive customer data need SOC 2 Type II compliance to demonstrate ongoing operational security, while financial and healthcare organizations may rely on SOC 1 reports to verify the accuracy of financial reporting or compliance with HIPAA-related controls.
Beyond regulatory requirements, SOC audits are increasingly integral to sales enablement. Prospective clients often request SOC reports before entering contracts, particularly when data security is a top concern. Independent audits provide credibility that internal assessments cannot be replicated. Choosing the right SOC audit firm ensures that organizations not only pass audits but also gain actionable insights to strengthen their security controls, streamline operational processes, and prepare for future regulatory demands.
This guide covers everything you need to know to select the best SOC audit firm for your organization. We’ll explore what makes a top SOC auditor, review 14 leading firms in the market, and provide practical guidance on how to choose the right partner.
What Makes a Top SOC Audit Firm?
SOC audits are not one-size-fits-all. Selecting a high-quality SOC audit firm requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Key characteristics of top SOC auditors include:
- Independence & Credibility: CPA credentials, independence, and a history of unbiased assessments. Auditors must maintain strict separation from the organization to ensure report integrity.
- Deep Technical Expertise: Understanding cloud architectures, SaaS environments, fintech systems, and healthcare platforms is critical for accurately assessing controls.
- Multi-Framework Knowledge: Leading firms are adept at SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, and complementary frameworks such as ISO 27001, HITRUST, and FedRAMP. This allows for cohesive, scalable audit strategies.
- Scalability & Flexibility: The ability to support both small startups and large enterprises, providing tailored engagement models and resource allocation.
- Advisory & Readiness Services: High-quality auditors provide guidance on pre-audit preparation, control maturity, and remediation, ensuring a smoother audit process.
- Transparent Reporting: Clear, actionable reports help organizations understand findings, mitigate risks, and leverage compliance certifications for market advantage.
A top SOC audit firm combines technical rigor with strategic advisory, helping companies meet compliance mandates while driving continuous security improvements.
Best SOC Audit Firms
Tevora is a leading cybersecurity and compliance firm recognized for its SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, and multi-framework audit expertise. With deep experience across SaaS, healthcare, fintech, and cloud environments, Tevora pairs rigorous audit methodology with strong advisory support. Known for clarity and technical precision, their readiness-to-audit engagements help organizations streamline preparation, identify control gaps, and ensure efficient audit execution. Tevora is often recommended for companies seeking a trusted, long-term SOC compliance partner.
2. Prescient Security
Prescient Security is a risk-based SOC audit and testing firm with a focus on cloud and application security. Their auditors take a proactive approach to identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening internal controls, making them ideal for organizations with complex technical environments. Prescient’s combination of security testing and compliance expertise ensures that audits are not just procedural exercises but opportunities to enhance security posture.
3. Johanson Group LLP
A boutique CPA auditor, Johanson Group LLP is renowned for hands-on delivery and personalized SOC 2 engagements. They emphasize direct collaboration with client teams, ensuring that each audit is tailored to the organization’s unique operational structure and technology stack. Johanson’s smaller team model provides consistent auditor engagement, often resulting in faster turnaround times and more in-depth understanding of client controls.
4. Sensiba
Sensiba is a Top 100 CPA firm and certified B Corp, offering transparent, fixed-fee SOC 2 audits. Their focus on clarity, affordability, and process efficiency makes them a strong choice for mid-market SaaS and technology companies. Sensiba combines industry-standard audit methodology with practical guidance, helping clients achieve compliance without overburdening internal resources.
5. Zero Day CPA
Zero Day CPA specializes in SOC 2 and HIPAA audits, offering flexible delivery models for organizations of varying sizes. Their approach emphasizes pre-audit readiness and control documentation, allowing companies to address potential gaps before formal assessment. Zero Day’s flexibility and technical understanding make them a popular choice for startups and smaller enterprises navigating complex compliance requirements.
6. Insight Assurance
Insight Assurance is a multi-framework audit firm offering SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, and around-the-clock support. Their team provides both assessment services and advisory support, helping organizations align operational controls with evolving security and compliance demands. Insight Assurance’s integrated approach ensures that audits are more than checkpoints—they’re actionable roadmaps for continuous improvement.
7. PwC
PwC offers enterprise-focused SOC 2+ assessments with deep multi-attestation capabilities. Their global presence and large-scale audit infrastructure make them ideal for multinational organizations seeking consistent, high-quality audits across regions. PwC combines sophisticated audit methodology with strategic advisory, providing actionable insights for long-term compliance management.
8. BARR Advisory
BARR Advisory is a SOC 2 firm accredited as an ISO 27001 certification body, bringing deep expertise in cloud environments and security frameworks. Their team supports organizations throughout the audit lifecycle, from readiness assessments to post-audit advisory. BARR’s specialized focus ensures thorough evaluations and actionable recommendations.
9. A-LIGN
A-LIGN is a high-volume SOC auditor backed by a full-service audit platform and a large team of assessors. Their process-driven approach is ideal for organizations that require scalability without sacrificing technical rigor. A-LIGN’s integrated tools streamline evidence collection, reporting, and remediation tracking, reducing administrative burden and accelerating audit completion.
10. Schellman & Company
Schellman & Company operates one of the largest SOC practices in the U.S., specializing exclusively in SOC audits. Their breadth of experience, particularly with enterprise SaaS and regulated industries, allows for precise, efficient assessments. Schellman emphasizes process maturity, technical depth, and clear reporting, making them a top-tier choice for organizations of all sizes.
11. Baker Tilly
Baker Tilly is a Global Top 10 CPA firm conducting high-scale SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 2+ assessments. Their global network and deep audit expertise make them ideal for organizations requiring multi-location assessments or integration with other regulatory frameworks. Baker Tilly combines technical expertise with strategic guidance, enabling clients to strengthen security posture while achieving compliance goals.
12. Linford & Company
Linford & Company is a CPA firm focused on SOC audits, bringing Big Four lineage and technical rigor to each engagement. Their auditors are highly experienced in SaaS, fintech, and healthcare environments, providing precise, reliable, and actionable audit outcomes. Linford emphasizes readiness, evidence management, and control maturity, ensuring smooth audit execution.
13. Control Logics
Control Logics specializes in SOC readiness, helping clients’ mature controls prior to formal audits. By focusing on preparation and remediation, they enable organizations to minimize audit findings and accelerate certification timelines. Their advisory-centric approach makes them a valuable partner for first-time SOC clients or organizations undergoing rapid growth.
14. Oread Risk & Advisory
Oread Risk & Advisory is a boutique IT risk and SOC audit firm offering tailored engagements. Their focus on specialized risk areas and personalized service ensures audits are aligned with business goals, regulatory obligations, and technical complexity. Oread’s approach is particularly beneficial for mid-sized organizations seeking detailed guidance and hands-on support.
How to Choose the Right SOC Audit Firm
Selecting a SOC audit firm requires evaluating multiple dimensions to ensure alignment with your organization’s needs. Key considerations include:
Verify Credentials & Independence Requirements
Ensure the firm adheres to professional auditing standards. Independence is critical for credibility and is a non-negotiable requirement for SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports.
Review the Audit Methodology and Timeline
Examine the firm’s audit approach, including control testing methodology, sampling techniques, and evidence review process. Understand expected timelines and whether the firm can accommodate your reporting deadlines without compromising quality.
Assess Experience in Your Industry & Tech Stack
Audit firms familiar with your industry and technology stack can provide more precise assessments. SaaS providers, fintech platforms, and healthcare organizations face unique compliance and security considerations that require specialized expertise.
Understand Scope, Pricing & Deliverables
Clarify audit scope, associated costs, and deliverables. Ensure deliverables include comprehensive reports with actionable insights.
Evaluate Tooling, Automation & Workflow Efficiency
Modern audit firms leverage tools and platforms to streamline evidence collection, automate control testing, and enhance reporting efficiency. Firms using advanced tooling can reduce manual workload and accelerate audit cycles.
Confirm Post-Audit Support & Remediation Guidance
Top SOC firms provide advisory support after the audit, helping organizations address findings, implement control improvements, and prepare for future assessments. Confirm that ongoing guidance is part of the engagement.
Ensure Firm Scale Matches Company Size & Complexity
Large enterprise clients may require firms with multi-location capabilities, while smaller organizations may prefer boutique firms for personalized attention. Align firm capacity with organizational scale for effective audit execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a SOC Audit?
A SOC (System and Organization Controls) audit is an independent assessment of an organization’s internal controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, or privacy. It validates that controls are appropriately designed and operate effectively.
What is a SOC 2 Type II audit?
A SOC 2 Type II audit evaluates the design and operational effectiveness of controls over a defined period, typically six to twelve months. It provides detailed evidence that an organization’s security controls are not only implemented but consistently followed.
How much does a SOC audit cost?
SOC audit costs vary based on scope, organization size, complexity, and engagement model.
How long does a SOC audit take?
SOC audit timelines can vary. Factors influencing timeline include control complexity, pre-audit readiness, and audit firm resources.
How do you prepare for a SOC audit?
Preparation includes:
- Performing a gap assessment against SOC criteria
- Documenting internal controls and policies
- Implementing control improvements
- Engaging a qualified audit firm early for advisory support
How often should SOC audits be performed?
SOC 2 audits are typically performed annually. Type II audits require continuous monitoring of controls over a defined period. Frequent audits help maintain compliance, improve controls, and assure stakeholders.
What industries require a SOC audit?
SOC audits are common in:
- SaaS and cloud service providers
- Fintech and financial institutions
- Healthcare and HIPAA-regulated entities
- Enterprise vendors handling sensitive customer or financial data
