Top SOC 2 Auditors & CPA Firms
SOC 2 audits must be performed by a licensed CPA firm. Choosing the right auditor can mean the difference between a smooth 6-week engagement and a painful 6-month ordeal. Below are established CPA firms that specialize in SOC 2 Type I and Type II reports, along with pricing estimates, specialties, and what to evaluate before signing an engagement letter.
What to Look For in a SOC 2 Auditor
- Verify the firm is a licensed CPA firm — only CPAs can issue SOC 2 reports under AICPA standards.
- Ask how many SOC 2 reports the firm has issued in the past 12 months. Look for firms with 100+ engagements annually.
- Confirm the firm has experience with your Trust Services Criteria (Security, Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, Privacy).
- Request a fixed-fee engagement letter — avoid firms that bill hourly with open-ended scopes.
- Ask about their readiness assessment process. Good auditors help you identify gaps before the formal audit begins.
- Check whether the firm provides a dedicated audit manager or rotates staff mid-engagement.
- Request references from companies of similar size and industry to yours.
SOC 2 Auditor Firms
Johanson Group
Colorado-based CPA firm specializing in SOC examinations. Known for a streamlined audit process and strong focus on technology companies. They offer readiness assessments and have deep experience with cloud-native architectures.
BARR Advisory
Cloud-focused CPA firm with deep AWS, Azure, and GCP expertise. BARR is known for understanding cloud architectures and can evaluate cloud-native controls more effectively than traditional accounting firms.
KirkpatrickPrice
Nashville-based firm known for competitive pricing and a technology-forward audit approach. They provide an online portal for evidence collection and are popular with startups going through their first SOC 2.
Schellman
One of the largest CPA firms focused exclusively on cybersecurity and compliance assessments. Schellman has issued thousands of SOC reports and is well-regarded for complex, multi-framework engagements.
A-LIGN
Full-service cybersecurity compliance firm offering SOC 2 alongside dozens of other frameworks. A-LIGN combines audit services with advisory and penetration testing, making them a one-stop shop for compliance.
Linford & Company
Denver-based CPA firm with a reputation for thorough readiness assessments and clear communication throughout the audit process. They work extensively with mid-market technology companies.
Sensiba
California-based CPA and advisory firm (formerly Sensiba San Filippo) with a strong technology and life sciences practice. They are known for working with venture-backed companies navigating their first SOC 2.
Insight Assurance
Tampa-based firm focused on IT audit and compliance. Insight Assurance is known for competitive pricing and a collaborative approach to SOC 2 engagements, particularly for first-time audits.
Prescient Security
New York-based cybersecurity and compliance firm with global reach. They serve clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies and offer multi-framework audit packages.
Modern Assurance
Columbus-based CPA firm focused on making SOC 2 accessible for startups and growing companies. They are known for transparent pricing and a streamlined, tech-forward audit workflow.
Pricing & Timeline
Typical Pricing
$12,000 – $100,000
Depending on organization size, scope, and complexity. First-time assessments may include readiness and gap analysis fees.
Expected Timeline
4-6 weeks for a readiness assessment, followed by 4-8 weeks for a Type I report or 3-12 months observation window plus 4-6 weeks for a Type II report.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II?
Type I evaluates the design of your controls at a single point in time. Type II evaluates the operating effectiveness of those controls over a period (typically 3-12 months). Most enterprise customers require Type II.
Can any CPA firm perform a SOC 2 audit?
Technically, any licensed CPA firm can issue a SOC 2 report. However, you should choose a firm with significant SOC 2 experience — ideally one that performs hundreds of engagements annually and understands modern technology stacks.
How long does a SOC 2 audit take?
A Type I audit typically takes 4-8 weeks from kickoff to report issuance. A Type II audit requires a 3-12 month observation period, followed by 4-6 weeks for fieldwork and report writing.
Should I get a readiness assessment before a SOC 2 audit?
Yes. A readiness assessment (also called a gap assessment) helps identify control gaps before the formal audit. This reduces the risk of exceptions in your final report and typically costs $5,000-$15,000.
What Trust Services Criteria should I include?
Security (Common Criteria) is always required. Most SaaS companies also include Availability and Confidentiality. Processing Integrity and Privacy are less common but may be required by specific customers or industries.
How much does a SOC 2 audit cost?
SOC 2 audits typically range from $12,000 to $100,000 depending on company size, complexity, number of Trust Services Criteria, and whether it is a Type I or Type II report. First-time audits tend to be more expensive.
Can I use a compliance automation platform instead of an auditor?
Compliance automation platforms (like Vanta, Drata, or Secureframe) help you prepare for an audit by automating evidence collection and monitoring. However, you still need a CPA firm to perform the actual SOC 2 examination and issue the report.
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