Finding a SOC 2 auditor: What to look for

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SOC 2 compliance is a critical milestone for any service organization handling customer data. It’s not a certification, but an independent attestation conducted by a licensed CPA firm to evaluate how well your controls align with the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria (TSC): security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

Choosing the right auditor directly impacts how effective your audit experience will be. From determining scope to managing timelines and avoiding rework, a good auditor brings both technical skill and procedural rigor. A poor fit, on the other hand, can result in delays, higher costs, or a report that doesn’t meet your customers’ expectations.

This article will help you evaluate key attributes to look for in a SOC 2 auditor, how to match their capabilities to your business needs, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Understanding the SOC 2 framework

At its core, SOC 2 is about increasing trust. It enables service organizations—especially those in cloud, SaaS, and managed services—to prove they have strong controls in place for safeguarding customer data.

SOC 2 reports are divided into Type 1 and Type 2:

1. Type 1 evaluates whether controls are suitably designed at a specific point in time.
2. Type 2 evaluates both the design and operating effectiveness of controls over a defined period (typically 3–12 months).

The process starts with scoping—selecting which TSC apply to your operations—and drafting a system description. Your auditor then reviews supporting evidence, evaluates technical and procedural controls, and issues an attestation report. Type 2 reports will also detail the auditor’s tests and their results.

Qualities to look for in an auditor

Your auditor is not just a box checker—they are a key partner in your compliance journey. Here’s what to prioritize when selecting one.

Relevant experience and accreditation. Only licensed CPA firms can issue SOC 2 attestation reports. That baseline is non-negotiable. But beyond credentials, look for experience with similar company sizes, technical environments, and industries. Familiarity with your sector reduces ramp-up time and helps ensure your auditor truly understands your risks.

Technical depth matters. SOC 2 isn’t a purely financial audit. Controls often rely on cloud infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and identity providers. Your auditor should be able to interpret technical evidence—like system logs or IAM policies—and offer insights that improve your control design, not just confirm its existence.

Strong communication and project management. Clear expectations, regular status updates, and excellent coordination make the difference between a smooth audit and a scramble. Look for auditors with a structured onboarding process, defined timelines, and a collaborative approach. This is particularly important for Type 2 audits, which span several months.

Use of modern tools and automation. Evidence collection is one of the most labor-intensive parts of a SOC 2 audit. Platforms that integrate with your cloud stack can streamline this significantly. While the audit itself must be performed independently, your auditor should be comfortable working with automated tools and pre-validated evidence.

Proven reputation and references. Ask to speak with clients who have been through a full audit cycle. Were deadlines met? Was guidance actionable? Did the auditor identify risks before they escalated? Reputation is often the single best predictor of audit quality and reliability.

Evaluating fit for your organization

Every organization’s compliance needs are different. A startup pursuing its first Type 1 report has very different needs than an enterprise preparing for a recurring Type 2.

Match scope and complexity to your maturity. If you’re early in your compliance journey, find an auditor who can help you define your system description, clarify scope, and avoid overengineering controls. Mature companies may benefit more from deeper control testing and integration across compliance frameworks.

Align on budget, timelines, and expectations. SOC 2 audits aren’t one-size-fits-all. Make sure your auditor provides a clear scope of work, an achievable schedule, and transparent pricing. Avoid promises that sound too good to be true—especially when it comes to Type 2 timelines.

Consider alignment across frameworks. If you’re pursuing ISO 27001, HIPAA, or other frameworks alongside SOC 2, your auditor should understand how controls map across standards. This avoids duplicating effort and enables unified evidence collection and testing.

Common mistakes when choosing an auditor

Rushing into a decision based on surface-level factors can cost you later. Avoid these frequent missteps.

Choosing based on price or speed alone. Auditors who promise the fastest or cheapest audit often cut corners or lack the experience to anticipate pitfalls. A poorly scoped or poorly executed audit risks delays, rework, or even rejection by your customer’s security team.

Overlooking technical alignment. Your auditor doesn’t need to be a DevOps engineer, but they should be comfortable reviewing logs, interpreting cloud permissions, and understanding the architecture behind your controls. If not, review cycles can drag—and critical controls may be misrepresented.

Assuming the relationship ends with the report. A strong audit partner provides remediation guidance and long-term insight, especially when transitioning from Type 1 to Type 2, or expanding your compliance program. Post-report support is essential to maintaining your compliance posture between audits.

How Thoropass helps

With Thoropass, you don’t have to navigate SOC 2 alone. Our platform and people work together to guide you from readiness to successful audit—without the confusion.

We pair you with experienced, independent auditors who are fully licensed and meet AICPA requirements. These auditors issue the final SOC 2 report, but the process is made faster, clearer, and less manual using Thoropass technology.

Our platform includes automated evidence collection, pre-mapped control libraries, and real-time visibility into audit tasks and status. That means less time hunting for screenshots—and more time improving your risk posture.

Why it matters: Compliance shouldn’t slow you down. Thoropass helps you scale your program across frameworks while staying always audit-ready.

Schedule a discovery session today to learn how we can help simplify your SOC 2 journey—from start to audit.

Conclusion

Choosing the right SOC 2 auditor is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your compliance program. The right audit partner brings deep expertise, objective assurance, and a structured process to help you succeed. The wrong one can set you back months.

Even the most well-run organizations benefit from early preparation, automation, and clear coordination. With the right tools and auditor, the SOC 2 process becomes not just manageable, but valuable to your security posture and trust strategy.

Start preparing now—and choose an auditor who will match your pace and your goals.

FAQs about choosing an SOC 2 auditor

Do I need to use a Big Four accounting firm for my SOC 2 audit?

No. Any licensed, independent CPA firm can perform a SOC 2 audit. In fact, many specialized firms have deeper expertise in cloud and SaaS environments than the Big Four. What matters most is relevant experience, not firm size.

Can the same firm do both my audit and readiness work?

Not under AICPA rules if doing so would impair independence. Your audit must be performed by an independent CPA. Firms that provide both services must carefully manage engagement roles and responsibilities to avoid conflicts.

What’s the difference between a readiness assessment and a SOC 2 audit?

A readiness assessment helps you identify gaps and prepare your controls and evidence. A SOC 2 audit is the formal attestation process resulting in your final report. Many organizations complete a readiness phase before engaging an auditor to reduce risk and rework.