Is A-LIGN a licensed CPA firm?
Yes. Price and Associates CPAs, LLC, doing business as A-LIGN ASSURANCE, is the licensed CPA firm that issues SOC reports and is PCAOB-registered. A-LIGN Compliance and Security, Inc., doing business as A-LIGN, is the cybersecurity and compliance services company.
A-LIGN’s own SOC 2 page, reviewed 20 August 2026, still leads with the firm claim that it is the world’s #1 SOC 2 issuer.
That legal split is the answer to the high-impression query “is A-LIGN a licensed SOC 2 auditor.” The services company and the CPA firm share a brand; the signature on the report should name the CPA entity. Founded in 2009 by Scott Price in Tampa. Hg acquired A-LIGN in July 2025 at a $1B+ valuation (HgCapital Trust contributed over $65M). Scott Price remains Founder and CEO; Steve Simmons became President in January 2026.
What volume does A-LIGN actually publish?
On 20 August 2026 A-LIGN’s SOC 2 page published 13.8k+ SOC 2 audits, 200+ SOC auditors, 96% satisfaction, plus 36k+ audits, 6.4k+ clients, and 400+ auditors. Those are the firm’s numbers, not an independent census.
The “#1 issuer” line is A-LIGN’s own ranking claim; other directories repeat it as self-reported.
The older 5,700+ client / 31,000+ audit figures on this profile are superseded by the current SOC page. Inc. 5000 appearance for nine consecutive years (2017-2025) remains a sourced growth signal, including #4344 in 2024 with 98% three-year revenue growth (2020-2023).
What is A-SCEND, including EvidenceIQ and Cross-Service?
A-SCEND is A-LIGN’s proprietary audit platform: evidence requests, auditor chat, and cross-framework mapping live in one system rather than in Vanta or Drata. In September 2025 it received FedRAMP 20x Low authorization. In March 2026 A-LIGN added EvidenceIQ (AI evidence scoring) and Cross-Service (reuse across frameworks).
In September 2025, A-SCEND became the first audit management platform from a top-3 3PAO to achieve FedRAMP 20x Low authorization. In March 2026, A-LIGN launched two new capabilities within A-SCEND: EvidenceIQ (AI-powered evidence evaluation with request-level scoring) and Cross-Service (cross-framework evidence reuse). Steve Cochran, formerly of ConnectWise, joined as Strategic Advisor in conjunction with that release.
De-Duplication Engine (The Game Changer)
“Most companies have multiple compliance standards they have to adhere to. Our software de-duplicates the requests, so there’s only one request for multiple standards. We test one time and can produce many reports.”
This is A-LIGN’s secret weapon: If you need SOC 2 + ISO 27001 + HITRUST, you don’t answer the same control questions three times. A-SCEND maps once and generates multiple reports from a single evidence collection process.
Real-Time Auditor Feedback
Unlike traditional audits where findings come at the end, A-SCEND provides continuous feedback during evidence collection. No surprises at the finish line - you know where you stand throughout the engagement.
Workflow Delegation & Global Collaboration
A-SCEND allows clients to delegate data gathering globally down to specific individuals and approve data before auditors see it. This creates a smooth internal workflow for distributed teams.
Proximity Visibility
The platform shows how close you are to fulfilling additional standards you may want to audit against in the future (e.g., “You’re 75% ready for ISO 27001”). That helps teams plan which frameworks to tackle next without re-collecting the same evidence.
Intuitive Interface
Client reviews consistently praise the platform’s user experience: “As easy as a SOC 2 audit could possibly be!” The system makes complex compliance “straightforward and educational.”
What audits does A-LIGN actually sell?
A-LIGN’s SOC menu is SOC 1, SOC 2 Type I and Type II, SOC 3, SOC for Cybersecurity, and ISAE 3000. Beyond SOC it sells ISO 27001/27701/42001, HITRUST, PCI DSS, FedRAMP, CMMC (C3PAO since January 2021 on the firm’s account), pentesting, and privacy/risk assessments. Readiness is a separate paid assessment, not the attest report.
SOC Attestations:
- SOC 1 (financial service organization controls)
- SOC 2 Type I (point-in-time design assessment)
- SOC 2 Type II (3-12 month operational effectiveness)
- SOC 3 (public summary reports)
- SOC for Cybersecurity
- ISAE 3000 (international standard integrated with SOC for global customers)
SOC 2 Readiness Assessment:
A-LIGN offers comprehensive readiness assessments that evaluate an organization’s controls to identify gaps and provide opportunity for remediation prior to the official audit. This service is specifically designed for first-time SOC seekers to “bridge knowledge gaps, understand how controls are evaluated, and grasp how SOC attestation impacts the broader business.”
Beyond SOC:
Based on A-LIGN’s market position and service portfolio:
- ISO 27001/27701/42001
- HITRUST CSF
- PCI DSS
- FedRAMP
- CMMC (C3PAO Authorized since January 2021)
- Penetration Testing
- Privacy & Risk Assessments
How does an A-LIGN SOC 2 engagement actually run?
A-LIGN sells a consultative path: optional readiness, then Type 1 or Type 2 testing inside A-SCEND, with auditor feedback during evidence collection rather than only at the end. Type 2 observation is typically 3–12 months on A-LIGN’s SOC page. The CPA firm still issues the report; readiness does not replace attestation.
✓ Readiness assessments for first-time SOC seekers
✓ Educational materials to help companies understand compliance impact on business
✓ Process improvement recommendations over pure gap identification
✓ Partnership mindset: “Works hard to set up clients for success without compromising integrity of resulting reports”
From client feedback:
“Earning our SOC 2 report has greatly impacted this conversation and allows us to establish a sense of trust and maturity… has given Raindrop the ability to take our business to the next level and secure more customers.”, Ward Karson, COO, Raindrop
What do clients say about A-LIGN?
Named reviews on this page (Jitterbit, Nasdaq, A-SCEND users) stress a usable portal, responsive auditors, and an educational tone rather than an interrogation. There is no same-day SLA in the public materials.
1. Customer Service Excellence
“Exceptional security auditor. Proactive approach and excellent customer service.”, Will Au, Jitterbit
“Responsive and continuously works to improve processes”, Amrik Johal, Nasdaq
2. Platform Experience
“The A-SCEND system is intuitive and comprehensive. It makes preparing less daunting.”
3. Educational Value
“Straightforward and educational”, Will Au, VP Engineering, Jitterbit
A-LIGN provides responsive support without specific same-day guarantees, but “responsive” and “proactive” appear frequently in testimonials.
Who is A-LIGN a good fit for?
A-LIGN fits teams that need SOC 2 now and ISO, HITRUST, or PCI next, and that will actually use A-SCEND rather than fight a portal. It is a poor fit when the report has to carry a Big Four name or when you want a boutique, email-only auditor.
Best Fit For:
- Companies needing multiple compliance frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, PCI) where A-SCEND’s de-duplication creates massive efficiency
- First-time audit seekers wanting an educational/consultative approach rather than interrogation
- Technology-enabled companies prioritizing platform-driven audits over traditional relationship-based approaches
- Fast-growing companies needing scalable audit relationships that grow with them
- Global companies requiring both U.S. and international standards (ISAE 3000 capability)
- Organizations pursuing compliance roadmaps - A-SCEND’s proximity visibility helps plan future certifications
Not Ideal For:
- Companies wanting Big 4 brand prestige for IPO/investor optics
- Organizations requiring highly specialized niche frameworks (A-LIGN is broad, not ultra-specialized)
- Companies uncomfortable with platform-driven audits who prefer traditional hands-on approaches
- Price-sensitive startups wanting absolute lowest cost (mid-market specialist pricing)
How big is A-LIGN, and who owns it?
Hg acquired A-LIGN in July 2025 at a $1B+ valuation; Scott Price remains founder and CEO. Current SOC-page volume is 13.8k+ SOC 2 audits and 6.4k+ clients. Treat “#1 issuer” as A-LIGN’s claim.
Market Leadership:
- #1 issuer of SOC 2 reports globally
- ~700 employees = deep bench strength
- 5,700+ clients worldwide, 31,000+ audits completed lifetime
- 20+ years industry experience (founder Scott Price)
Financial Stability:
- $92M+ revenue = sustainable at scale
- Backed by Hg at a $1B+ valuation (acquired July 2025); European expansion is a stated strategic priority
- Resources for R&D, platform development, and continued geographic growth
Growth Trajectory:
- 98% three-year revenue growth (2020-2023), per Inc. 5000 2024
- Inc. 5000 #4344 (2024); nine consecutive years on the list (2017-2025)
- Continuous platform investment, including FedRAMP 20x Low authorization for A-SCEND
What is actually different about A-LIGN?
The durable difference is A-SCEND’s “test once, produce many reports” mapping across SOC, ISO, HITRUST, and HIPAA, plus EvidenceIQ scoring added in March 2026. The Hg check funds that platform; it does not replace the CPA signature.
A-SCEND’s “test once, produce many reports” capability is unique among auditors. For companies running SOC 2, ISO, HITRUST, and HIPAA together, one evidence set can feed multiple reports instead of parallel audit cycles.
2. Platform Network Effects
With 5,700+ clients on A-SCEND, the platform benefits from network effects: more clients = better data, benchmarks, and best practices embedded in the system.
3. International Capability
ISAE 3000 offering demonstrates serious international focus. Companies expanding globally can maintain a single auditor relationship rather than U.S. auditor + international auditor.
4. Educational DNA
From founding vision through client delivery, A-LIGN emphasizes education and partnership over checklist compliance. This approach resonates particularly well with first-time audit seekers.
5. Hg Backing and European Expansion
The July 2025 Hg acquisition at a $1B+ valuation signals strong institutional confidence and funds continued platform investment. European expansion is a stated strategic priority under Hg, giving globally operating clients a credible roadmap for in-region coverage.
How much does an A-LIGN SOC 2 cost, and how long does it take?
A-LIGN does not publish a rate card. Directory estimates remain $10,000–$20,000 Type I and $15,000–$50,000 Type II, with a 3–12 month Type II observation window on A-LIGN’s own SOC page. A 2025 Reddit comment of about $12k for a small SaaS engagement is one data point, not a list price.
Pricing Range (Estimated):
While A-LIGN doesn’t publicly disclose pricing, industry sources and client discussions suggest:
- SOC 2 Type I: $10,000 - $20,000
- SOC 2 Type II (3-month window): $15,000 - $30,000
- SOC 2 Type II (6-12 month window): $25,000 - $50,000
- Enterprise/Complex: $50,000 - $100,000+
Positioning: Mid-market specialist pricing - significantly cheaper than Big 4 ($60K-$400K+) but not the absolute cheapest. Client testimonial from Reddit (2025): “$12K auditor fees for small SaaS company” suggests competitive pricing for straightforward engagements.
Timeline:
- Type I: 4-8 weeks from kickoff to report delivery
- Type II Observation Period: 3-12 months (client choice)
- Type II Fieldwork: 4-8 weeks post-observation period
- Report Delivery: 2-4 weeks post-fieldwork
- Total Type II Timeline: 4-14 months depending on observation window and readiness
What should a buyer watch for?
A-SCEND is the advantage and the dependency: if you will not live in that portal, the multi-framework pitch weakens. Scale (6.4k+ clients) also means less boutique white-glove than a 20-person firm. There is still no public rate card.
Strengths:
✓ Proven scale - 5,700+ clients globally demonstrates consistent delivery
✓ Technology moat - A-SCEND de-duplication is defensible IP; FedRAMP 20x Low authorized
✓ Financial backing - Hg acquisition at $1B+ valuation; European expansion underway
✓ Clean reputation - No scandals, regulatory actions, or major controversies
✓ Multi-framework efficiency - Unique value for companies needing SOC 2 + ISO + HITRUST combinations
Potential Considerations:
- Platform dependency risk - If A-SCEND has technical issues, differentiation erodes
- Scale vs. personalization trade-off - 5,700+ clients may mean less white-glove feel than boutiques
- No public pricing - Creates buyer friction requiring sales calls/quotes
When should a buyer shortlist A-LIGN?
Compare Schellman if federal or classified work dominates, and Coalfire if FedRAMP High plus a native assessment platform is the constraint. A-LIGN ASSURANCE still has to be the signer, and A-SCEND only pays off if the team will actually live in that portal.
A-LIGN represents platform-enabled compliance at scale. Their A-SCEND system isn’t marketing fluff; it’s a genuine competitive advantage that fundamentally changes the economics of multi-framework compliance. The March 2026 additions of EvidenceIQ and Cross-Service extend that lead further.
For companies needing SOC 2 today, ISO 27001 next quarter, and HITRUST next year, A-LIGN’s “test once, produce many reports” model creates massive efficiency. The educational approach and readiness assessments make them particularly well-suited for first-time audit seekers who want guidance rather than interrogation.
The 700-person team, 5,700+ client base, and Hg backing at a $1B+ valuation signal financial stability and operational maturity. This isn’t a boutique shop that might disappear; it’s a scaled operation with staying power and a clear expansion roadmap into Europe.
However, A-LIGN is optimized for private mid-market companies with multi-framework compliance needs, not public companies requiring Big 4 prestige or organizations wanting boutique personalization. The platform-driven approach is either a massive advantage (if you value efficiency) or a limitation (if you prefer traditional relationship-based auditing).
If your compliance roadmap includes multiple frameworks and you value technology-enabled efficiency over auditor brand prestige, A-LIGN’s combination of scale, platform capability, and educational approach is genuinely differentiated in the specialist auditor market.
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