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Find SOC 2 Auditors Near You
Connect with verified CPA firms and compliance specialists in your city. Local expertise for your SOC 2 journey.
All Auditors
75 firmsPrescient Security
New York, NY, USA
KirkpatrickPrice
Nashville, TN, USA
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
New York, NY, USA
EY (Ernst & Young)
New York, NY, USA
Baker Tilly (formerly Moss Adams)
Chicago, IL, USA
Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI)
Enterprise, AL, USA
Deloitte Australia
Sydney, Australia
KPMG Australia
Sydney, Australia
Grant Thornton Australia
Sydney, Australia
CyberSapiens Australia
Multiple Australian locations, Australia
Deloitte Germany
Munich, Germany
CyberSapiens Germany
Multiple German locations, Germany
Northern Compliance Partners
Minneapolis, MN, USA
Atlantic Assurance Group
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Central Compliance Advisors
Kansas City, MO, USA
CBIZ (formerly Marcum LLP)
New York, NY / Cleveland, OH, USA
Zero Day CPA
West Bloomfield, MI, USA
Oread Risk & Advisory
Olathe, KS, USA
No auditors found in this location.
We couldn't find any firms exactly matching that search, but many top-rated auditors work remotely.
Why Local?
While SOC 2 audits can be done remotely, many companies prefer a local firm for easier communication and on-site visits if needed.
- Same time zone
- Local market knowledge
- Easier collaboration
Quick Tips
- • Remote audits often cost 10-15% less
- • Local presence doesn't guarantee faster service
- • Consider timezone overlap for responsiveness
Local vs Remote: What Actually Matters
Here's the truth: For 80% of companies, auditor location doesn't matter. Modern SOC 2 audits are conducted almost entirely remotely, even when the auditor is in the same city.
When Location Actually Matters
Choose Local If:
- ✓ Regulated industry requires on-site visits (healthcare, financial services with physical branches)
- ✓ Physical infrastructure needs inspection (data centers, manufacturing with IoT)
- ✓ Government contracts specify local presence requirements
- ✓ Stakeholder preference (board, investors demand face-to-face meetings)
- ✓ First audit and your team prefers in-person guidance
Remote Works Fine If:
- ✓ Cloud-native SaaS with no physical infrastructure
- ✓ Distributed team already works remotely
- ✓ Budget conscious and want best price
- ✓ Fast turnaround is priority (remote = larger talent pool)
- ✓ Evidence collection is already digital/automated
The Hidden Factors: What Actually Impacts Your Experience
1. Timezone Overlap
This matters more than physical location. An auditor in your timezone (even if remote) responds faster than a local auditor who's always in client meetings.
Example: A Seattle company working with a NYC remote auditor (3-hour difference) often gets faster responses than working with a local Seattle firm where partners are overbooked.
2. Team Availability & Responsiveness
Specialist firms (often remote) typically respond within hours. Big Four local firms? Sometimes 3-5 business days.
What to ask: "What's your typical response time during the audit?" and "Can you provide references about your responsiveness?"
3. Technology Platform
Modern auditors use platforms like A-SCEND, Vanta, or Drata for evidence collection. This makes location completely irrelevant.
Red flag: An auditor who insists on in-person meetings for evidence collection probably has an outdated process.
Cost Implications: Local vs Remote
| Factor | Local Auditor | Remote Auditor |
|---|---|---|
| Base Audit Fee | Typically same or higher | Often 10-15% lower |
| Travel Expenses | $0 (if no on-site visits) | $0 or minimal |
| Flexibility | Limited to local market rates | Access to competitive national pricing |
| Timeline | Depends on local capacity | Larger talent pool = faster start |
Regional Pricing Variations
SOC 2 audit pricing varies significantly by metro area, primarily due to talent costs and local competition, not audit quality.
Pricing by Major Metro Area
Tier 1: $25K-$90K
- • San Francisco / Silicon Valley
- • New York City
- • Boston
- • Los Angeles
- • Seattle
Tier 2: $20K-$70K
- • Austin
- • Denver
- • Chicago
- • Atlanta
- • Washington DC
Tier 3: $15K-$50K
- • Remote/Virtual firms
- • Salt Lake City
- • Raleigh-Durham
- • Phoenix
- • Midwest markets
💡 Pro Tip: Geographic Arbitrage
Companies in expensive markets (SF, NYC) can save 30-40% by hiring remote specialists from lower-cost markets without sacrificing quality. The audit standards are identical regardless of auditor location.
Why Prices Vary by Location
CPA Salary Differences
A senior auditor in San Francisco costs $120K-$180K. Same role in Salt Lake City: $80K-$120K. Firms pass these costs to clients.
Local Demand Dynamics
In tech-heavy cities, auditors can charge premium rates because demand outstrips supply. Secondary markets are more competitive.
Office Overhead
Prestigious downtown SF office: $150/sq ft. Remote-first firm: minimal overhead. Guess who has better pricing?
Questions to Ask Local (or Remote) Auditors
Whether you're considering a local or remote auditor, ask these questions to evaluate their true capabilities.
About Location & Logistics
- → "How many of your SOC 2 audits are conducted fully remotely vs. on-site?" Most should be remote. If they say 50%+ require on-site, their process may be outdated.
- → "What timezone are your auditors in, and what are your typical response times?" Same-day responses are ideal. 24-48 hours is acceptable. 3-5 days is a red flag.
- → "Do you charge travel expenses if we need an on-site visit?" Clarify upfront. Some firms include 1-2 visits, others bill hourly + expenses.
- → "Can you provide local client references I can contact?" If they're truly local specialists, they should have multiple nearby clients.
About Technology & Process
- → "What platform do you use for evidence collection and collaboration?" Modern platforms (A-SCEND, AuditBoard) enable seamless remote work. Email/Dropbox is a red flag.
- → "How do you handle video calls and screen shares for walkthroughs?" Should be routine using Zoom/Teams. Reluctance to use video = communication issues ahead.
Top Markets for SOC 2 Auditors
Not all cities are created equal when it comes to SOC 2 auditor availability and expertise.
Highest Auditor Density
- 1 San Francisco Bay Area
30+ local firms. Specializes in SaaS, FinTech. Premium pricing.
- 2 New York City
25+ firms. Strong in FinTech, AdTech. Big Four presence.
- 3 Austin
15+ firms. Growing tech hub. Better pricing than SF/NYC.
- 4 Seattle
12+ firms. Cloud/SaaS expertise (AWS, Microsoft connections).
- 5 Boston
10+ firms. Healthcare, biotech, SaaS. Academic connections.
Best Value Markets
- Salt Lake City
Growing SOC 2 hub. 20-30% cheaper than coastal cities.
- Denver
Strong talent pool. Competitive rates. Mountain timezone.
- Raleigh-Durham
Research Triangle expertise. Excellent value.
- Remote/Virtual Firms
Often the best combination of price and quality.
⚠️ Small Market Warning
If you're in a small market with limited local options, don't force a local hire just for proximity. A top-tier remote auditor will deliver better results than a mediocre local one. Quality > Geography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a local SOC 2 auditor?
No, for most companies. Unless you have physical infrastructure requiring on-site inspection or stakeholder requirements for local presence, remote auditors work just as well—often better, with faster response times and lower costs. Modern SOC 2 audits are 95%+ remote regardless of auditor location.
Will a local auditor cost more or less?
It depends on your market. In expensive metros (SF, NYC), local auditors typically cost 10-30% more than remote specialists from lower-cost markets. In mid-tier markets, pricing is comparable. The key is to compare like-for-like (specialist to specialist, not Big Four to boutique).
Example: A SF local firm might charge $45K-$80K for Type 2. A remote specialist: $25K-$50K. Same scope, same quality, big price difference.
Can I switch from remote to local (or vice versa) mid-audit?
Technically yes, but it's expensive and time-consuming. Switching auditors mid-process means starting over with scoping, evidence collection, and testing. You'll lose 2-4 months and pay termination fees. Choose carefully upfront. If responsiveness is an issue, address it directly with your current auditor first.
How do I verify an auditor is actually local vs. just has an address?
Ask for local client references and verify their team is based in your area (not just a satellite office). During the proposal process, ask: "Which team members will work on my audit, and where are they located?" If the entire team is remote, that's fine—just don't pay a premium for "local" service you're not getting.
What if my board/investors insist on a local auditor?
Educate them on modern audit practices. Share that 90% of SOC 2 audits are now conducted remotely, even by Big Four firms. If they still insist, ask why: Is it for in-person meetings? Perceived responsiveness? Address the underlying concern rather than assuming location solves it.
Alternative: Hire a remote auditor who commits to quarterly in-person check-ins. You get best-of-both-worlds.
Should I prioritize location or firm tier (Big 4 vs specialist)?
Firm tier matters 10x more than location. A remote specialist auditor will serve you better than a local Big Four team that's overbooked and unresponsive. Focus on: (1) responsiveness, (2) relevant industry experience, (3) pricing, (4) timeline. Then consider location only if it's a true requirement.
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