Find SOC 2 Auditors Near You

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 If they say 50%+ require on-site, their process may be outdated.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.

About Local Market Knowledge

• → "How many clients do you have in [your city/region]?"
  If they claim local expertise, they should have 5-10+ local clients.
• → "Are you familiar with [local regulations/industry clusters]?"
  E.g., FinTech in NYC, healthcare in Boston, entertainment in LA.

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.