One of the most crucial pieces of the compliance puzzle is your auditor. Finding the right auditor can mean the difference between an efficient, smooth audit experience and a long list of costly compliance and brand reputation issues.
A-LIGN’s 2024 Compliance Benchmark Report found the top three reasons companies choose an auditor are:
- Experienced team
- Report quality
- Tech-enabled audit
But what does “experienced” mean? Or a “quality” report? And what else should you look for? We’ll answer those questions below as we cover the six crucial factors to consider when choosing a compliance auditor.
1. Experience and credentials
When it comes to compliance audits, experience counts. In fact, it might be the most important factor of all. Here are some specific qualities to look for.
Industry tenure and track record
Look for auditors who have been in business for a substantial period — ideally a decade or more — and have completed many audits for the standard you need. Experienced auditors are less likely to make costly mistakes and are better equipped to handle complex compliance landscapes. According to our 2024 Compliance Benchmark Report, only 20% of companies have a dedicated compliance department, making the expertise of your auditor even more critical.
Certifications and accreditations
Ensure your auditors hold the certifications, licenses, and accreditations required to perform the audits you need. Here are some examples:
- Certified public accounting license and registered with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants — only independent licensed CPAs can issue SOC 1 and SOC 2 attestation reports
- Accredited by ANAB, the ANSI National Accreditation Board as an ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and ISO 22301 certification body
Related content: Questions to Ask Your SOC 2 Auditor Before Signing a Contract
Industry-specific experience
Auditors with experience in your industry will understand your organization’s unique compliance challenges and requirements better. This insight is crucial for providing relevant and effective audit services. If your auditor has experience in the healthcare sector, for example, they’d be familiar with the overlap between SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance. A combined audit could save you significant time and money.
2. Report quality
In our survey, 69% of companies deemed the quality of compliance reports extremely important, with a noticeable difference in quality observed among auditors. What does a good report look like?
Thorough, actionable reports
If the report you get from your auditor is too short, too vague, or otherwise deficient, you’ve wasted time and money. Ask your prospective auditor detailed questions about how they prepare audit reports. High-quality audit reports should not only confirm compliance but also highlight areas for improvement and risk mitigation strategies that are specific to your organization’s security posture.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious of audit firms that provide overly brief reports or fail to offer constructive feedback. Cookie-cutter statements that could apply to any company could indicate insufficient investigation into your organization’s security processes and systems. Comprehensive reports that include thought leadership and best practices are indicative of a thorough and professional audit process.
Related content: Audit Report Red Flags
3. Tech-enabled services
Choosing an auditor who embraces technology isn’t about flashy bells and whistles; it’s about efficiency. An auditor who does everything manually will take longer to finish your audit, and nobody wants to spend more time on an audit than they have to.
Software and automation
Leverage auditors who use audit management software to streamline the audit process. This technology can simplify evidence collection and streamline communication between you and your auditor, limiting the time and resources needed to complete the audit. It also gives you a more transparent look at the process.
Integration with GRC tools
Choose auditors who can integrate with your existing compliance and trust management software, like Vanta, Drata, or AuditBoard. This integration can enhance the scalability and accessibility of your compliance program, making it easier to maintain high standards over time.
4. Comprehensive service offerings
An auditor with a wide breadth of services can help you combine audits, avoiding duplicate efforts later on. The 2024 Compliance Benchmark Report found that nearly all companies (96%) believe consolidating multiple audits could save time and money, yet only 16% currently do so.
Multiple frameworks
Look for firms capable of handling a wide range of compliance standards and frameworks. Consider what certifications and assessments are common in your industry, and make sure your potential audit partner can handle those needs. Even if you only seek out one or two audits now, your auditor should be able to scale its services as your business evolves and grows — or new regulations emerge.
Cybersecurity and risk management
Outside of yearly audits, a full-service compliance partner should offer cybersecurity services like penetration testing and vulnerability assessment to help your organization mitigate risk year-round. Ask any prospective auditors how they can support and guide your organization on its journey to improve its overall security posture.
Related content: The Why Behind Compliance: Building a Culture of Security
5. Global network, local presence
Select an auditing firm with a robust global network that can provide localized support and expertise. Auditors in your region will be familiar with local regulations and business practices, providing a more tailored and responsive service. A-LIGN, for instance, has teams in regions such as Panama, the United Kingdom, India, Bulgaria, and North America, ensuring our auditors understand local norms and can work in the same time zone as businesses in these areas.
6. Reputation and references
A qualified auditor should be well respected by its customers and the industry at large. Avoid companies that cannot back up their supposed reputation with examples and metrics.
Client testimonials and references
Request references from similar companies to gauge the auditor’s reliability and effectiveness. Positive feedback from these references can provide valuable insights into the auditor’s performance and process.
Case studies and success stories
Review the auditor’s case studies, which should clearly demonstrate the auditor’s ability to deliver successful compliance outcomes. These stories can offer concrete examples of how the auditor has helped other organizations achieve their compliance goals.
Industry recognition
Choose auditors who are recognized and respected in the industry. Awards, publications, and active participation in industry forums are good indicators of a firm’s credibility and expertise.
How does A-LIGN stack up?
“My experience with A-LIGN has been truly exceptional. Their professionalism shines through in every aspect of their work. What stands out the most is their meticulous planning and organization — everything is prepared well in advance, with all necessary evidence to be uploaded promptly in A-LIGN. This streamlined approach significantly simplifies the audit process.” – A-LIGN customer
Selecting the right compliance auditor can make a significant difference in maintaining a robust compliance program and building trust with your stakeholders. Combining experienced auditors and audit management technology, A-LIGN provides the widest breadth and depth of services including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, FedRAMP, and PCI, among others. We prioritize delivering best-in-class audits for our clients, providing tailored guidance, practical recommendations, and ongoing support to maintain a successful security posture. Our 96% client satisfaction rating speaks for itself.
Contact us to learn more about why A-LIGN is the leading provider of high-quality, efficient cybersecurity compliance programs.
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