Best SOC 1 CPA firms by use case
Nine buyer-matched picks from our 18-firm directory. We don't crown a single "best" firm -- the right firm depends on your size, scope, and what your customers' auditors will accept. Every pick links to its full profile; prices carry their source labels.
For a first Type 1, the strongest fits in our directory are MJD Advisors (dedicated SOC practice) and Zero Day CPA (boutique value). For combined SOC 1 + SOC 2 programs, BARR Advisory and A-LIGN lead. Schellman is the maximum-acceptance pick for enterprise customers. Confirm the report-issuing entity's credentials before engaging.
MJD Advisors
Best for: Best dedicated SOC specialist for first-time buyers
Why: A SOC-focused licensed CPA firm -- SOC examinations are the practice, not a sideline. That focus makes scoping and control design conversations efficient for first-timers.
Not ideal when: A focused practice -- if you need tax, audit, or advisory from the same firm, look at the nationals.
Zero Day CPA
Best for: Best boutique value for startups
Why: A boutique licensed CPA firm (Zero Day CPA, PC) with a SOC 1 practice -- lean economics and a startup-friendly posture for first Type 1 examinations.
Not ideal when: Verify partner credentials and report acceptance with your customers' auditors before engaging.
360 Advanced
Best for: Best for bundling penetration testing with SOC 1
Why: Pairs SOC examinations with penetration testing and broader compliance work -- one relationship for testing and attestation.
Not ideal when: Confirm which legal entity signs the SOC 1 report before you sign.
Matched to a pick? Tell us your scope once -- get quotes from these firms. Free · 2 minutes · no obligation.
Request quotesBARR Advisory
Best for: Best for combined SOC 1 + SOC 2 programs
Why: Known for combined SOC 1 + SOC 2 + ISO programs for cloud-native clientele -- one evidence set feeding multiple reports.
Not ideal when: Ask for combined pricing; confirm the engagement team for your industry.
Sensiba
Best for: Best full-service CPA firm for the mid-market
Why: A top-75 national CPA firm -- bench depth, partner continuity, and adjacent tax and advisory services behind the SOC 1 examination.
Not ideal when: Confirm the SOC practice team assigned to your engagement, not just the firm brand.
A-LIGN
Best for: Best for bundling SOC 1 with SOC 2 and ISO
Why: Technology-enabled delivery across SOC 1, SOC 2, ISO, and more through a licensed CPA practice -- built for scale.
Not ideal when: High-volume model -- ask who your engagement team is and how evidence review is staffed.
Matched to a pick? Tell us your scope once -- get quotes from these firms. Free · 2 minutes · no obligation.
Request quotesKirkpatrickPrice
Best for: Best mid-market all-rounder
Why: An established assurance specialist with SOC 1, SOC 2, and HITRUST under one roof -- the middle ground between a boutique and a global firm.
Not ideal when: An assessment firm, not a GRC platform -- ask how evidence collection works with your stack.
Schellman
Best for: Best for maximum report acceptance
Why: Schellman & Company, LLC is a top-50 CPA firm with one of the largest SOC practices in the country and an independence-first methodology.
Not ideal when: Premium positioning -- overkill for a simple first Type 1.
Coalfire
Best for: Best for large, complex programs
Why: One of the largest SOC examination practices, with deep bench for sprawling, multi-entity control environments.
Not ideal when: Large-practice process and pricing -- more than a straightforward Type 1 needs.
How to use this shortlist
- Start with the acceptance requirement. Confirm whether your customers' auditors require a Type 1 or a Type 2 -- in writing. Don't pay Type 2 prices when a Type 1 would be accepted.
- Match the firm to your scope. Check entity count, systems in scope, and control count before comparing prices.
- Get scoped quotes. Normalize proposals on the same scope before comparing totals -- fee, sampling, re-testing terms, and timeline.
Get quotes from your shortlist
Tell us your scope once -- matched CPA firms reply with ballparks, timelines, and what makes them different.
How it works: tell us once (4 questions, 2 min) → we match licensed auditors to your size and scope → they send scoped quotes directly. Free, no obligation.