Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM)
SOC 2 Auditor (CPA Firm)
Location: Bethesda, MD, US
Key Facts
- Pricing:
- Custom quote
- Best For:
- SMB, Mid-Market
- Industries:
- Technology, Financial Services, Government
Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) is based in Bethesda, MD. They work with SMBs and mid-market companies. They offer SOC 2 Type I and SOC 2 Type II audit services and primarily serve clients in Technology, Financial Services, and Government.
Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) is a full-service CPA firm serving the Washington, DC metropolitan area since 1921. The firm provides SOC 1 and SOC 2 audit services across the Mid-Atlantic region, helping organizations demonstrate the effectiveness of their internal controls and data security practices.
Audit Types
Industries Served
Company Size Focus
Pricing
Custom quote
Trust Signals
- CPA firm
- US-based
- Founded 1921
Who Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) May Be a Fit For
Based on Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM)'s experience and focus areas, these buyer profiles are likely a strong fit. Confirm details directly with the firm before making a decision.
- Companies in Technology, Financial Services, Government looking for a auditor with sector-specific experience.
- SMB and Mid-Market organizations that want a auditor experienced with companies at their stage and budget level.
- Companies pursuing an initial SOC 2 Type I report or a full Type II audit.
What to Evaluate Before Engaging This Auditor
Before signing an engagement letter with any SOC 2 auditor, take time to verify the following. These factors apply broadly but are worth confirming for each firm on your shortlist.
Credentials and Standing
Confirm the firm holds an active CPA license in good standing. Only licensed CPA firms can issue SOC 2 reports.
Scope and Deliverables
Clarify what the engagement includes: readiness assessment, gap remediation support, the audit itself, and the final report. Understand what falls outside the scope.
Timeline and Availability
Ask for a written timeline from kickoff through report delivery. Understand the observation period requirements and how auditor capacity could affect scheduling.
Pricing Transparency
Ask whether fees are fixed or billed hourly, what triggers additional charges, and whether the quote includes all phases of the engagement.
Read more: How to choose a SOC 2 auditor · SOC 2 audit cost guide
Questions to Ask Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM)
Use these practical questions during an introductory call to evaluate fit, scope, and working style.
- How many SOC 2 audits does your team complete per year?
- What is your experience auditing companies in Technology?
- Is pricing fixed-fee or time-and-materials?
- What is the expected timeline from kickoff to report delivery?
- Do you offer readiness assessments or gap analyses?
- Who will be my day-to-day point of contact?
- Can you share a sample engagement letter or report?
See all recommended questions: Questions to ask your SOC 2 auditor →
About Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) and SOC 2 Audits
- What types of SOC 2 audits does Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) offer?
- Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) offers SOC 2 Type I and SOC 2 Type II audit services. The firm can handle first-time engagements (Type I) and audits that test whether controls operated effectively over a defined period (Type II).
- What industries does Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) have SOC 2 experience in?
- Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) serves clients in Technology, Financial Services, and Government. Sector-specific experience helps an auditor identify the controls relevant to your industry and anticipate regulatory overlaps, such as HIPAA or PCI DSS, during scoping.
- What size companies does Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) work with?
- Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) works with SMB and mid-market companies. An auditor matched to your company stage is more likely to scope the engagement correctly and offer pricing that fits your budget.
- Where is Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) located?
- Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) is headquartered in Bethesda, MD. SOC 2 engagements are typically conducted remotely, so industry experience and platform familiarity matter more than physical location, though overlapping time zones can make coordination easier.
- How do I know if Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) is the right SOC 2 auditor for my company?
- Start by comparing Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM)'s industry experience, platform support, and pricing against at least three other firms. Ask each firm for references from companies similar to yours in size and sector. For any auditor, confirm active CPA licensure and request a sample engagement letter. Finally, verify that their proposed timeline aligns with your compliance deadline.
- What makes Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) different from other SOC 2 auditors?
- Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) specializes in Technology and Financial Services companies, giving them a narrower focus than most general-practice audit firms. That specialization typically translates to more accurate scoping and faster fieldwork.
- Is Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) a good fit for a first-time SOC 2 audit?
- Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) works with SMB, Mid-market companies. For first-time audits, ask whether the firm offers a readiness assessment, what the typical Type I timeline looks like, and whether they can guide you through control design before formal testing begins.
- How does Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM)'s pricing compare to other SOC 2 auditors?
- Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM)'s listed pricing is Custom quote. SOC 2 audit costs vary based on audit type, scope, company size, and whether readiness work is included. Request line-item proposals from multiple firms to make an informed comparison.
Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) vs Other SOC 2 Auditors
This table shows how Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) stacks up against other SOC 2 auditors across pricing, audit timeline, industry specialization, and platform compatibility.
| Firm | Industries | Company Sizes | Platforms | Pricing | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compass IT Compliance | SaaS, Technology, Financial Services | SMB, Mid-market | Not listed | Custom quote | Varies |
| Lazarus Alliance | SaaS, Technology, Financial Services | Seed, SMB, Mid-market, Enterprise | Not listed | Custom quote | Varies |
| BARR Advisory | SaaS, Technology, Financial Services | Seed, SMB, Mid-market, Enterprise | Drata, Sprinto | Custom quote | Varies |
| CBIZ | SaaS, Technology, Financial Services | Mid-market, Enterprise | Not listed | Custom quote | Varies |
| UHY | SaaS, Technology, Financial Services | Mid-market, Enterprise | Not listed | Custom quote | Varies |
Best SOC 2 Auditor for Technology
Technology companies
Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) audits technology companies and is familiar with the compliance requirements and risk areas common in this sector.
Financial Services companies
Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) audits financial services companies and is familiar with the compliance requirements and risk areas common in this sector.
Government companies
Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) audits government companies and is familiar with the compliance requirements and risk areas common in this sector.
SMB organizations
Experienced working with smb companies, with scoping and pricing appropriate for that company stage.
Mid-Market organizations
Experienced working with mid-market companies, with scoping and pricing appropriate for that company stage.
How Much Does Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) Charge for a SOC 2 Audit?
SOC 2 audit pricing depends on engagement scope, audit type, and firm. Here is what we know about Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM)'s pricing and the factors that affect cost.
Factors that affect SOC 2 audit cost
Audit type
Type I audits (point-in-time) are generally less expensive than Type II audits (operating effectiveness over 3 to 12 months).
Company size and complexity
Larger companies with more systems, employees, and data flows require broader audit scope and more evidence collection.
Industry and regulatory overlaps
Industries with additional frameworks (HIPAA, PCI DSS, FedRAMP) often require expanded scoping and cross-mapping.
Readiness assessment
Some firms bundle a readiness gap analysis; others charge separately. A readiness phase can reduce surprises during fieldwork.
Compliance platform usage
Using platforms like Drata, Vanta, or Secureframe can reduce evidence collection time, which may lower auditor fees.
Timeline urgency
Fast-track or expedited audits often carry premium pricing due to scheduling and resource allocation constraints.
For a detailed breakdown: How much does a SOC 2 audit cost?
SOC 2 Auditors Similar to Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM)
Compass IT Compliance
North Providence, RI
Compass IT Compliance provides SOC examination, IT audit, and cybersecurity compliance services to organizations across the United States.
Lazarus Alliance
Scottsdale, AZ
Lazarus Alliance is a licensed CPA firm and cybersecurity audit specialist providing SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 examinations, along with FedRAMP, CMMC, and HIPAA compliance services.
BARR Advisory
Kansas City, KS
BARR Advisory is a cloud-based cybersecurity and compliance firm specializing in SOC 2, ISO 27001, and FedRAMP for fast-growing SaaS and cloud-based organizations, with a net promoter score of 89.
CBIZ
Cleveland, OH
CBIZ is a leading provider of financial, insurance, and advisory services including SOC reporting and IT audit through its MHM subsidiary partnership.
UHY
Farmington Hills, MI
UHY LLP is a national CPA firm and a member of UHY International providing SOC examination, IT risk advisory, and compliance audit services.
Schellman
Tampa, FL
Schellman is a leading compliance assessment firm focused exclusively on attestation and cybersecurity services, including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, FedRAMP, and PCI DSS.
Compare Alternatives to Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM)
Evaluating multiple SOC 2 auditors helps you compare pricing, timelines, and industry expertise. These firms serve a similar market.
SaaS, Technology · Westminster, CO
SaaS, Technology · Tampa, FL
Financial Services, Healthcare · Memphis, TN
SaaS, Technology · Atlanta, GA
Browse by Category
SOC 2 Guides for Auditor Selection
- SOC 2 for AI Companies
SOC 2 compliance for AI and machine learning companies. Covers Trust Services Criteria, AI-specific controls, model governance, and audit preparation.
- AI Security Controls for SOC 2
AI security controls for SOC 2 audits. Covers Trust Services Criteria applied to AI systems, AI-specific risks, and governance frameworks.
- SOC 2 Readiness Checklist
Prepare for your SOC 2 audit with this readiness checklist covering security policies, access controls, logging, vendor management, and incident response.
- Best SOC 2 Auditors for Startups
Find the best SOC 2 auditors for startups. Practical advice on choosing an auditor that fits your stage, budget, and compliance platform.
- How to Choose a SOC 2 Auditor
How to choose a SOC 2 auditor. Evaluate credentials, industry experience, platform compatibility, pricing structure, and engagement timelines.
Get cited where buyers research
Premium firms receive priority placement across the directory and enhanced visibility in search and AI answer engines. Top Visibility includes a co-authored spotlight article and editorial distribution.
Is this your firm?
If you work at Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM), claim this profile to verify your listing, update your details, and reach more prospective clients.