Grant Thornton

SOC 2 Auditor (CPA Firm)

Location: Chicago, IL, US

Audit readiness support offered

Key Facts

Pricing:
Custom quote
Best For:
Mid-Market, Enterprise
Industries:
SaaS, Technology, Financial Services, +1 more
Readiness:
Audit readiness / gap assessment offered

Grant Thornton is based in Chicago, IL. They work with mid-market companies and enterprises. They offer audit readiness assessments and primarily serve clients in SaaS, Technology, and Financial Services.

Grant Thornton is a global audit and advisory firm offering end-to-end SOC 2 solutions, combining audit expertise with technology to deliver efficient readiness assessments and high-quality attestation reports.

Audit Types

SOC 2 Type ISOC 2 Type II

Company Size Focus

Pricing

Custom quote

Trust Signals

  • CPA firm
  • US-based

Who Grant Thornton May Be a Fit For

Based on Grant Thornton'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 SaaS, Technology, Financial Services, Healthcare looking for a auditor with sector-specific experience.
  • Mid-Market and Enterprise 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 Grant Thornton

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 SaaS?
  • 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 Grant Thornton and SOC 2 Audits

What types of SOC 2 audits does Grant Thornton offer?
Grant Thornton 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 Grant Thornton have SOC 2 experience in?
Grant Thornton serves clients in SaaS, Technology, Financial Services, and Healthcare. 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 Grant Thornton work with?
Grant Thornton works with mid-market and enterprise companies. An auditor matched to your company stage is more likely to scope the engagement correctly and offer pricing that fits your budget.
Does Grant Thornton offer SOC 2 readiness assessments?
Grant Thornton offers audit readiness support. A readiness assessment flags control gaps before the formal audit, so you can fix issues on your own timeline rather than scrambling during fieldwork.
What is Grant Thornton's pricing model?
Grant Thornton uses a custom pricing model. Contact the firm directly for a quote tailored to your scope and company size.
Where is Grant Thornton located?
Grant Thornton is headquartered in Chicago, IL. 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 Grant Thornton is the right SOC 2 auditor for my company?
Start by comparing Grant Thornton'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 Grant Thornton different from other SOC 2 auditors?
Grant Thornton specializes in SaaS and Technology companies, giving them a narrower focus than most general-practice audit firms. That specialization typically translates to more accurate scoping and faster fieldwork.
Is Grant Thornton a good fit for a first-time SOC 2 audit?
Grant Thornton works with Mid-market, Enterprise 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 Grant Thornton's pricing compare to other SOC 2 auditors?
Grant Thornton'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.

Grant Thornton vs Other SOC 2 Auditors

This table shows how Grant Thornton stacks up against other SOC 2 auditors across pricing, audit timeline, industry specialization, and platform compatibility.

Grant Thornton compared with other SOC 2 audit firms
FirmIndustriesCompany SizesPlatformsPricingTimeline
Baker TillySaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesMid-market, EnterpriseSecureframe, VantaCustom quoteVaries
BDO USASaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesMid-market, EnterpriseHyperproofCustom quoteVaries
CroweSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesMid-market, EnterpriseNot listedCustom quoteVaries
RSM USSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesMid-market, EnterpriseNot listedCustom quoteVaries
SikichSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesSMB, Mid-market, EnterpriseNot listedCustom quote6-10 weeks

Best SOC 2 Auditor for SaaS

How Much Does Grant Thornton Charge for a SOC 2 Audit?

SOC 2 audit pricing depends on engagement scope, audit type, and firm. Here is what we know about Grant Thornton's pricing and the factors that affect cost.

Pricing model
custom
Readiness assessment
Available

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?

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