PBMares

SOC 2 Auditor (CPA Firm)

Location: Norfolk, VA, US

Audit readiness support offered

Key Facts

Pricing:
Custom quote
Timeline:
8–12 weeks
Best For:
SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
Industries:
SaaS, Technology, Financial Services, +2 more
Readiness:
Audit readiness / gap assessment offered

PBMares is based in Norfolk, VA. They work with SMBs, mid-market companies, and enterprises. They offer audit readiness assessments and primarily serve clients in SaaS, Technology, and Financial Services.

PBMares is a CPA firm and approved Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) providing SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 examinations. Their SOC team combines licensed CPAs with cybersecurity professionals for dual compliance and technical expertise.

Audit Types

SOC 2 Type ISOC 2 Type II

Company Size Focus

Pricing

Custom quote

Typical Timeline

8–12 weeks

Trust Signals

  • CPA firm
  • Qualified Security Assessor (QSA)
  • US-based

Who PBMares May Be a Fit For

Based on PBMares'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, Government looking for a auditor with sector-specific experience.
  • SMB, 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 PBMares

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 PBMares and SOC 2 Audits

What types of SOC 2 audits does PBMares offer?
PBMares 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 PBMares have SOC 2 experience in?
PBMares serves clients in SaaS, Technology, Financial Services, Healthcare, 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 PBMares work with?
PBMares works with SMB, 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 PBMares offer SOC 2 readiness assessments?
PBMares 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 PBMares's pricing model?
PBMares uses a custom pricing model. Contact the firm directly for a quote tailored to your scope and company size.
How long does a SOC 2 audit take with PBMares?
PBMares's typical timeline is 8–12 weeks. Actual duration depends on audit type, company readiness, and the observation period for Type II engagements. Before signing, ask for a written timeline with milestones for readiness, observation, fieldwork, and report delivery.
Where is PBMares located?
PBMares is headquartered in Norfolk, VA. 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 PBMares is the right SOC 2 auditor for my company?
Start by comparing PBMares'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 PBMares different from other SOC 2 auditors?
PBMares 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 PBMares a good fit for a first-time SOC 2 audit?
PBMares works with SMB, 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 PBMares's pricing compare to other SOC 2 auditors?
PBMares'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.

PBMares vs Other SOC 2 Auditors

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

PBMares compared with other SOC 2 audit firms
FirmIndustriesCompany SizesPlatformsPricingTimeline
Lazarus AllianceSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesSeed, SMB, Mid-market, EnterpriseNot listedCustom quoteVaries
BARR AdvisorySaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesSeed, SMB, Mid-market, EnterpriseDrata, SprintoCustom quoteVaries
CBIZSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesMid-market, EnterpriseNot listedCustom quoteVaries
Compass IT ComplianceSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesSMB, Mid-marketNot listedCustom quoteVaries
UHYSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesMid-market, EnterpriseNot listedCustom quoteVaries

Best SOC 2 Auditor for SaaS

How Much Does PBMares Charge for a SOC 2 Audit?

SOC 2 audit pricing depends on engagement scope, audit type, and firm. Here is what we know about PBMares'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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