Schneider Downs
SOC 2 Auditor (CPA Firm)
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, US
Key Facts
- Pricing:
- Custom quote
- Timeline:
- 6-10 weeks
- Best For:
- SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
- Industries:
- SaaS, Technology, Financial Services, +3 more
- Readiness:
- Audit readiness / gap assessment offered
Schneider Downs is based in Pittsburgh, PA. They work with SMBs, mid-market companies, and enterprises. They offer audit readiness assessments and primarily serve clients in SaaS, Technology, and Financial Services.
Schneider Downs is a Top-60 independent CPA firm and the 13th largest accounting firm in the Mid-Atlantic region. They blend IT, internal audit, and external audit expertise for SOC engagements and maintain a proprietary SOC 2 controls catalog. National speakers on SOC reporting and also offer SOC for Supply Chain.
Audit Types
Industries Served
Company Size Focus
Pricing
Custom quote
Typical Timeline
6-10 weeks
Trust Signals
- CPA firm
- Top 60 US firm
- US-based
- AICPA Quality Control certified
- National SOC reporting speakers
Who Schneider Downs May Be a Fit For
Based on Schneider Downs'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, Manufacturing, Nonprofit 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 Schneider Downs
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 Schneider Downs and SOC 2 Audits
- What types of SOC 2 audits does Schneider Downs offer?
- Schneider Downs 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 Schneider Downs have SOC 2 experience in?
- Schneider Downs serves clients in SaaS, Technology, Financial Services, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Nonprofit. 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 Schneider Downs work with?
- Schneider Downs 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 Schneider Downs offer SOC 2 readiness assessments?
- Schneider Downs 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 Schneider Downs's pricing model?
- Schneider Downs 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 Schneider Downs?
- Schneider Downs's typical timeline is 6-10 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 Schneider Downs located?
- Schneider Downs is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. 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 Schneider Downs is the right SOC 2 auditor for my company?
- Start by comparing Schneider Downs'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 Schneider Downs different from other SOC 2 auditors?
- Schneider Downs 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 Schneider Downs a good fit for a first-time SOC 2 audit?
- Schneider Downs 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 Schneider Downs's pricing compare to other SOC 2 auditors?
- Schneider Downs'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.
Schneider Downs vs Other SOC 2 Auditors
This table shows how Schneider Downs stacks up against other SOC 2 auditors across pricing, audit timeline, industry specialization, and platform compatibility.
| Firm | Industries | Company Sizes | Platforms | Pricing | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wipfli | SaaS, Technology, Financial Services | SMB, Mid-market, Enterprise | Not listed | Custom quote | 6-10 weeks |
| Assurance Dimensions | SaaS, Technology, Financial Services | SMB, Mid-market, Enterprise | Not listed | Custom quote | 4-8 weeks |
| CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) | SaaS, Technology, Financial Services | SMB, Mid-market, Enterprise | Not listed | Custom quote | 6-10 weeks |
| Eide Bailly | SaaS, Technology, Financial Services | SMB, Mid-market, Enterprise | Not listed | Custom quote | 6-10 weeks |
| LBMC | SaaS, Technology, Financial Services | SMB, Mid-market, Enterprise | Not listed | Custom quote | 6-10 weeks |
Best SOC 2 Auditor for SaaS
SaaS companies
Schneider Downs audits saas companies and is familiar with the compliance requirements and risk areas common in this sector.
Technology companies
Schneider Downs audits technology companies and is familiar with the compliance requirements and risk areas common in this sector.
Financial Services companies
Schneider Downs audits financial services 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 Schneider Downs Charge for a SOC 2 Audit?
SOC 2 audit pricing depends on engagement scope, audit type, and firm. Here is what we know about Schneider Downs'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?
SOC 2 Auditors Similar to Schneider Downs
Wipfli
Milwaukee, WI
Wipfli LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm operating in an alternative practice structure per AICPA standards. They offer SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC for Cybersecurity, and SOC for Supply Chain examinations. Their IT audit team includes SOC, HITRUST, digital forensics, and AI security specialists, including a noted practice for AI company compliance.
Assurance Dimensions
Tampa, FL
Assurance Dimensions is a Florida-based CPA audit firm founded in 2008 with leadership from former Arthur Andersen, Grant Thornton, BDO, and Schellman professionals. Their team includes a former Schellman Florida SOC practice leader. They specialize in SOC examinations for technology and financial services companies.
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
Minneapolis, MN
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) is one of the largest US CPA and business advisory firms with 8,500+ professionals across nearly 130 US locations. They provide SOC 2 audit services with industry-focused expertise spanning technology, government, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. CLA Global was co-founded in 2022.
Eide Bailly
Fargo, ND
Eide Bailly LLP is a Top 25 national CPA firm with 3,500 employees across 50+ offices in 17 states, having surpassed $750M in revenue in 2025. They offer SOC audits through their Risk Advisory Services practice, with industry expertise spanning healthcare, banking, and government sectors.
LBMC
Nashville, TN
LBMC is Tennessee's #1 professional services firm with 1,000+ team members serving 11,000+ clients nationwide. Their SOC audit practice is led by professionals who have issued thousands of SOC reports, including a national AICPA SOC training leader. They offer SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, and SOC for Cybersecurity.
Plante Moran
Southfield, MI
Plante Moran is one of the nation's largest CPA and business advisory firms with nearly 4,000 staff. Their cybersecurity practice has over 30 years of SOC consulting experience and is actively involved with the AICPA SOC committees, providing advanced visibility into upcoming SOC reporting standards.
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