Windes

SOC 2 Auditor (CPA Firm)

Location: Long Beach, CA, US

Audit readiness support offered

Key Facts

Pricing:
Custom quote
Timeline:
6-10 weeks
Best For:
SMB, Mid-Market
Industries:
SaaS, Technology, Financial Services, +3 more
Readiness:
Audit readiness / gap assessment offered

Windes is based in Long Beach, CA. They work with SMBs and mid-market companies. They offer audit readiness assessments and primarily serve clients in SaaS, Technology, and Financial Services.

Windes is a Southern California CPA firm founded in 1926 with 30 partners and 250+ professionals across Long Beach, Orange County, and Los Angeles offices. Recognized as an Accounting Today Top 100 Firm, they offer audit, assurance, cybersecurity risk management, and technology advisory services to technology companies and nonprofits.

Audit Types

SOC 2 Type ISOC 2 Type II

Industries Served

Company Size Focus

Pricing

Custom quote

Typical Timeline

6-10 weeks

Trust Signals

  • CPA firm
  • Founded 1926
  • US-based
  • Accounting Today Top 100 Firm
  • Southern California market leader

Who Windes May Be a Fit For

Based on Windes'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, Nonprofit, Real Estate 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 Windes

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 Windes and SOC 2 Audits

What types of SOC 2 audits does Windes offer?
Windes 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 Windes have SOC 2 experience in?
Windes serves clients in SaaS, Technology, Financial Services, Healthcare, Nonprofit, and Real Estate. 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 Windes work with?
Windes 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.
Does Windes offer SOC 2 readiness assessments?
Windes 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 Windes's pricing model?
Windes 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 Windes?
Windes'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 Windes located?
Windes is headquartered in Long Beach, CA. 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 Windes is the right SOC 2 auditor for my company?
Start by comparing Windes'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 Windes different from other SOC 2 auditors?
Windes 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 Windes a good fit for a first-time SOC 2 audit?
Windes 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 Windes's pricing compare to other SOC 2 auditors?
Windes'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.

Windes vs Other SOC 2 Auditors

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

Windes compared with other SOC 2 audit firms
FirmIndustriesCompany SizesPlatformsPricingTimeline
CohnReznickSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesMid-market, EnterpriseNot listedCustom quote8-12 weeks
BerryDunnSaaS, Technology, HealthcareSMB, Mid-marketNot listedCustom quote6-10 weeks
Citrin CoopermanSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesSMB, Mid-market, EnterpriseNot listedCustom quote6-10 weeks
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)SaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesSMB, Mid-market, EnterpriseNot listedCustom quote6-10 weeks
Clark NuberSaaS, Technology, Financial ServicesSeed, SMB, Mid-marketNot listedCustom quote4-8 weeks

Best SOC 2 Auditor for SaaS

How Much Does Windes Charge for a SOC 2 Audit?

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

CohnReznick

New York, NY

CohnReznick LLP is a top-20 national CPA firm with 5,000+ global employees and $1.12B in FY25 revenue. Their attest entity is PCAOB-registered and inspected. They offer SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 audits with professionals holding Advanced SOC for Service Organization Certification and Big Four firm backgrounds.

BerryDunn

Portland, ME

BerryDunn is the largest assurance, tax, and consulting firm headquartered in New England with nearly 1,000 employees across 7 states and Puerto Rico. Their attest services are provided by BDMP Assurance, LLP, a licensed CPA firm. They have successfully guided MSPs and technology firms through SOC 2 examinations to meet enterprise vendor requirements.

Citrin Cooperman

New York, NY

Citrin Cooperman is the 19th largest US CPA firm, with licensed attest services through Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP. They operate a dedicated IT Audit Services practice. In 2025, Blackstone acquired a majority stake, valuing the firm at $2 billion, enabling continued investment in technology and talent.

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.

Clark Nuber

Bellevue, WA

Clark Nuber PS is the largest locally-owned CPA firm in the Pacific Northwest with 300+ professionals and a Certified B Corporation. Their Technology Group serves SaaS, blockchain, AI, and AR/VR companies, providing SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports on controls, with experience including Microsoft SSPA attestations.

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.

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