SOC 2 Compliance

SOC 2 assurance is a vital part of an organization's risk management and compliance strategy, particularly for service organizations in technology and data management.

SOC 2 Compliance

For an SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls) preparedness involves preparing for a SOC 2 audit, ensuring systems, policies, and procedures align with the relevant Trust Service Criteria (TSC).
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Step 1Understanding your Operations and Systems

Assess Client’s Environment: Get an understanding of the client's business processes, particularly those related to financial reporting.

Understand Outsourced Services:
Determine which services provided by the client are relevant to their customers' financial reporting.

Define Control Objectives: Work with the client to understand their control objectives related to these services (e.g., payroll processing, data management).

Step 2Readiness Assessment

Gap Analysis: Perform a readiness assessment or gap analysis to identify the current state of internal controls and whether they align with the SOC 1 requirements.

Review Existing Controls: Assess the design of the existing internal controls over financial reporting.

Identify Control Deficiencies: Point out any control deficiencies, gaps, or areas of improvement.

Control Mapping: Map existing controls to the appropriate control objectives for financial reporting.
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Step 3Gap remediation

Recommend Improvements: Provide recommendations to remediate any control gaps. This might include revising policies, improving documentation, enhancing segregation of duties, or implementing new controls.

Testing New Controls: Ensure that any new controls or remediated controls are properly tested and working effectively before the audit.

Step 4Prepare Policies and Procedures

Develop or Update Control Narratives: Assist in creating or updating documentation that describes the controls in place, such as process narratives, policies, and procedures.

Create Control Matrices: Develop detailed control matrices that map the control objectives to the specific controls in place.

Flowcharts: Use flowcharts to visually depict key processes and how they align with control objectives.
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Step 5Pre-Audit Testing and Review

Internal Review of Controls: Conduct a pre-audit review to test the operating effectiveness of key controls.

Simulation of Audit Process: Walk through a simulated audit, mimicking the SOC 1 audit process to ensure readiness.

Sampling: Help the client determine appropriate sampling techniques for testing controls.

Step 6Coordination with External Auditors during audits

Engage External Auditors: Once the client is ready, coordinate with external auditors to begin the formal SOC 1 audit process.

Facilitate Audit Process: Assist with responding to auditor queries, ensuring proper access to evidence, and managing any issues that arise during the audit.
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Step 7Provide Post-Audit Support

Review Auditor Findings: After the audit, review any control deficiencies or findings raised by the auditors.

Remediation Plan: If needed, assist in developing a plan to remediate any issues identified during the audit.

Ongoing Monitoring: Support the client in establishing an ongoing monitoring process for controls to ensure continued compliance with SOC 1 requirements.
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We hand hold you through the entire SOC 2 readiness and audit process

Each of these steps involves close collaboration with client's IT, security, and compliance teams to ensure that the organization can successfully complete the SOC 2 audit and maintain long-term compliance.