Six Crucial Things to Look for in a Compliance Auditor

One of the most crucial pieces of the compliance puzzle is your auditor. Finding the right auditor can mean the difference between an efficient, smooth audit experience and a long list of costly compliance and brand reputation issues.  

A-LIGN’s 2025 Compliance Benchmark Report found that report and auditor quality remain top of mind for compliance teams. Our survey revealed that the most important factors for companies when choosing an auditor are: 

• Experienced audit team 

• Report quality 

• Tech-enabled audit  

But what does “experienced” mean? Or a “quality” report? We’ll answer those questions below as we cover the six crucial factors to consider when choosing a compliance auditor. Plus, follow along with our Quality Audit Checklist to make sure you get the most from your audit experience. 

1. Experience and credentials  

When it comes to compliance audits, experience counts. In fact, it might be the most important factor of all. Here are some specific qualities to look for.  

Industry tenure and track record  

Look for auditors who have been in business for a substantial period — ideally a decade or more — and have completed many audits for the standard you need. Experienced auditors are less likely to make costly mistakes and are better equipped to handle complex compliance landscapes. 

An experienced auditor will also generally have a large team of experts with a wide variety of specialties. Auditors on these teams also generally have experience with an array of company types, making it more likely your audit team will have a deep understanding of your priorities. 

Certifications and accreditations  

Ensure your auditors hold the certifications, licenses, and accreditations required to perform the audits you need. Here are some examples:  

Certified public accounting license and registered with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants — only independent licensed CPAs can issue SOC 1 and SOC 2 attestation reports  

Accredited by ANAB, the ANSI National Accreditation Board as an ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 42001 and ISO 22301 certification body   

Accredited by UKAS, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, as an ISO 27001 certification body 

Authorized HITRUST External Assessor  

Accredited FedRAMP Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO)   

Accredited CMMC Third Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) 

PCI Qualified Security Assessor Company   

Maintaining high standards  

Not all accreditation bodies are created equal. It’s important to seek out accreditation bodies that maintain high standards of quality. These groups often have a long track record of success and far-reaching expertise in the frameworks you’re pursuing. Plus, their teams have relevant certifications and deep industry experience. 

Industry-specific experience  

Auditors with experience in your industry will understand your organization’s unique compliance challenges and requirements better. This insight is crucial for providing relevant and effective audit services. If your auditor has experience in the healthcare sector, for example, they’d be familiar with the overlap between SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance. A combined audit could save you significant time and money.   

2. Report quality  

According to the 2025 Compliance Benchmark Report, 70% of companies deemed the quality of compliance reports extremely important. Not all reports are created equal, so finding an audit partner who will deliver a high-quality report is essential. 

Thorough, actionable reports  

If the report you get from your auditor is too short, too vague, or otherwise deficient, you’ve wasted time and money. Ask your prospective auditor detailed questions about how they prepare audit reports. Curious what questions to ask? Download our Quality Audit Checklist. High-quality audit reports should not only confirm compliance but also highlight areas for improvement and risk mitigation strategies that are specific to your organization’s security posture.   

Red flags to watch for  

Be cautious of audit firms that provide overly brief reports or fail to offer constructive feedback. Cookie-cutter statements that could apply to any company could indicate insufficient investigation into your organization’s security processes and systems. Comprehensive reports that include thought leadership and best practices are indicative of a thorough and professional audit process.  

Be sure to ask any potential auditors about their level of success and how often their reports are rejected by external vendors. Rejected reports are a red flag for report and auditor quality. 

3. Breadth of services 

An auditor with a wide breadth of services can help you combine audits, avoiding duplicate efforts later on. According to the 2025 Compliance Benchmark Report, 92% of companies pursue more than one certification or attestation, making it all the more important to choose an auditor that will grow with you and continue to meet your needs.  

Multiple frameworks   

Look for firms capable of handling a wide range of compliance standards and frameworks. Consider what certifications and assessments are common in your industry, and make sure your potential audit partner can handle those needs. Even if you only seek out one or two audits now, your auditor should be able to scale its services as your business evolves and grows — or new regulations emerge.  

Cybersecurity and risk management  

Outside of yearly audits, a full-service compliance partner should offer cybersecurity services like penetration testing and vulnerability assessment to help your organization mitigate risk year-round. Ask any prospective auditors how they can support and guide your organization on its journey to improve its overall security posture.  

Related content: The Why Behind Compliance: Building a Culture of Security 

4. Tech-enabled services  

Choosing an auditor who embraces technology isn’t about flashy bells and whistles; it’s about efficiency. An auditor who does everything manually will take longer to finish your audit, and nobody wants to spend more time on an audit than they have to.  Download the Quality Audit Checklist to learn what questions can help you understand a firm’s technology  

Software and automation  

Leverage auditors who use audit management software to streamline the audit process. This technology can simplify evidence collection and streamline communication between you and your auditor, limiting the time and resources needed to complete the audit. It also gives you a more transparent look at the process.  

Integration with GRC tools   

Choose auditors who can integrate with your existing compliance and trust management software, like Vanta, Drata, or AuditBoard. This integration can enhance the scalability and accessibility of your compliance program, making it easier to maintain high standards over time.  

5. Audit process 

Selecting a team that has wide-reaching experience and the appropriate certifications is essential, but so is alignment with the audit process. This portion of the process will take up time and resources, so be sure to understand scoping, the steps of the process, and how often you’ll be in touch with the team. 

Experienced audit teams will have a clearly defined process to help you achieve your compliance goals. Here’s what to look for in a productive, manageable process: 

• Timeline and scoping: There should be a clear timeline and scoping criteria established from the get-go. Be aware that the timeline will vary based on the framework, team availability, level of business complexity, and more. 

• Synchronize audit cycles: Identifying overlaps and harmonizing audit cycles is a green flag for an effective audit partner. It takes knowledge and experience to define an audit synchronization opportunity, and those who see it will save you time and resources. 

• Streamline the process: You shouldn’t feel like ripping your hair out during an audit cycle. The right partner will streamline the process with technology and other tools to ensure a seamless process with minimal disruptions. 

• Team communication: The frequency and style of communication your audit partner brings to the table are high priority. Consider: are you looking for a partner to keep you up-to-date each day? Do you only want periodic updates? Think about what’s important to you and choose accordingly.  

6. Reputation and references  

A qualified auditor should be well respected by its customers and the industry at large. Avoid companies that cannot back up their supposed reputation with examples and metrics.   

Client testimonials and references  

Request references from similar companies to gauge the auditor’s reliability and effectiveness. Positive feedback from these references can provide valuable insights into the auditor’s performance and process.  

Case studies and success stories  

Review the auditor’s case studies, which should clearly demonstrate the auditor’s ability to deliver successful compliance outcomes. These stories can offer concrete examples of how the auditor has helped other organizations achieve their compliance goals.  

Industry recognition  

Choose auditors who are recognized and respected in the industry. Awards, publications, and active participation in industry forums are good indicators of a firm’s credibility and expertise.  

How does A-LIGN stack up?  

“I have extensive experience with auditors, and working with A-LIGN has been refreshing. I appreciate their approach, communication, proactive team, and how seamlessly audits are conducted with a no-surprises approach,” said Rashpal Singh, Global Director of Governance, Risk, and Compliance at Menlo Security. 

Selecting the right compliance auditor can make a significant difference in maintaining a robust compliance program and building trust with your stakeholders. Combining experienced auditors and audit management technology, A-LIGN provides the widest breadth and depth of services including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, FedRAMP, and PCI, among others. 

A-LIGN prioritizes delivering best-in-class audits for our clients, providing tailored guidance, practical recommendations, and ongoing support to maintain a successful security posture. Our 96% client satisfaction rating speaks for itself.  

Contact us to learn more about why A-LIGN is the leading provider of high-quality, efficient cybersecurity compliance programs.