SOC EXAMINATIONS
SOC EXAMINATIONS
SOC Examinations and Readiness
For service organizations, trust often depends on more than simply telling customers their systems and controls are secure and reliable. SOC examinations provide independent assurance by evaluating and reporting on an organization’s internal controls under established professional standards. CKH Group provides SOC 1 and SOC 2 examinations and readiness services to help organizations demonstrate strong controls, respond to customer requirements, and navigate the SOC reporting process with confidence.
As a leading CPA firm based in Atlanta, we take pride in offering SOC Examinations designed to:
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- Strengthen confidence in your organization’s internal controls
- Meet customer, auditor, and stakeholder assurance requirements
- Identify control gaps before they become larger risks
- Support ongoing compliance, transparency, and business growth
SOC 1 Examinations
A SOC 1 examination focuses on controls at a service organization that may be relevant to its customers’ internal control over financial reporting.
These reports are commonly used when an organization performs activities that can affect the financial information of its clients. Examples may include payroll processors, Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs), financial service providers, or any provider whose systems process transactions/information used in financial reporting.
SOC 1 reports are intended to assist user organizations and their financial statement auditors in understanding and evaluating relevant controls at the service organization.
CKH’s Approach to SOC Examinations
For organizations pursuing a SOC report for the first time, CKH can begin with a SOC readiness assessment. This allows us to evaluate the existing control environment, identify potential gaps in controls or documentation, and help management understand areas that may need to be addressed.
Once the organization is ready, our assurance professionals perform the appropriate SOC 1 or SOC 2 examination in accordance with applicable professional standards. The engagement is tailored around the organization’s systems, services, control environment, and applicable reporting criteria.
For organizations with established SOC programs, CKH can also support recurring examinations and help make the annual reporting process more efficient and predictable. Our goal is not simply to deliver a SOC report. It is to provide an organized examination process from start to finish.
Who Needs a SOC Examination?
Not every organization needs a SOC report. However, SOC examinations are particularly important for businesses that provide services other organizations rely upon for financial processing, technology, data management, or critical business operations.
You may need or benefit from a SOC examination if:
- Customers are requesting a SOC report during vendor due diligence.
- Your organization processes transactions that affect customers’ financial reporting.
- You host, process, transmit, or maintain sensitive customer information.
- Enterprise customers require independent assurance over your security or internal control environment.
- A contract, regulator, auditor, or business partner requires evidence regarding your controls.
- Your organization is expanding into larger or more highly regulated markets.
- Prospective customers repeatedly send extensive security or internal control questionnaires.
- You want to demonstrate that key controls have been evaluated by an independent CPA firm.
Organizations commonly seeking SOC reports include technology and SaaS companies, PEOs, payroll processors, benefits administrators, data hosting companies, financial service providers, and other outsourced service organizations.
What Is the Difference Between SOC 1 and SOC 2?
SOC 1 focuses on controls that affect customers’ financial reporting, while SOC 2 focuses on controls related to security, availability, confidentiality, privacy, and system reliability.
In simple terms:
- SOC 1: Financial reporting controls
- SOC 2: Systems, security, and data controls
CKH can help determine which SOC examination best fits your organization’s services and customer requirements.
Why Choose CKH Group For Your SOC Examinations?
CKH combines specialized experience in SOC 1 and SOC 2 examinations with expertise in IT audit, internal controls, assurance, and complex service organizations, including PEOs. Our team supports both first-time readiness and recurring examinations with a practical, hands-on approach designed to keep the process clear and efficient.
With CKH Group, you’re not just getting a CPA firm; you’re gaining a trusted partner committed to your success. Clients also benefit from the broader resources of a full-service CPA and advisory firm, giving them access to professionals who understand SOC reporting within the larger context of financial reporting, technology, compliance, and business operations.
