Considering an Audit Readiness Tool? 4 Questions to Ask
by Sarah Harvey / October 8th, 2020
Using KirkpatrickPrice for Audit Readiness
We’ve seen more and more automated solutions and tools enter the market that promise easy and cheap compliance, no commitment, and expert guidance. Don’t be fooled, though! These audit prep solutions and tools are actually only promising one thing: readiness.
Unlike firms with automated solutions and tools that focus solely on audit readiness, KirkpatrickPrice provides a comprehensive audit experience. They cannot provide what you actually need, which is a reputable auditor to perform testing and deliver an audit report. At KirkpatrickPrice, we can take you from start to finish.
First, we’ll begin with readiness and remediation, then move into the audit, and finally, culminate with a high-quality audit report – all with expert auditor guidance along the way. Want to learn more about how KirkpatrickPrice’s readiness services can streamline your audit process? We’re ready to support your team in this compliance journey!
In order to debunk what readiness tools offer versus readiness options through your auditor, we recommend doing your due diligence and asking questions about the tools. Audit prep solutions and tools are only promising one thing: readiness. They cannot provide what you actually need, which is a reputable auditor to perform testing and deliver an audit report. If you’re considering using a solution or tool before engaging with an auditor, we recommend asking the following questions during your research.
1. Does your company qualify as a certified CPA firm?
Did you know that CPA firms are the only organizations that can deliver a SOC report? There’s a reason
why – because CPA firms are held to the highest standard of integrity. To that end, CPA firms that
specialize in information security are the only ones who should be giving advice on how to prepare for
an audit.
2. Does your company go through a peer review?
The AICPA requires CPA firms to be inspected via a peer review to ensure that they have implemented a
practice monitoring program. If the company goes through a peer review, you can find relief in knowing
that you are partnering with a reputable firm.
3. What percentage of your staff has experience in data security?
We’ve seen readiness competitors have as little as 3% of staff with a legitimate background in anything
related to data security. Instead, they have staffs full of developers, engineers, and marketers. Wouldn’t
you rather take advice from someone who has actually performed an audit or been audited?
4. What types of certifications does your staff have?
If someone is giving you advice on how to prepare for an audit, they need to hold active,
industry-recognized certifications. These certifications are a signpost for identifying genuine experts in
data security, IT, cybersecurity, and privacy. Do your due diligence to find out if their staff holds baseline
certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information
Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK).
At KirkpatrickPrice, we begin with readiness and remediation, then move into the audit, and finally,
culminate with a high-quality audit report – all with expert, auditor guidance along the way. Want to learn
more about how KirkpatrickPrice’s readiness services can streamline your audit process? We’re ready to
support your team in this compliance journey!
For more information about how KirkpatrickPrice can assist you in meeting your compliance objectives, contact us today.
The Buyer’s Guide to Compliance Tools.
Looking for the right compliance tool is overwhelming. With so many options, it’s hard to know that you’re making the right choice for you. This guide will prepare you for the compliance journey ahead.
