The Tampa Bay area, the umbrella name for geographic area anchored by the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, is emerging as a incubator for auditing companies that specialize in SSAE 16 / SOC engagements.
As a result of this concentration of talent and the interpersonal relationships between many of these companies, competition for nationwide business is fierce. They all target their services, expertise, and customer service to a nationwide market. As a result prices are falling.
The field is only getting more competitive each day as the demand for SSAE 16 / SOC attestations increases as customers, 3rd party clients, and regulations demand assurances before entering a business relationship, or as is more often happening, to continue the business relationship.
Tampa Bay is already known for its customer service heritage with large international companies basing their customer service departments in the area (Citigroup, USAA, JPMorgan, etc.). They’re here because the talent pool grew, which lead to more competent talent. The same is happening with SSAE 16 / SOC industry. They all know the ends and outs of the auditing business, and they’re all selling the same ultimate product, but in reality they’re all providing the same widget attempting to differential themselves from their competitors via superior Customer Service.
These companies offer the same nationwide product: a CPA signed attestation. So what should one look for in selecting an auditor to engage? Competency? Yes. Knowledge? Yes. Cost conscious? Yes. Delivery? Yes. They all share these qualities. The distinguishing characteristic is simple: customer service and communication. You want an auditor that will work with you, flex to your needs, accommodate your business, your culture, and above all, one that communicates freely and openly.
The post Tampa Bay emerging as the mecca for SSAE 16 / SOC auditor headquarters appeared first on SSAE 16 Engagement Awareness Today.
