Lesson: Independence Considerations in SOC Engagements

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In this lesson, Nick Palazzolo, CPA, explores the crucial role of independence in SOC engagements, emphasizing that auditors must maintain their impartiality both in fact and appearance to deliver valid assessments of service organization controls. He highlights the importance of auditors being free from any financial, employment, managerial, or other relationships that could compromise their objectivity or judgment. Nick further explains how this principle of independence extends not only to the service organizations but also to any subservice organizations involved, using relatable examples to illustrate potential conflicts of interest and their impact on audit integrity. Additionally, he delves into engagement strategies to ensure that auditor independence is not compromised throughout the audit process. This discussion underscores the mandatory adherence to professional standards, such as those set by the AICPA, throughout the conduct of SOC reports and audits.

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Considerations Specific to Planning, Performing & Reporting on a SOC Engagement
Module: 2 Concepts, 30 Videos
Considerations Specific to Planning and Performing a SOC Engagement - Overview
1:09
Introduction to Considerations Specific to Planning and Performing a SOC Engagement
8:07
Purpose and Organization of the Trust Services Criteria
3:58
Subject Matters in Trust Services Criteria Reporting
5:13
Management Assertions in SOC Engagements
8:35
Intended Users of SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 Reports
5:16
Independence Considerations in SOC Engagements
3:39
Materiality in SOC Engagements
3:01
Risk Assessment for Service Organizations and Service Auditors
2:40
Criteria for a Vendor To Be Considered a Subservice Organization
5:42
Inclusive v. Carve-out Method in SOC Engagements
4:20
Service Commitments and System Requirements in SOC 2 Engagements
2:47
Subsequently Discovered Facts on SOC Engagements
6:25
Purpose and Common Sections of a System Description in SOC Engagements
3:31
Management's Description of an Entity's Cybersecurity Risk Management Program
3:52
Complementary User Entity Controls
4:22
Obtaining Management's Written Representations
4:07
Understanding the System in a SOC 2 Engagement
5:46
SOC 1 vs. SOC 2 Engagements
11:31
Considerations Specific to Planning and Performing a SOC Engagement - Summary
1:30
Considerations Specific to Planning and Performing a SOC Engagement - Practice Questions
5:08
Considerations Specific to Reporting on a SOC Engagement - Overview
0:59
Introduction to Considerations Specific to Reporting on a SOC Engagement
2:05
CUECs Effect on SOC Reports
5:31
Carve-out vs. Inclusive Method in Reporting on CSOCs
5:39
Types of Opinions and Report Modifications in the Presence of Deficiencies
11:47
Preparation of SOC 2 Reports
5:05
Form and Content of SOC 1 and SOC 2 Reports
4:49
Considerations Specific to Reporting on a SOC Engagement - Summary
1:42
Considerations Specific to Reporting on a SOC Engagement - Practice Questions
5:45