The technical evaluation is passed, pricing discussions are complete, and an enterprise customer is ready to proceed with your software product. Procurement then requests your latest SOC 2 report. You have nothing to send.
For Australian SaaS companies entering larger markets, this situation creates an immediate challenge. Because security assurance takes time, rushing into the wrong assessment may not satisfy the customer’s requirements. Start by understanding what the buyer expects, then plan backward from the deadline.
A calm first step is to find out exactly what was asked for, and by when. Sometimes the request leaves more room than it first appears, so it’s worth asking before assuming.
Find Out Which SOC 2 Report the Customer Needs
Different SOC 2 reports provide different levels of assurance. Enterprise security requirements make the distinction between SOC 2 type 1 vs type 2 matter. Whether relevant controls are suitably designed at a particular date is what Type 1 evaluates. Over a defined period, Type 2 examines both their design and their operating effectiveness.
Type 1 may be accepted temporarily by an enterprise buyer, but many specifically request Type 2, since it provides evidence covering actual operations. Before commissioning an examination, confirm the report type, required scope, and acceptable reporting dates with the customer.
The report type, scope, and dates drive both the plan and the budget, so write the answers down.
Let the Observation Period Drive Your Timeline
A SOC 2 type 2 examination cannot be completed simply by preparing documentation and scheduling an auditor. The relevant controls have to be in operation across the whole reporting period. That period may cover three months for an initial examination, while subsequent reports commonly examine longer periods.
Where your business needs to demonstrate access reviews, security training, or change approvals, those activities must happen, and be documented, during the applicable window. Work backward from the customer deadline to find out whether the requested report can realistically be delivered on time.
If the deadline is tighter than the observation period allows, tell the customer early. A dated plan is one interim step that some customers are willing to discuss when they hear about the gap early.
Understand What the Examination Delivers
SOC 2 does not issue certificates, even though businesses frequently search for SOC 2 type 2 certification.
A licensed CPA firm issues an attestation report after performing an independent examination against the applicable AICPA Trust Services Criteria. In the report you’ll find a description of the assessed system, relevant controls, testing procedures, and the auditor’s opinion.
It’s that document, often shared under a confidentiality agreement, that customers typically review. A specific historical period is also what a SOC type 2 report relates to. It does not automatically provide assurance about every change made afterward.
Understand the Costs Before You Begin
More than an independent examination fee is involved in SOC 2 preparation. Assistance with developing policies, conducting risk assessments, preparing evidence, training employees, and arranging security testing may be needed.
A SOC 2 compliance package priced at AUD $2,750 per month, excluding GST, over twelve months is advertised by Siege Cyber for businesses with up to 50 employees. The advertised offer applies to eligible contracts signed by December 31, 2026. The package includes compliance preparation, training, a compliance platform, and external penetration testing.
The independent CPA examination is billed separately, with Siege Cyber indicating typical fees of approximately AUD 5,000–15,000, depending on scope and complexity. Before committing, confirm current pricing, eligibility, and deliverables.
When Your Report Is Already Out of Date
Say your Type 2 report covers January through June, yet a customer requests assurance in October. The months in between aren’t examined by the report. Some customers may accept a management-issued bridge letter describing relevant changes since the reporting period ended.
A bridge letter does not replace an independent examination, and acceptance depends on the customer’s requirements. Discuss reporting gaps early rather than assuming an older report will satisfy procurement.
Build Compliance That Outlasts One Contract
With fixed-price consulting packages and independent audit coordination, Siege Cyber provides Australian-based SOC 2 readiness support. Growing software companies get the most from connecting compliance preparation with actual operational responsibilities.
Establish a reporting schedule that supports future customer reviews, assign control owners, and maintain security records. Leaving your business better prepared for the next enterprise opportunity, not just answering the current request, is what a successful SOC 2 project should do.
The next audit cycle is less of a scramble when the evidence you collect has been kept organized from the start. Regular reviews of responsibilities and schedules help controls keep operating between audits.