Best Audit & Compliance Consulting Services in the USA
United States Audit & Compliance Consultants
Looking for the best outsourced, part-time, fractional, and virtual audit & compliance consulting services in the U.S.? Whether you're preparing for a SOC 2 audit, seeking ISO 27001 certification, or tightening internal controls ahead of a funding round or M&A, the right compliance partner can make or break your timeline. That’s why we’ve created this research-backed, client-reviewed, and location-aware guide to the most trusted audit and compliance consultants operating across the United States. These providers serve fast-growing startups, PE-backed companies, and regulated enterprises, delivering policy frameworks, risk assessments, and readiness audits with speed and clarity.
This list is part of Digital Reference’s broader mission to bring radical authenticity and transparency to the world of B2B services. We cut through marketing noise to highlight firms that deliver measurable outcomes backed by leadership who don’t hide behind buzzwords. Every provider here was selected for their domain expertise, client-first operating models, and the visible presence of their founders or senior leadership. Whether you need virtual audit support, a fractional compliance officer, or a roadmap to pass your next exam with confidence, this guide will connect you to professionals who take the work and the relationship seriously.
Our Methodology
To make this list meaningful, we used three core selection criteria:
- Research-driven: We verified each provider’s services, certifications, and frameworks based on public sources and professional bios.
- Client-reviewed: We prioritized providers with demonstrable success stories, testimonials, awards, or public client impact.
- Location-based: While these services are virtual, we ensured a U.S. presence (headquarters or operating office) for time zone alignment and regulatory relevance.
We also looked for firms aligned with Digital Reference’s values—radical authenticity and transparency, both in service and communication.
Compliance Clarity LLC
🔗 Website: https://instantcomplianceofficer.com
What they do:
Tailored mortgage lending compliance support, including fair lending analysis, licensing, state exams, customized policies & training, monitoring, and audits. The tone is clear, hands-on, and practical.
Who they work with:
Mortgage lenders, small financial institutions, and regulatory examinations.
Operating model:
Fractional/outsource model, affordable, custom engagements driven by client needs.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Deep mortgage/AML/BSA compliance experience.
- Highly personalized, small-business pricing and direct access to leadership.
- Located in Texas (Katy/Houston), offering US-based support and exam alignment.
Heather Sanchez, Founder, Compliance Clarity LLC
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/heathersanchez
Heather has over a decade in mortgage compliance, licensing & fair lending. She built Compliance Clarity LLC to offer accessible outsourced compliance help to small lenders. Her leadership style is collaborative, leaning into customized training and audit preparation. Heather is known for being outspoken about regulatory clarity and making implementation understandable and practical.
The Audit Library
🔗 Website: https://theauditlibrary.com
What they do:
Subscription-based internal-audit document templates, audit planning tools, quality assurance and consulting, with a focus on credit unions and financial institutions.
Who they work with:
Credit unions, community banks, and audit teams needing standardized audit programs.
Operating model:
Virtual/document-driven with consulting add-ons, scalable for departments of all sizes.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Thousands of hours refining audit templates (e.g., QAIP, loan review, risk assessment).
- Named NACUSAC Associate Member of the Year (2023) for leadership in audit standards.
- Strong vertical niche (credit unions) with deep compliance specialization.
John Kaneklides, Founder, The Audit Library
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/john-kaneklides-cia-17912525
John is a CIA and co-founder of The Audit Library with over a decade in financial institution audit and internal assurance. He manages the development of risk-based templates and audit frameworks. Known for his focus on quality assurance reviews and practical audit efficiency tools tailored to credit unions and community auditors.
Audit Liaison
🔗 Website: https://auditliaison.com
What they do:
Audit Liaison is an information security consulting firm that helps organizations efficiently navigate and succeed in compliance audits such as SOC 1, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI, and FISMA/FedRAMP. They focus on risk-based, value-driven support to simplify the audit process for companies of all sizes.
Who they work with:
SMB SaaS firms, tech companies, healthcare vendors, and PE-backed firms needing scalable compliance operations.
Operating model:
Outsourced audit support, fractional CISO/compliance leadership with team-based delivery.
💡 Why they stand out:
- The founder launched the firm in 2009 with a strong track record in ISO and SOC disciplines.
- Client testimonials cite rapid SOC readiness, policy build-out, risk assessments, and audit liaison coordination.
- Highly qualified leadership: CEO holds CISA, CISM, CISSP, CCSP certifications and deep public-company audit experience.
Jay Anthony, Founder & CEO, Audit Liaison
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jay-anthony-b0168a1
Jay brings over 30 years in internal/external audit, formerly at EY and as CCO/Internal Audit Director at public corporations. He founded Audit Liaison in 2009 to fill a gap in SMBs needing expert audit support. Jay’s approach is solution-oriented, emphasizing pragmatic security and audit readiness. Clients value his experience, clear communication, and hands-on leadership.
Compliance Services Group, LLC
🔗 Website: http://complianceservicesgroup.com
What they do:
Compliance audits, policy development, risk assessments, fair lending reviews, and training tailored for financial institutions.
Who they work with:
Credit unions and community banks across the U.S.
Operating model:
Hands-on, collaborative approach; consulting and audit teams deployed per client needs.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Deep credit union expertise; decades of regulatory knowledge.
- Longstanding reputation with state and federal examiners.
- Offers both internal and external audit support under one roof.
John Bley, Founder, Compliance Services Group
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/john-bley-040a3355
John Bley brings decades of banking, legal, and compliance leadership, including prior roles as a state regulator. Known for his sharp regulatory interpretation and credit union advocacy, John built the firm with a focus on regulatory partnership and fairness. His guidance shapes many of the firm’s policies and risk practices.
Audit Forward
🔗 Website: https://www.auditforward.com/
What they do:
Internal audit services, SOX compliance, and risk assessments with a focus on mid-market and PE-backed firms.
Who they work with:
Growth-stage businesses, private equity, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Operating model:
Agile, outcome-driven audits delivered virtually or on-site.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Flexible staffing models support rapid growth and change.
- Combines compliance expertise with business process improvements.
- Strong presence in regulated industries like healthcare.
Elizabeth McDowell, Founder, Audit Forward
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/elizabethmcdowell
Elizabeth has 20+ years of audit and risk experience, including senior roles in internal audit and compliance. She founded Audit Forward to help organizations stop treating audit as a check-the-box exercise. Known for her consultative approach, she focuses on delivering insights that improve both compliance and performance.
Sage Audits LLP
🔗 Website: https://sageaudits.com/
What they do:
Sage Audits LLP delivers robust financial and operational audit services for small to mid-sized enterprises. Their offerings span internal audits, risk and controls reviews, and compliance assurance with a focus on industry best practices. Their tone is data-first, transparent, and rooted in accountability.
Who they work with:
Emerging growth companies, family-owned businesses, and tech-forward firms needing scalable audit operations.
Operating model:
High-touch, partner-led audit model combined with virtual delivery options and customized client service teams.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Emphasizes audit as a business advantage, not just a requirement.
- Deep accounting and risk advisory lineage, with senior talent deployed on every engagement.
- Builds long-term client relationships through transparency, audit readiness coaching, and education-first models.
Jordan Novak, Founder, Sage Audits LLP
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-novak-b6884510/
Jordan brings nearly two decades of audit, accounting, and consulting experience, having previously held roles at regional CPA firms and internal audit leadership at mid-market firms. Known for his steady, solutions-first mindset, Jordan emphasizes client education and audit collaboration as essential parts of building business integrity. He is a vocal advocate for lifting audit quality standards across the mid-market and regularly shares thought leadership on improving internal controls in growing firms.
361 Services
🔗 Website: http://www.361services.com/
What they do:
Forensic accounting, litigation support, internal investigations, and financial audits.
Who they work with:
Law firms, boards, executives, and financial institutions.
Operating model:
Case-based teams are led by senior forensic experts.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Expertise in fraud investigation and financial forensics.
- Trusted by legal teams for expert witness support.
- National footprint with deep local expertise.
Bill Farr, Founder & Managing Director, 361 Services
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bill-farr-86a7674
Bill brings over 25 years of forensic accounting experience, often serving as an expert witness or advisor in high-stakes litigation. He’s known for his detailed, evidence-backed approach and integrity when it comes to corporate investigations and regulatory responses.
Orion Solutions Group
🔗 Website: http://www.orionsolutionsgroup.com
What they do:
Provides audit, finance, and technology consulting with a focus on operational excellence and interim leadership.
Who they work with:
Mid-market companies, private equity firms, and transformation teams.
Operating model:
A hybrid of advisory and staffing, supporting both short-term and strategic needs.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Combines audit/compliance with operational transformation.
- Strong in talent placement and interim CFO/COO services.
- Midwestern roots with national client reach.
Kris Flynn, Founder, Orion Solutions Group
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/kris-flynn-26418162
Kris is a strategic finance leader with experience in both consulting and operations. Known for helping teams scale by aligning audit controls with business growth goals, he brings a practical, team-oriented leadership style.
ULedger
🔗 Website: https://hubs.ly/Q01vrV8F0
What they do:
Blockchain-based data integrity solutions to support audit trails, chain-of-custody, and tamperproof compliance.
Who they work with:
Tech firms, healthcare, logistics, and government.
Operating model:
SaaS and API-first architecture.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Patented blockchain engine for real-time immutability.
- Used by auditors to verify and timestamp data changes.
- Adds transparency and traceability to legacy systems.
Josh McIver, CEO/Founder, ULedger
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josh-mciver-b807366
Josh is a serial entrepreneur and blockchain technologist passionate about making data trustworthy. His approach to audit integrity focuses on transparency by design. ULedger reflects his vision of decentralized, verifiable record keeping for high-stakes industries.
Audit Services US, LLC
🔗 Website: https://www.auditservicesus.us/
What they do:
Audit Services US, LLC delivers end-to-end audit and assurance services tailored for regulated sectors, particularly government contractors and healthcare providers. Their specialties include risk management audits, compliance readiness, forensic reviews, and internal controls analysis. They’re known for bringing structure and strategic thinking to audit planning.
Who they work with:
Federal contractors, regional health systems, and nonprofit organizations managing public funds.
Operating model:
Hybrid delivery model, onsite reviews with virtual support, led by credentialed auditors with public and private sector experience.
💡 Why they stand out:
- Deep expertise in government compliance frameworks and funding oversight.
- Known for audit remediation planning that improves future-state controls.
- Transparent fee structures and repeat engagements signal strong client trust.
J. Matthew Thornton, Founder, Audit Services US, LLC
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmatthewthornton/
J. Matthew Thornton brings over 20 years of experience in public accounting, internal audit, and regulatory compliance, with a specific focus on government-funded entities. His leadership is marked by clarity, consistency, and a dedication to audit quality that helps organizations avoid costly findings. He frequently contributes thought leadership on navigating complex audit environments and is trusted by boards for strategic compliance insight.
Final Thoughts
At Digital Reference, we believe in radical authenticity and transparency, —just as each of these providers does. Whether you need fractional compliance leadership, template-driven internal audit programs, or virtual SOC/ISO readiness, our curated list points you to trusted, US-based operators who deliver service clarity and measurable outcomes.
If you're looking for help selecting a partner or want to discuss how compliance intersects with brand trust, Digital Reference is here. We guide businesses toward consultants who elevate compliance into a service-first, trust-building opportunity.
Thank you for letting us spotlight these exceptional firms. Let us know if you want more in-depth recommendations or visibility into a specific region or sector we're building new lists weekly.
🔍 Explore More from Digital Reference
- What are Finance Professionals?
- Top Outsourced CTO Agencies in the USA
- Finance Consultants in NYC
- How to Hire a Financial Consultant
Stay connected with Digital Reference for upcoming spotlight features on cybersecurity, data strategy, ESG compliance, and beyond.
Subscribe to our newsletter
We'd love to have you follow our journey, learn about to new features and functionality, and get access to talent ecosystem news.
