Maximizing GRC Tool Implementation for SOC Audit Success: Lessons from the Field

Maximizing GRC Tool Implementation for SOC Audit Success: Lessons from the Field

September 2, 2025

As SOC auditors, we often hear the same question from clients exploring GRC tools: “Will this save us time?” The answer is often “it depends”. While GRC tools streamline evidence collection and monitoring, the greatest time savings occur on the client side—by reducing the resources needed to gather and organize audit evidence.

Here are four essential tips for implementing GRC tools effectively, drawn from our experience working with AICPA SOC clients:

1. Scope and Applicability Analysis: Don’t Over-Control

Before diving into configuration, spend time ensuring your control framework is scoped appropriately. Not all controls are relevant to every organization. For example, if your Company’s system is hosted entirely in the cloud, physical security controls like badge access or surveillance cameras may not apply. This step helps narrow the scope to avoid unnecessary complexity and helps auditors focus on what truly matters.

2. Invest in Proper Setup: Garbage In, Garbage Out

A GRC tool is only as good as its configuration. If the tool isn’t set up correctly, automated outputs like JSON files may be incomplete or misleading. We’ve seen cases where Drata tests were referenced but not visible to auditors, making it difficult to evaluate their appropriateness.

3. Assign Control Owners: Tools Don’t Replace People

GRC platforms automate monitoring, but they don’t replace accountability. Each control still needs a designated owner who understands the control, ensures it’s properly configured, and reviews the results. This human oversight is critical to maintaining audit integrity.

4. Enable Appropriate Auditor Access: Transparency Matters

Clients often forget to enable auditor access beyond just uploading files. For example, GRC tools sometimes offers auditors "Read only access to the entire app" which provides a secure, view-only environment to access compliance evidence and collaborate on audits without the risk of accidental changes. Granting read-only access to dashboards and test results allows auditors to verify controls directly, reducing back-and-forth and improving trust in the tool’s outputs.

Final Thoughts

GRC tools can be powerful allies in SOC audits—but only when implemented thoughtfully. By focusing on scope, setup, ownership, and access, clients can unlock real efficiencies and strengthen their control environment.  For additional guidance, contact Larson & Company today.  Find out more about our IT and SOC Audit services developed specifically to serve the needs of companies of all sizes in a wide range of industries.