By Peter Korpak · Reviewed against our methodology · Last updated
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Schellman is a national SOC 2 audit firm in Tampa, FL, USA that charges $20K–$100K for Type II audits with 3–12 month timelines. Founded in 2002, they hold 14 accreditations and specialize in Government/Defense, Healthcare, Financial Services, and 3 more. Their pricing is below average compared to the national average of $40.263K–$106.842K.
Free. Anonymous until you pick.
Note: Pricing shown is estimated based on typical engagements. Use our SOC 2 cost calculator for a personalized estimate.
of National firms charge more for Type II
of National firms have longer minimum timelines
certifications (tier avg: 3)
Side-by-side pricing, timeline, and certification counts for the 5 closest-priced peers in the national tier.
| Schellman | CBIZ (formerly Marcum LLP) | RubinBrown | KLR (Kahn Litwin Renza) | Grassi | BDO UK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type II Cost | $20K–$100K | $40K–$100K | $40K–$100K | $40K–$100K | $40K–$100K | $40K–$100K |
| Type I Cost | $15K–$30K | $25K–$50K | $25K–$80K | $25K–$80K | $25K–$80K | $25K–$80K |
| Timeline | 3–12 mo | 4–9 mo | 6–14 mo | 6–14 mo | 6–14 mo | 6–14 mo |
| Team Size | 500-700+ | 10000–11000 | 1000–5000 | 350–5000 | 600–5000 | 8000 |
| Certifications | 14 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Founded | 2002 | 1951 | 1952 | 1975 | 1980 | 1903 |
For buyers in Government/Defense and Healthcare, Schellman fits the national profile when timeline (3–12 months) and Type II pricing ($20K–$100K) align with what national firms typically deliver. Their 14 active accreditations — including Top 50 CPA Firm, PCAOB Registered, ISO 27001 Certification Body (ANAB) — extend that fit beyond pure SOC 2 into adjacent compliance frameworks.
Defense contractors needing CMMC + FedRAMP, federal agencies requiring top-tier FedRAMP 3PAO, classified systems operators (ONLY auditor with DoD Facility Security Clearance), healthcare organizations needing HITRUST + SOC 2 bundles, companies wanting Top 50 CPA brand with multi-framework expertise
#1 FedRAMP 3PAO globally with unmatched government/defense expertise. ONLY audit firm with DoD Facility Security Clearance for classified assessments (unassailable competitive moat). Top 50 CPA firm issuing 1,000+ SOC reports annually. 'The Power of One' cross-compliance: SOC + ISO + FedRAMP + HITRUST + PCI + CMMC under single roof. Founded 2002, 20+ years compliance focus
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Schellman & Company represents the gold standard for government and defense compliance, combining Top 50 CPA firm credibility with unmatched FedRAMP and CMMC expertise. Founded in 2002 by Chris Schellman as a two-person SAS 70 audit shop, the firm now issues 2,000+ SOC reports annually, serves 900+ clients worldwide, and is ranked #46 on Accounting Today’s 2026 Top 100 Firms with $197 million in revenue, ~500 employees, and 28 partners.
Schellman is the #1 FedRAMP 3PAO globally, and in April 2026 became the first 3PAO to assess 200 cloud service offerings on the FedRAMP Marketplace — work that has helped clients secure 870+ ATOs across 71 federal agencies.
Now led by CEO Avani Desai (since 2021) with Doug Barbin as President, Schellman recently announced (March 2026) a strategic investment from Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives. Lightyear Capital, which acquired majority ownership in 2021, will remain a minority investor following the close of the deal (expected Q2 2026). The transaction is earmarked for international expansion (UK and Europe), healthcare and financial services growth, and large-scale M&A.
In March 2025, Schellman received a Facility Security Clearance (FCL), enabling it to perform classified DoD assessments including IL6, classified SOC 2 examinations, and penetration testing on cleared systems — a rare capability among compliance assessors.
Schellman serves defense contractors, federal agencies, healthcare organizations, financial services companies, and technology firms seeking Top 50 CPA brand prestige with deep technical expertise across SOC, ISO, FedRAMP, HITRUST, PCI, and CMMC frameworks. The firm offers 60+ types of audits and assessments and reports a 98% client retention rate.
Schellman’s government and defense capabilities are genuinely unmatched among compliance auditors:
Obtaining a Facility Security Clearance requires extensive background checks, facility security measures, and deep DoD trust. Schellman’s FCL gives it a rare capability for classified DoD IL6 work, classified SOC 2 examinations, and penetration testing on cleared systems — creating a defensive moat competitors cannot easily replicate.
State-level FedRAMP equivalent for state/local government cloud services
“Schellman has been a strategic 3PAO partner for Palantir consistently delivering exceptional assessment services. We are excited to see them expand their capabilities into cleared environments.” — Kevin Carr, Palantir Technologies US Government Cloud Compliance Lead
Palantir as a client - one of the most security-sensitive defense technology companies - validates Schellman’s high-assurance capabilities and government expertise.
Schellman’s positioning centers on “The Power of One” - comprehensive cross-compliance capability combining SOC, ISO, FedRAMP, HITRUST, PCI, and CMMC under a single roof. This appeals to organizations tired of coordinating multiple auditors with duplicate work.
SOC Audits:
ISO Certifications (ANAB Accredited Certification Body):
Healthcare & Privacy:
Payment Security:
International & Specialized:
AI Governance:
Sustainability/ESG:
Web3/Blockchain:
Background:
Focus Areas:
Philanthropy & Boards:
Leads firm operations and acquisition strategy alongside Desai; public spokesperson on M&A activity including the INSYTE acquisition.
2021 — Lightyear Capital Recapitalization:
2026 — Goldman Sachs Alternatives Strategic Investment:
INSYTE CPAs, LLC (August 2024)
Sustas, LLC Sustainability Practice (November 2024)
Scott S. Perry, CPA PLLC (January 2022)
Schellman’s accreditation depth is impressive even among Top 50 CPA firms:
Government:
Audit & Compliance:
Industry-Specific:
This breadth signals serious investment in quality and capability across diverse compliance frameworks.
1. Government Contractors (DOMINANT NICHE)
2. Healthcare Organizations
3. Financial Services
4. Automotive & Manufacturing
5. Technology Companies
Offices: Tampa, FL (HQ at 4010 W Boy Scout Blvd, Suite 600), Atlanta, San Francisco, Columbus (OH), and Hyderabad (India). 2024 INSYTE acquisition added a Birmingham (Alabama) footprint. TISAX/HDS accreditations support European delivery, and the 2026 Goldman Sachs Alternatives investment is specifically earmarked for UK and European expansion.
While Schellman has fewer public testimonials than some competitors (likely due to enterprise/government focus where clients review less publicly), available feedback emphasizes consistent themes:
Quality & Expertise:
“Depth of expertise in information technology control and breadth of compliance services… dedication to high quality and service excellence” — Cindy Wyatt, INSYTE CPAs
Long-Term Partnerships:
“Strategic 3PAO partner… consistently delivering exceptional assessment services” — Kevin Carr, Palantir
Professional Service Delivery:
1. Market Leadership: #1 FedRAMP 3PAO globally — objectively verifiable on the FedRAMP Marketplace (201 total assessments as of April 2026; first to reach the 200 milestone).
2. 98% Client Retention: Per Schellman’s AWS Marketplace listing — unusually high for a Top 50 CPA firm in a competitive RFP-driven market.
3. Government Trust: Facility Security Clearance is extraordinarily difficult to obtain. DoD doesn’t grant FCL casually — it requires extensive background checks, facility security, and deep institutional trust.
4. First-Mover Advantage: Performed first CMMC JVSA assessment — selected for pilot program indicates DoD confidence. World’s first ANAB-accredited ISO 42001 certification body positions Schellman first on AI governance.
5. Client Quality: Palantir Technologies, one of the most security-conscious defense tech companies, maintains long-term strategic partnership. Clients have secured 870+ ATOs across 71 federal agencies.
Schellman does not publish pricing. Industry estimates for Top 50 CPA firms suggest:
SOC 2 Type II Estimated Ranges:
FedRAMP (Known High Cost):
CMMC:
GRC Partnership Estimate: “Secureframe + BDO, MHM, Schellman: ~$20K-$50K” suggests mid-to-upper specialist range for SOC 2, likely justified by Top 50 CPA firm brand and cross-compliance expertise.
Schellman’s 2026 reported revenue is $197 million (per Accounting Today’s 2026 Top 100) — implying an average client engagement of roughly $200K when divided across the 900+ client base, consistent with mid-market to enterprise positioning.
1. Unmatched Government/Defense Capability
For classified DoD work, defense contractors and federal agencies requiring FCL-enabled assessments have very few alternatives.
2. Cross-Compliance Mastery “The Power of One” isn’t just marketing — 2,000+ SOC reports annually + ANAB-accredited ISO certification body (including world’s first for ISO 42001) + FedRAMP #1 + HITRUST + PCI + APEC Accountability Agent demonstrates genuine breadth executed at scale across 60+ assessment service types.
3. Top 50 CPA Firm Prestige Ranked #46 on Accounting Today’s 2026 Top 100 with $197M in revenue and ~500 employees. More credible than specialist boutiques, less expensive than Big 4, with PCAOB registration for public company work.
4. International Reach TISAX (European automotive) + HDS (French healthcare) + APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules + Hyderabad delivery center + planned UK/European expansion (Goldman Sachs Alternatives investment) differentiates from U.S.-only competitors.
5. 20+ Year Track Record Founded 2002 = proven staying power with 2,000+ SOC reports annually demonstrating consistent delivery at scale.
6. AI Governance First-Mover World’s first ANAB-accredited ISO 42001 certification body + Microsoft SSPA expertise positions Schellman ahead of competitors for AI/ML compliance needs.
7. 98% Client Retention Self-reported retention rate indicates strong long-term relationships and consistent service quality at scale.
1. Premium Pricing Top 50 CPA firm = higher costs than boutiques. May lose price-sensitive startups to A-LIGN, Prescient, KirkpatrickPrice.
2. No Proprietary Technology Platform Unlike A-LIGN’s A-SCEND or Prescient’s platform integrations, Schellman appears to use traditional audit processes. This may mean slower evidence collection and less real-time visibility.
3. Scale vs. Personalization Trade-off 900+ clients, 2,000+ reports annually, ~500 employees = potential to feel like a number rather than receiving boutique white-glove service.
4. Private Equity Ownership — Now Two Sponsors Lightyear Capital recapitalized in 2021; Goldman Sachs Alternatives takes majority position in Q2 2026 (with Lightyear staying on as minority). Two PE sponsors increase the likelihood of continued aggressive M&A and an eventual exit / IPO over the next 5-7 years.
1. Government Market Expansion:
2. Acquisitions:
3. Emerging Compliance:
4. International Expansion:
Schellman represents Top 50 CPA firm quality with government/defense specialization. Their #1 FedRAMP 3PAO position (first to reach 200 cloud service assessments) combined with their Facility Security Clearance creates a defensive competitive moat for classified government work that competitors cannot easily replicate.
“The Power of One” cross-compliance positioning is backed by genuine capability: 2,000+ SOC reports annually, ANAB-accredited ISO certification body (world’s first for ISO 42001), leading FedRAMP practice (870+ ATOs delivered), HITRUST assessor, PCI QSA, APEC Accountability Agent, and international reach (TISAX, HDS). This breadth — 60+ assessment service types executed at scale — differentiates Schellman from both boutique specialists (limited scope) and Big 4 (higher cost).
For defense contractors needing CMMC + FedRAMP, federal agencies requiring FedRAMP, or classified systems operators, Schellman’s unique FCL capability makes them the only viable choice for certain assessments. Healthcare organizations needing HITRUST + HIPAA + SOC 2 bundles also benefit from their cross-compliance expertise.
The Top 50 CPA firm brand provides credibility for investor/customer confidence without Big 4 pricing, while 20+ years of compliance focus demonstrates staying power and institutional knowledge.
However, Schellman is optimized for enterprise and government clients, not price-sensitive startups or organizations wanting boutique personalization. The lack of proprietary technology platform (like A-LIGN’s A-SCEND) may mean traditional audit processes rather than tech-enabled efficiency. Private equity ownership introduces potential exit timeline pressures.
If you’re a defense contractor, federal agency, healthcare organization, or enterprise requiring multiple compliance frameworks with Top 50 brand prestige, Schellman’s combination of government expertise, cross-compliance capability, and institutional maturity makes them a top-tier choice - particularly if classified assessment capability matters for current or future needs.
"Schellman has been a strategic 3PAO partner for Palantir consistently delivering exceptional assessment services. We are excited to see them expand their capabilities into cleared environments."
"Not only do we have confidence in the Schellman team's depth of expertise in information technology control and breadth of compliance services, but we also know they share the same dedication to high quality and service excellence."
6 industries — National average: 7
14 certifications — National average: 3
Traditional Audit Processes
Schellman SOC 2 Type I audits typically range from $15K to $30K. Type II audits range from $20K to $100K. This is below average for national firms — the national tier average is $40.263K–$106.842K. Final pricing depends on your organization's scope, number of trust service criteria, and system complexity.
A buyer-side checklist. Bring these to your first call — the answers separate firms that have run hundreds of SOC 2 engagements from firms that are bidding on them.
Tell us your scope. Schellman replies with a price, a timeline, and why they'd be a fit. Anonymous until you pick.
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