The Oxford dictionary defines an assertion as “a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.” Making an assertion is often used synonymously with stating an opinion or making a claim. While assertions are made in all aspects of life, most people think of a company’s financial statements or the financial statements audit when they think of assertions in an accounting or business setting.
About Isaac Clarke (PARTNER | CPA, CISA, CISSP)

Isaac Clarke is a partner at Linford & Co., LLP. He began his career with Ernst & Young in 2003 where he developed his audit expertise over a number of years. Isaac specializes in and has conducted numerous SOC 1 and SOC 2 examinations for a variety of companies—from startups to Fortune 100 companies. Isaac enjoys helping his clients understand and simplify their compliance activities. He is attentive to his clients’ needs and works meticulously to ensure that each examination and report meets professional standards.
SOC 2 + HITRUST: How Your Organization Could Benefit From Both
Cybersecurity is a serious concern for the management and board members of organizations around the world. Consequently, service providers are being faced with increasing scrutiny and pressure to prove that they have taken appropriate measures to protect their systems, the client data that they process or store, and the systems and entities who use or […]
Establishing an Effective Internal Control Environment
Organizations flourish when they establish control environments that foster the efficient execution of operations. When done properly, good internal controls help organizations deliver value to their stakeholders and achieve their strategic objectives while aligning with industry best practices, laws, and regulations to manage risks facing them. This blog will help you understand 1) what a […]
What is the PCAOB? Auditing Standards & Inspection Reports
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) is a regulatory board reporting to the SEC who oversees the audits of public companies. Congress created the PCAOB in 2002 with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) in response to a series of accounting scandals, notably Enron and Worldcom, to tighten controls on the auditing industry.
Sharing SOC Reports: Answers to Common Questions
Service organizations often ask our firm if they have to give out their SOC 1 (formerly SSAE 16) or SOC 2 report to user organizations or prospective user organizations
What Is An Internal Auditor & Why Should You Hire One?
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) defines internal audit as the “independent, objective assurance, and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.” Definition of Certified […]
There is No SOC 1 Audit Checklist…Only Questions & Considerations
You have poured your blood, sweat, and tears in to your startup and it is about to pay off. You are close to finalizing a deal with a new, large customer. You have worked long and hard to connect with them and demonstrate the value of your service or system. They are excited. You are […]
Testing & Audit Exceptions
If you are reading this article, chances are that your auditor has told you that you have an audit exception or, even worse, multiple “audit exceptions.” Hearing that phrase strikes fear and panic into the hearts of many. While some of those reactions may be justified, I have found that many suffer more than necessary […]
What is an Internal Audit? Answers to Common Questions
For many people, the words “internal audit” conjure a sense of fear and anticipation of high cost. Even under the best circumstances, having someone review your activities can be intimidating, but internal audit provides an unbiased, independent review of data and business processes.
What Is ISO 9000?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental organization made up of members from the national standards bodies of over 160 countries that set international standards related to products and services.