SSAE 18 is a statement that sets standards for reporting on the controls and processes related to financial reporting. It comes from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, outlining the framework for reporting on internal controls. The SSAE 18 is designed to provide assurances that the reporting of service organizations is secure, thorough, and on point. For SOC reports, an SSAE 18 statement outlines controls to ensure they’re reliable.
Most organizations have at least heard of SOC reports. Published and administered by the American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA), the SOC umbrella of attestations helps organizations demonstrate adherence to best practices around data privacy, cybersecurity, risk assessment and financial reporting.
Since SOC requirements come directly from the AICPA, the organization releases documents pertaining to guidance for audits and compliance. One of the primary documents for SOC compliance is Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements no. 18 (SSAE 18).
