What is one of the auditor's responsibilities when planning SOC engagements?

One of the auditor's key responsibilities when planning SOC (System and Organization Controls) engagements is to reach an understanding with management regarding written assertions. This involves clarifying the specific control objectives and assertions that management intends to make about the effectiveness of their controls. It is essential for the auditor to ensure that there is a mutual understanding of what is being evaluated, as this forms the basis of the engagement.

By establishing clear assertions, the auditor can tailor the scope of the engagement to effectively assess the design and operating effectiveness of controls in place at the service organization. This understanding is crucial for planning and performing the SOC audit, as it ensures that the auditor focuses on the relevant controls that are pertinent to the assertions made by management, thereby enhancing the reliability of the engagement outcomes.

The other responsibilities mentioned, such as providing recommendations for process improvements, assessing the financial viability of the service organization, or ensuring compliance of the user entity with regulations, while important, are not primary responsibilities specifically associated with the planning phase of SOC engagements. These tasks may be considered in a broader audit context but do not directly pertain to the core responsibilities when it comes to SOC engagements specifically.