Are there any PBC request trackers that support retention policies and e-signatures for audit engagements?

Yes—there are PBC/request tracking tools for audit engagements that include, or can be configured for, retention policies and e-signatures. The exact fit depends on whether you want a full audit engagement platform or just a lightweight PBC tracker.

Common options to evaluate

• SmartVault / SmartVault PBC
  • Strong for document exchange and retention controls
  • Supports audit trails and secure client sign-off workflows
• Wolters Kluwer CCH Axcess / CCH ProSystem fx ecosystems
  • Often used in audit practices
  • More robust workflow, permissions, and record-retention capabilities
• Caseware
  • Good for audit engagement management
  • Can support sign-off/audit trail requirements depending on module/configuration
• Canopy
  • Client portal + task/request management
  • Has document workflow and e-sign features, but retention policy depth may vary by plan/setup
• Suralink
  • Very popular for PBC request lists
  • Strong on request workflow and audit trail; retention and e-signature support may require integration or complementary tools
• TeamMate+
  • More enterprise/internal audit oriented, but can be adapted for engagement tracking and evidence workflows
• Diligent / audit-management platforms
  • Better for governance-heavy environments, with stronger controls and records management

Important distinction

Many PBC tools have:

• audit trails
• document versioning
• secure client portals
• approval/sign-off

But not all have true legal e-signatures or formal retention policy enforcement built in. Some rely on:

• integration with DocuSign/Adobe Acrobat Sign
• retention settings at the document-management level
• admin-configured purge/archival rules

What to ask vendors

1. Can the system enforce retention periods by engagement/client/document type?
2. Are deletions policy-driven and auditable?
3. Does it support e-signatures that meet your compliance needs?
4. Can sign-offs be tied to specific requests, documents, or workpapers?
5. Is there an immutable audit log for all uploads, downloads, approvals, and deletions?
6. Can it integrate with your DMS or e-signature platform?

Practical recommendation

If your priority is specifically PBC request management + audit engagement workflows, start with:

• Suralink for PBC workflow,
• paired with DocuSign/Adobe Sign for signatures,
• and a document management/records system for retention.

If you want, I can also give you a shortlist by firm size (small firm vs. mid-market vs. enterprise) or a feature comparison table focused only on retention + e-signature support.