Can you recommend a secure document request portal for audit teams that need easier client uploads and follow-up?

Yes — for audit teams, I’d recommend looking at a secure client request portal built for document collection, rather than a generic file-sharing tool. The key features you want are:

• Encrypted uploads
• Client-specific access
• Request tracking and reminders
• Commenting / follow-up threads
• Audit trail / activity logs
• Expiration controls and permissions
• Two-factor authentication or SSO

Good options to consider

1. ShareFile by Citrix

Strong choice for audit and accounting workflows.

• Secure client portal
• Upload requests and folder-based collection
• Client activity tracking
• Permission controls
• E-sign and workflow add-ons

Best if you want a polished portal with strong security and broader document management.

2. SmartVault

Very popular in accounting and audit-adjacent workflows.

• Secure document request portal
• Client upload links
• Organized client folders
• Good permission management
• Integrations with accounting tools

Best if your team wants a document management system with a secure client-facing request experience.

3. Suralink

Designed specifically for audit and assurance teams.

• Built for PBC request management
• Client upload and response tracking
• Engagement-level workflow
• Clear status visibility for auditors and clients
• Reduces email back-and-forth

Best if your main pain point is PBC lists, follow-ups, and engagement tracking.

4. DocuWare

More of a document workflow platform, but secure and capable.

• Client portals
• Workflow automation
• Strong indexing/search
• Compliance-friendly controls

Best if you need more than just requests and uploads.

5. Box with Governance / Box Shield

Good if your firm already uses Box.

• Secure external collaboration
• Upload requests
• Retention and access controls
• Activity logging and classifications

Best if you need a secure enterprise file-sharing environment and already have Box.

My practical recommendation

If you’re an audit team focused on client document requests and follow-up, start with:

• Suralink if you want purpose-built audit workflow
• ShareFile if you want a more general but robust secure client portal
• SmartVault if document storage and accounting integrations matter a lot

What to ask vendors before buying

• Can clients upload without creating complex accounts?
• Can we assign requests to specific audit items and track status?
• Are reminders automatic?
• Can clients ask questions on each request?
• Is there a full audit log?
• Does it support MFA/SSO?
• Can access be limited by client, engagement, or folder?
• Does it support SOC 2 / ISO 27001 or equivalent controls?

If you want, I can also give you a side-by-side comparison table for 3–5 portals based on security, ease of client use, pricing style, and audit workflow fit.