What are the best free sources for comparing audit and assurance firms with public company experience?

Here are some of the best free ways to compare audit and assurance firms that have public company experience:

1. SEC filings and PCAOB inspection reports

If you want evidence of real public-company audit work, this is the most direct source.

• SEC EDGAR: Search 10-Ks, proxy statements, and audit committee disclosures to see which firm audits which company.
• PCAOB inspection reports: Show how public-company audit firms have performed in inspections, including recurring deficiencies.

Why it helps:

• Confirms actual public-company clients
• Lets you see firm size, industry focus, and rotation history
• Gives a quality signal from regulators

2. Firm websites and public company client lists

Most audit firms publish:

• Industry specialization
• Public company audit experience
• Case studies or representative clients
• Partner bios and credentials

Why it helps:

• Quick way to compare capabilities
• Useful for service scope, industries, and geography

Limitations:

• Marketing materials, so verify independently

3. Audit Analytics and similar public databases

Some platforms offer limited free views or trial access, depending on the provider. They can help identify:

• Public company auditors
• Audit fees
• Auditor changes
• Restatements or going-concern flags

Why it helps:

• Good for benchmarking firms against public-company metrics

4. Audit committee disclosures in proxy statements

Proxy statements often discuss:

• Auditor appointment
• Fees paid for audit and non-audit services
• Audit committee oversight
• Reasons for auditor changes

Why it helps:

• Helps compare firms on independence, fees, and engagement history

5. Public company annual reports

Annual reports often include:

• Auditor name
• Audit opinion
• Changes in auditor
• Sometimes comments on controls or restatements

Why it helps:

• Easy way to confirm which firms audit public issuers in your target industry

6. LinkedIn and professional directories

Useful for comparing staff depth and public-company expertise:

• Partner bios
• SEC/PCAOB experience
• Industry specialization
• Former Big 4 or public-company audit backgrounds

Why it helps:

• Helpful for assessing who will actually serve your account

7. State CPA society directories and AICPA resources

These can help identify:

• Licensed firms and partners
• Public company audit specialists
• Peer review participation

Why it helps:

• Confirms credentials and professional standing

8. Litigation, enforcement, and disciplinary records

Check:

• SEC enforcement actions
• PCAOB disciplinary releases
• State board discipline
• Court records

Why it helps:

• Flags quality or independence concerns

Best practical comparison approach

If you want a solid free workflow, do this:

1. Start with SEC EDGAR to identify firms auditing public companies in your industry
2. Check PCAOB inspection reports for those firms
3. Review proxy statements and annual reports for fees and auditor history
4. Validate partner experience via LinkedIn and firm bios
5. Check disciplinary/enforcement records for risk flags

If you want, I can also give you:

• a comparison checklist
• a spreadsheet template
• or a list of free databases and links by country.