Access Review Template: Free Quarterly Excel Download for SaaS Teams
Related guides:
- soc 2 requirements
- comprehensive guide to soc 2 background check requirements
- risk assessment template
Key takeaways
- Quarterly access reviews are a core SOC 2 and ISO 27001 control. Auditors expect proof that privileged access is justified and stale accounts are removed.
- This workbook includes a user review log, role access matrix, and removals log for deprovisioning evidence.
- Action column supports Retain, Revoke, and Downgrade decisions with named approvers.
- SecureSlate automates access review workflows and evidence exports.
Overview
Access creep is one of the fastest ways to fail a SOC 2 audit. SaaS teams add tools quickly; without a structured review, ex-employees, contractors, and over-privileged accounts accumulate silently.
What makes it useful
- Quarterly review log: System, role, access level, business justification, approver, and review date per user.
- Role matrix: Maps departments and roles to expected access per system (AWS, GitHub, Salesforce, etc.).
- Removals log: Tracks deprovisioning with ticket references for audit trail.
- Approval sign-off: Version history and management sign-off on the
Version & Approvaltab.
Download the template
- Download: Access Review Template (XLSX)
Run reviews for all in-scope systems each quarter. Export IAM lists before the review meeting.
Tab-by-tab walkthrough
Overview and Version & Approval
Document control, review period (e.g., Q2 2026), and sign-off from security lead and system owners.
User Access Review
Primary working tab. For each user and system, confirm access is still required, document justification, record approver name, and set Action Required (Retain, Revoke, or Downgrade). Flag admin access on non-production roles.
Role Matrix
Define expected access by department and role. Use it to spot outliers during the quarterly review (e.g., Sales with AWS Admin).
Removals Log
Record every access removal: username, system, role removed, date, reason, ticket link, and who completed the change. Auditors often sample this tab directly.
How to use it as audit evidence
| Control expectation | Evidence in template |
|---|---|
| Periodic access review | Dated User Access Review rows |
| Manager approval | Approved By column |
| Timely deprovisioning | Removals Log with ticket IDs |
| Least privilege | Role Matrix + Downgrade actions |
Attach IAM exports and ticketing screenshots to each quarterly review folder.
Common mistakes
- Reviewing only SSO apps and skipping production cloud consoles
- Approver is the same person who holds the access being reviewed
- Revoke decisions logged but not executed in the identity provider
- No removals log, so deprovisioning cannot be sampled by auditors
How SecureSlate helps
SecureSlate automates access review campaigns, collects approvals, and stores evidence for SOC 2 and ISO 27001 audits.
FAQ
How often are access reviews required?
SOC 2 and ISO 27001 commonly expect quarterly reviews for critical systems. Some teams review production access monthly.
Which systems should be in scope?
All systems with customer data, production infrastructure, source code, and privileged business applications.
What is the difference between Retain and Downgrade?
Retain keeps current access. Downgrade reduces privileges while keeping necessary access for the role.
Disclaimer (legal note)
This article is for general information only and is not legal, regulatory, or professional advice. Requirements vary by framework, industry, and jurisdiction. Consult qualified advisors for your specific obligations.
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