IT Auditor Qualifications & Skills

What is an IT Auditor?

An IT auditor is vital to an enterprise’s internal controls team. They analyse, test, assess, and report on IT systems, infrastructure, compliance, and due diligence. They must judge how well these controls follow government regulations, laws, and company policies. They must report in detail on how to improve oversight of IT systems and fix any IT problems.

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IT auditors can be internal and work on an enterprise’s internal controls team. Or they can be external auditors brought into enterprises to conduct IT audits.

The importance of an IT auditor cannot be overstated, especially in our digitally transformed new normal. IT auditors sit at the junction between people and computers. They drive systemic improvements to meet demand and fix weaknesses. They train IT staff to improve. They also assess overall IT effectiveness and compliance.

As we discuss below, IT auditors need to be a mix of tech-savvy IT pros and confident communicators. They must straddle two worlds: IT systems and the C-suite. The world of IT involves administration, improvement and diligence. The C-suite involves decision-making, funding, and security.

Academic Qualifications

IT auditors can come from various working backgrounds. Yet, the academic qualities needed to be a good IT auditor include a solid grasp of science, technology, maths, IT, or business.

IT auditors advise C-suite stakeholders. They also guide and train IT teams. They need a deep understanding of IT security, governance, and compliance. They need academic qualifications at a degree level. The field can be information technology, computer science, or an equivalent.

Further academic studies in business management or risk assessment will help. It also helps to have a real passion for IT trends and for understanding the changing world of IT security and the digital landscape.

Certifications

Essential Certifications

• You need a degree (e.g., a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, or similar).
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Follow-on Certifications

• Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Work Experience

Taking the CISA test is the first step towards becoming an IT auditor, as the main qualities of the function require work experience to be secured. Yet, in another IT or compliance role, we recommend contacting internal or external auditors. Also, seek out related jobs in IT auditing, such as compliance, testing, or mini-audits of other parts of your company.

We also suggest looking at volunteering with community projects or places that need extra audit care, such as charities. Employers will respect candidates who use their expanding skill set.

Internships

IT audit interns have the same scope and responsibility as financial audit interns. They will do the key tasks of a fully-fledged IT auditor. These include conducting file gathering, requesting and organizing meetings, and doing compliance testing. They will also work on administrative and clerical duties. Yet, internships are vital on your path to becoming an IT auditor. The gained experience is essential for understanding the step-by-step paths of a career in IT auditing.

What Skills Are Needed to Succeed as an IT Auditor?

Communication

IT auditors must be fastidious communicators to many parties, including non-IT senior management. Concise reporting and attention to detail are essential. They must also be as inclusive as possible for non-specialist C-suite decision-makers.

Eye for Detail

Auditors must be obsessive. They need to use their skills to find critical system vulnerabilities. They must also understand the impact of compliance on efficiencies. They must consider human error, training, L&D, and investment in system improvements. This sort of service must be completed on time and cut corners.

IT-Obsessed

IT auditors are only as effective as their passion for their role. They analyse many hard-wired systems, platforms, networks, and servers. The system’s impact on an enterprise’s ability to do its job is unmatched. To do this well takes a specific talent. This talent enjoys understanding these systems, how they work, and how they help people and businesses succeed.

Find out more about life as an IT auditor and other details by following the below links:

Job Description & Profile, Salary & Pay, CV Template & Examples, How To Become An IT Auditor

Search Jobs to find out about any IT Auditor job roles we currently have available.