If you want to become an auditor and if you are a techie at heart, IT auditing would be worthy career for you. IT auditors inspect the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and, based on the evidences obtained through such inspections, arrive at conclusions about the safeguarding of assets and data integrity to make sure that the organization is working effectively to reach its goals and objectives. Auditing Information Security (AIS) is considered as the primary purpose of this job. One has to think a lot before taking a decision of becoming an IT auditor because, unless you have a strong passion for this career, you would never find it impressive. You may also know that this profession demands maintaining confidential information and has serious and steady work atmosphere. It is not considered a ‘glamorous’ career rather it is a ‘serious’ career. More about this career, including the requirements and career prospects, is discussed in the following section.
Becoming An IT Auditor
Requirements
Eligibility
First step to get into this career is to complete a graduate degree with finance, business accounting etc. Some organizations also prefer a master degree, preferably an MBA. Professional certification like Certified Internal Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) etc. would complete the eligibility criteria. One also has to pass examinations, satisfy some touchstones like minimum work experience etc. to get certified. Certain courses like Master’s in Information Security or Information Technology can substitute for the work experience at times. Required work experience and qualifications may differ slightly according to the certification programs. Some certifications of IT auditors are listed below:
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Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
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Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
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Certification and Accreditation Professional (CAP)
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Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)
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Certified Computer Professional (CCP)
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Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
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Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
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Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
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Chartered Accountant (CA)
Skills Required
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In-depth knowledge of the fundamental theories of accounting
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Knowledge of audit techniques
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Knowledge of the taxation and business laws of the country (where you practice)
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Thorough knowledge of business, management and finance
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Basic understanding of economics and business statistics
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Ability to work under pressure
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Honesty coupled with ethically rigid attitude and ideology
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Strong resistance to influence
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Good planning skills
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Good communication skills
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Ability to work in team and people management
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Knowledge of current technological changes
Roles And Responsibilities
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Setting up the audit guidelines according to the standards of the organization and defining the scope, obligations and responsibilities within the auditing function.
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Ensuring efficacious execution of audit procedures.
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Scheduling audit and preparing audit reports and reviews on companies’ IT management.
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Testing the data base management, security, network management etc. to ensure that the company is following adequate standard procedures.
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Performing application review to determine the efficacy of controls over individual application systems like inventory, payroll etc.
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To check the information security assessments to make sure that the confidential information contained in the system, including servers work stations and databases, cannot be accessed by unauthorized personnel.
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Determining proper password hallmark.
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Explaining effective steps to resolve discrepancies found during audit.
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Explaining risk management issues to companies.
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Preforming annual audit for electronic data processing systems.
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Rating the processes of systems like transaction processes, networks, data security files etc.
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Dividing audit teams into various groups according to the size of the organization, communicating the audit plans to the subordinate level and controlling the overall audit procedure.
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Arranging meetings with staffs and executives.
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Providing training to junior auditors.
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Updating the checklist and audit software in compliance with the industry standards.
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Checking whether the company’s IT fund is invested as per promised.
Career Prospects
IT auditor is one of the fastest growing careers with a considerable increase in the number of job openings. The standard working hours for an auditor is 40 hours a week in an office atmosphere. IT auditors can work for both government and private organizations and are paid significant salaries. The benefits they are offered include health insurance, life insurance, paid leaves and other benefits according to their company’s policy.
Hope the above article shed some light on your doubts regarding the career of an IT auditor and also about the growth prospects in this career. Think about it! Wish you all the best!
