The IT industry is growing quickly.
Overall employment in computer and information technology (IT) occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and a projected job growth of 17%.1
The IT job market offers plenty of opportunities, it's just a matter of finding which ones speak to you. One intriguing pathway is becoming an IT auditor, and you think you're ready to explore it further. Here are five steps to take as you head down this exciting road.
1. Research the IT auditor job description
Becoming an IT auditor begins with understanding what one actually does. When you hear the word audit, you probably immediately think of financial audits that evaluate an organization's financial data.
IT auditors do perform evaluations, but they do it specifically for an organization's IT infrastructure—analyzing, assessing and ultimately improving any and all aspects of its systems.
What an IT auditor does
A successful IT auditor is capable of assessing vulnerabilities, reporting on compliance and instituting controls within an enterprise, according to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS®).2
Day-to-day, they're responsible for examining and evaluating an organization's technology, and finding problems with things like efficiency, risk management and compliance. They must ensure IT processes and systems are running accurately and efficiently, all while prioritizing security and meeting regulations.
IT auditors may also help maintain data integrity, identify internal controls, perform risk assessment and identify potential risks for security breaches down the road.
Who IT auditors work with
IT auditors don't work in a vacuum. If they do identify any IT issues during an audit, it'll typically be their job to share and communicate that information to other organizational departments.
In other words, IT auditors don't just conduct audits—they also document audit findings and write internal audit reports to share their insights. Then, they'll offer solutions and work with the rest of the IT team to implement them.
It's an important role with both technology and business elements, and it can have huge implications on an organization's operations.
2. Pursue an IT degree
As you may have gleaned from the above, IT and information systems auditing falls under the greater umbrella of information systems management. These auditors don't just perform an IT audit here and there, they continually manage and assess a company's IT systems, and that involves a whole range of skills beyond strictly technical ones.
While it's not a hard and fast rule, most IT roles typically require at least a bachelor's degree.1 For many aspiring IT auditors, a bachelor's degree in Information Technology Management can be a great choice. But what does a program like this entail?
What an IT management degree covers
As an example, the Rasmussen University Information Technology Management program provides students with the advanced technical, analytical, leadership, project management and team management skills required of the IT fast-moving field.
It'll dive into topics like IT systems analysis and design, data center configuration, asset management and IT business administration and management. The curriculum covers everything from operations management and organizational support, to risk management and continuity to the management and leadership skills mentioned above.
A great IT management degree program strikes a balance between technical knowledge and business acumen, aligning perfectly with the requirements of an IT auditor role. That said, there are always further education milestones and certifications to consider.
3. Become a certified information systems auditor (CISA®)
One of the most popular industry certifications for IT auditors is the CISA® certification. While becoming a certified information systems auditor (CISA) isn't something that's required by all employers, it can be a great way to show them how serious and passionate you are about the role.
ISACA's® Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designation is a globally recognized certification for IS audit control, assurance and security professionals. Being CISA-certified showcases your audit experience, skills and knowledge, and demonstrates you're capable of the skills required for success.2
A few other relevant IT certifications include becoming certified in risk and information systems control (CRISC®), becoming a certified information security manager (CISM®) and becoming a certified internal auditor (CIA). (Rasmussen University does not offer any programs that are recognized by the Institute of Internal Auditors).
ISACA also offers the Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer™ (CDPSE®), CGEIT Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT® (CGEIT®) and Certified Cybersecurity Operations Analyst (CCOA®) credentials, which are all unique to the IT field.
In general, industry certification is a way to further your knowledge, demonstrate your commitment and help pave the way for continued career advancement.
All the certifications listed above are not entry-level certifications and may require additional or more advanced education and relevant or specific work experience. It is important to check the work and education requirements needed to be eligible to sit for the above certification examinations.
4. Continue to hone the necessary skills
In a quickly evolving landscape, any IT career requires a process of lifelong learning and adapting. Continuing to hone the skills that make you a qualified IT auditor can be what helps you secure and maintain a role in the long run, even as the industry and organizations continue to change.
It's not just technical know-how you'll need to hone over time, it's also the soft skills that make you a strong manager and leader on your projects and team. Here are a few important skills to prioritize throughout your journey.1
Analytical skills
Analyzing problems, considering solutions and selecting the best ways to solve those problems is the name of the game in IT management and auditing.
Business skills
Understanding, developing and implementing a businesses' strategic IT plans is a huge part of an IT auditor's role, especially as they advance to the manager level and beyond.
Communication skills
From explaining their work to pitching new solutions and instructing their teams, communication and interpersonal skills are key to any IT systems manager's success.
Decision-making skills
Problem-solving and decision-making are important parts of any technology role, but especially when it comes to IT auditing. Being able to make important decisions with confidence will go a long way in this career, and it's a skill that only improves over time.
Leadership skills
IT managers must lead and motivate IT teams so that workers are efficient, effective and satisfied. From leading audits to training their colleagues, strong leadership skills are helpful at every stage in this career.
Organizational skills
IT auditing spans the technology and business sides of an organization, and many of these professionals may find themselves coordinating the work of multiple different teams and departments. The ability to stay organized and clear-headed with a varied workload will benefit not just the individual, but the organization at large.
5. Secure an IT auditor role
Once you've secured a role and started working as an IT auditor, you've officially become one. Take the next step forward in entering this exciting and fast-growing profession, and enroll in Rasmussen's Information Technology Management Online Bachelor's Degree program today.
NICCS® is a registered trademark of U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Certified Information Systems Auditor® is a registered trademark of Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Inc.
CISA® is a registered trademark of Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Inc.
ISACA® is a registered trademark of Information Systems Audit and Control Association
CRISC Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control® is a registered trademark of Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Inc.
CRISC® is a registered trademark of Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Inc.
Certified Information Security Manager® is a registered trademark of Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Inc.
CISM® is a registered trademark of Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Inc.
Certified Internal Auditor® is a registered trademark of Institute of Internal Auditors
CIA® is a registered trademark of Institute of Internal Auditors
CGEIT Certified in the governance of Enterprise IT® is a registered trademark of Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Inc.
CGEIT® is a registered trademark of Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Inc.
C CCOA Certified Cybersecurity Operations Analyst® is a registered trademark of Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Inc.
CCOA™ is a trademark of Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Inc.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Systems Managers at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm; (visited November 26, 2024). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
2National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor | Official ISACA Certification Training, [Accessed December 2024], https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/catalog/intrinsec-llc/cisa-certified-information-systems-auditor-official-isaca
