What is an IT auditor?
An information technology (IT) auditor checks that a company’s tech systems are safe, efficient, and follow the rules. These auditors work in almost every kind of business, helping to make sure that the tech parts of a company are reliable and match what the business needs. They help the company do better, save money, and stay out of trouble with the law.
Duties and responsibilities
IT auditors keep an eye on the company’s tech systems to make sure everything is working right and safely. They check out the company’s tech rules, find any tech risks, and suggest better ways to keep things secure and running smoothly. They do deep checks on the tech setup to make sure it meets company and industry standards. After checking everything, they write reports that explain what they found and what needs to change. They also help other non-techy bosses understand what all the tech stuff means.
Work environment
Most IT auditors work at an office, either as part of a company or for a firm that specializes in tech checks. The work is often fast and busy, with lots of projects at the same time and tight deadlines. They usually work with teams that include other business people, data folks, and tech experts. Some of their work might happen at other places, and they might need to travel for some audits.
Typical work hours
IT auditors generally work normal business hours from Monday to Friday, but sometimes they might need to work more, like when they have to finish a big audit or deal with tech problems. At busy times, like the end of the financial year or when big audits are due, they might have a lot more work. Some can work from home or anywhere they like, depending on their job’s rules.
How to become an IT auditor
Becoming an IT auditor means learning a lot about tech, business rules, and safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:
Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree
Start with a college degree in something like information systems, accounting, or computer science. This gives you the basic tech knowledge you need.
Step 2: Gain experience
After college, get a starter job, like working as an associate auditor or IT support specialist. This helps you use what you learned in school in real job situations.
Step 3: Think about a master’s degree
Not a must, but a master’s degree can help a lot if you want to be a boss someday. It shows you’re really into this field and know your stuff.
Step 4: Get certified
Certifications are super important. They show you’ve got special skills and are serious about your career. Some good ones for IT auditors are the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). You usually need some work experience and to pass a test to get these.
Step 5: Apply for jobs
Once you’ve got the experience and maybe some certifications, start applying for IT auditor jobs. Show off your tech expertise and your skills in finding and fixing problems.
How much do IT auditors make?
IT auditor salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. Technical knowledge of diverse IT systems and network environments can also significantly influence their compensation.
Highest paying industries
- Finance and Insurance: $94,250
- Information Technology: $93,450
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: $89,690
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: $88,100
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: $87,500
Highest paying states
- New York: $98,560
- California: $96,780
- Virginia: $93,240
- Massachusetts: $90,620
- New Jersey: $89,130
The average national salary for an IT Auditor is:
$84,250
Types of IT auditors
IT auditors come in different types, each with their own special job in keeping tech safe and up to standards. Here’s a quick look at the main kinds:
Internal IT auditor
These auditors work inside a company, checking out all the tech stuff to make sure everything’s running right and following the rules. They look for any tech problems that could cause risks and make sure all the tech actions are safe and correct.
External IT auditor
Unlike internal auditors, external IT auditors work for an independent firm and check other companies’ tech systems. They make sure everything’s safe and meets the standards, giving advice on how to fix any issues.
IT compliance auditor
These auditors focus on the rules. They check to see if a company’s tech follows all the legal and ethical standards. Their job is to spot risks and make sure the company keeps out of trouble by following all the required regulations.
Information systems security auditor
Security is their game. They work to protect company data from hackers and other cyber threats. These auditors do regular checks, look for security weaknesses, and come up with plans to keep the company’s tech safe.
Top skills for IT auditors
To be great at their job, IT auditors need a mix of technical and people skills. Here are the key skills they should have:
Evaluation skills
Auditors must be sharp at checking how tech systems work together and spotting any weak spots. Understanding the impact of these issues is crucial for keeping systems safe and efficient.
Communication skills
Explaining tech stuff in simple terms is essential. IT auditors need to write clear reports and talk about their findings with bosses or other team members who might not know much about tech. They also need to be good at convincing others to follow their advice.
Analytical thinking
These pros spend a lot of their time figuring out complex tech setups. They need to be able to spot trends, patterns, or problems and understand what these could mean for the company.
Knowledge of regulations and standards
They need to know all the tech rules and standards that apply to their field. It’s important for them to stay current with any new changes and know how to apply these rules to keep everything legal and up to standard.
Problem-solving skills
When auditors find a problem, they need to come up with smart ways to fix it. This might mean tweaking what’s already there or suggesting new systems to make things better. Good problem-solving skills are a must for finding and fixing issues quickly and effectively.
Looking for a new job?
Browse our national database of IT auditor job openings and apply today
IT auditor career path options
If you’re an IT auditor and you’re thinking about your next career move, there are plenty of paths you can take to climb higher in your field.
Senior IT auditor
A common next step is to become a senior auditor. This is a leadership role where you’ll guide and review the work of less experienced auditors and lead audit projects.
Information systems audit manager
If you do well as a senior auditor, you might move up to become an information systems audit manager. In this role, you’re in charge of all the audits of a company’s tech systems. You’ll plan audits, lead your team through them, and report on the results.
IT audit director
With even more experience, you could become an IT audit director. This big boss role means you oversee all the IT auditing for a company. You’ll make sure everything follows the rules and give advice to the top bosses about tech issues and how to improve things.
Other paths
IT auditing skills are also great for other tech-heavy roles in a company. You could move into cybersecurity, manage tech risks, or even work toward becoming a chief technology officer (CTO). Your auditing skills can help you get ahead in lots of different areas in a business.
Similar job titles
Position trends and outlook for IT auditors
One major trend in the IT auditing field is the increased use of data analytics. Companies big and small are now using advanced algorithms and machine learning more than ever, meaning there’s a high demand for auditors skilled in using complex data analysis tools.
Employment projections
Jobs for IT auditors are expected to grow by 6 percent through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth might change as companies adapt to new technology trends. There’s also a growing need for auditors who can help companies follow new rules and keep their digital data safe from cyber threats.
IT auditor career tips
Understand your role
Knowing exactly what your job entails is crucial. Stay on top of new tech and methods in your field since these are always evolving.
Know your tech stuff
Get comfortable with various software, hardware, and networks. Being skilled in IT frameworks like COBIT or ITIL can also sharpen your auditing abilities.
Never stop learning
The IT world changes fast, with new tech and security updates popping up all the time. Keep learning:
- Take workshops or online courses to stay current
- Certifications like CISA or CIA are great for keeping you ahead in your field
Network like a pro
Connect with others in IT auditing. Building a professional network can provide you with new ideas, advice, and even job leads. Check out organizations like:
- Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)
- The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
Be adaptable
Be ready to adapt. IT systems change quickly, and being able to switch gears or tackle new challenges can set you apart in this fast-moving area.
Where the IT auditor jobs are
Top employers
- IBM
- Deloitte
- Ernst & Young
- KPMG
- PwC
Top states
- New York
- Illinois
- Texas
- California
- Florida
Top job sites
- zengig
- Indeed
- Monster
- CareerBuilder
FAQs
What type of education is beneficial for an IT auditor role?
A bachelor’s degree in fields such as information technology, computer science, or accounting is typically required for this role. Some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in these related fields or an MBA with an emphasis on information systems. Specific certifications, such as CISA or CIA, often increase the chances of securing a job in this field.
What are the common job duties for IT auditors?
Typical job duties include examining the controls in place for IT systems, assessing the level of risk associated with those systems, and checking for compliance with applicable regulations. Auditors also develop and implement testing methodologies to evaluate the effectiveness of the controls and prepare audit reports outlining their findings.
What skills are necessary to excel as an IT auditor?
Excellent problem-solving abilities, strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and good written and verbal communication skills are necessary to excel in this field. Given the rapidly changing nature of IT, a high degree of adaptability and the ability to learn new technologies and procedures quickly are also vital. Knowledge of IT standards, procedures, and audit practices is also important.
What is a typical work environment and schedule for IT auditors?
Most IT auditors work full-time during regular business hours in office settings. They might work for an auditing firm, where they consult for various clients, or they could work in-house for a single company. While the occupation is not physically demanding, the stress levels can be high, particularly when approaching deadlines or heavy audit periods.
Can IT auditors work remotely?
While a large portion of the job requires the professional to be on-site, evaluating physical hardware, systems, and processes, many aspects of IT auditing can be performed remotely – including planning and executing testing procedures and communicating with team members. However, because IT audit often contains sensitive and confidential information, remote work would require secure and private connections to protect the data integrity.
What are some advancement opportunities for IT auditors?
With enough experience and additional certifications, individuals could advance from junior roles to senior or lead auditor positions. From there, they could progress to managerial roles like IT audit manager or director. Alternatively, they could decide to specialize in a particular area of IT auditing. Ultimately, they could even become CIOs, particularly if they have the requisite business acumen.
What are the main challenges IT auditors face?
One significant challenge is staying current with the rapidly evolving world of IT, including keeping up with the emerging risks and vulnerabilities associated with new technologies. Another challenge involves balancing the need for comprehensive IT audits against the potential for disruptions to daily operations during the audit process. Auditors also need strong communication skills since they often communicate technically complex information to people with less technical expertise.
Is there a demand for IT auditors?
Yes – since businesses increasingly rely on complex IT systems to manage their operations. As data security and compliance with IT regulations are becoming priorities for these businesses, the need for IT auditors to assess and improve their systems is more critical than ever.
How can IT auditors stay updated in this rapidly changing industry?
Continuing education, such as obtaining additional certifications or pursuing advanced degrees, can help you stay updated. Additionally, joining professional organizations or online communities can provide opportunities to network with other professionals and stay informed about the industry’s latest changes. Reading industry publications, attending seminars, or taking online courses can also be helpful.
Which industries often employ IT auditors?
Almost every industry that relies on IT systems employs IT auditors, including banking and finance, healthcare, telecommunications, manufacturing, and government, to name a few. Whether it’s a multinational corporation, an educational institution, or a non-profit organization, if they have a computer system or a network, chances are they’ll need an IT auditor to ensure the security and effectiveness of that infrastructure.