What Does an IT Auditor Do? And How Do I Become One?

Explaining some jobs can be challenging, particularly those in IT. This article outlines the fundamentals of what IT auditors do, the necessary skills, and how to become one. If you’re looking for a dynamic, interesting, and increasingly relevant career, read on to learn more.

Responsibilities

An IT auditor evaluates the design, implementation, and effectiveness of an organization’s technology controls. Their work ensures that IT systems are secure, efficient, and compliant with internal policies and external regulations.

Key duties of an IT auditor include:

• Scoping the audit plan
• Interviewing process owners to understand their control environment
• Collecting evidence
• Selecting an appropriate population of samples
• Performing testing on the selected samples
• Documenting test results

Types of IT Audits

IT auditors may conduct different types of audits depending on business needs:

• General IT control audits: Review access controls, system change management, and data backup procedures.
• Application audits: Evaluate specific software systems to ensure data integrity and operational effectiveness.
• Cybersecurity audits: Assess how well an organization protects its data, networks, and systems against cyber threats. This includes testing security frameworks such as NIST or ISO 27001, reviewing incident response plans, and validating ongoing risk management practices.

There are two main types of IT auditors, and their duties differ:

• Internal IT auditors assess the organization’s internal controls to help strengthen the control environment.
• External IT auditors work for consulting firms and assess the control environments of other organizations, often those with regulatory reporting requirements.

Internal auditors report findings to their organization’s management, while external auditors report to the client who hired the consulting firm.

Qualifications

When recruiters look to fill junior IT audit roles, they typically seek candidates with:

• A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, or a related major
• A technical understanding of IT environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience with an auditing tool such as Audit Command Language (ACL) or an audit documentation application

Recruiters often prefer candidates with relevant work experience such as an internship or a few years in an entry-level technology role, and industry-recognized certifications such as ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Professional development organizations can also be valuable for networking, learning about IT environments, and preparing for certification tests.

Excellent Communication Makes a Great Auditor

IT auditors need strong communication skills to succeed. It’s not always easy for process owners to hear that their process requires changes, and auditors must be able to present technical findings in a way that’s easy to understand for non-technical stakeholders.

Here are a few essential groups that IT auditors interact with daily:

• Business, operational, and financial auditors: Many companies perform “integrated audits,” where IT auditors partner with business auditors to evaluate an area or process end to end.
• External auditors: Internal IT auditors can help reduce costs by performing work external auditors can rely on.
• Information technology and information security departments: These are the primary groups being audited. Effective communication with stakeholders and partners is a key skill that sets great auditors apart.

Should You Become an IT Auditor?

IT auditing is an exciting and impactful career path. Demand for IT auditors and cybersecurity auditors continues to grow as technology and data become central to business operations. Organizations must comply with evolving regulatory standards and protect themselves from rising cyber threats, both areas where IT auditors play a vital role.

Cybersecurity audits, in particular, are gaining importance. These audits evaluate the effectiveness of an organization’s cybersecurity measures, ensuring systems are configured securely, access is properly controlled, and vulnerabilities are promptly addressed. The insights from cybersecurity audits help prevent data breaches and reinforce customer trust.

IT auditors also benefit from career flexibility. It’s common to move between internal and external roles or transition into areas like compliance, risk management, or cybersecurity. The field offers long-term job security, intellectual challenge, and the satisfaction of protecting organizations from risk.

Lastly, IT auditors can make a meaningful difference. Control failures can damage trust, waste resources, and disrupt operations. Auditors form a crucial line of defense.

How To Become an IT Auditor

Most companies require at least a four-year degree. Gaining relevant work experience through internships or entry-level IT positions can provide valuable exposure. Obtaining professional certifications like CISA, CISM, or CompTIA Security+ demonstrates technical expertise and a commitment to the profession.

A professional learning company like ACI Learning can help you plan your path to IT audit success with classes and professional recruiting services. Explore courses and programs designed to provide the skills and credentials needed to thrive in this exciting field.

FAQs About Cybersecurity and IT Auditing

What is the role of a cybersecurity auditor?
A cybersecurity auditor evaluates how effectively an organization protects its systems, data, and networks from cyber threats. They review security frameworks, perform risk assessments, and recommend improvements to strengthen defenses.

How often should cybersecurity audits be done?
Most organizations perform cybersecurity audits at least once a year, though high-risk industries or regulated entities may conduct them more frequently, quarterly or even continuously, depending on compliance requirements.

What is the main objective of a cybersecurity audit?
The primary goal of a cybersecurity audit is to identify vulnerabilities and verify compliance with security standards, ensuring that an organization’s systems and processes effectively prevent, detect, and respond to threats.

Take the Next Step in Your Internal Audit Career

Ready to advance your skills and earn your annual CPE? ACI Learning’s tailored learning pathways make it simple to grow in your role and stay ahead in today’s fast-changing audit environment.
Choose from curated paths in Internal Audit, IT Audit, Fraud Prevention, and Management & Leadership — all built with NASBA-accredited CPE courses that fit your schedule and career goals.

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