How To Become An Information Systems Auditor: What It Is and Career Path

What is an information systems auditor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Expert

Richard Chambers

Ensuring that IT systems are adequately protected, provide reliable information, and are properly managed are vitally important for running a successful business. IT systems auditors are the ones who make sure that these systems are well protected and able to function properly. They are responsible for performing audits of the information technology governance structure, general and data application controls, data integrity, and system security.

These auditors also provide recommendations and guidance on IT issues to leadership, perform periodic risk assessments, and propose and prioritize audits based on risk. They may also conduct information control reviews to include system development standards, operating procedures, system security, programming controls, communication controls, backup and disaster recovery, and system maintenance.

Successful auditors must be current on the latest computer technology, equipment, or systems. To become an information systems auditor, you will typically need a Bachelor's degree or higher in information systems, computer science, or a related field.

What general advice would you give to an Information Systems Auditor?

Richard Chambers

President and Chief Executive Officer, The Institut of Internal Auditors

While the COVID-19 pandemic has created numerous challenges across industries and professions, it also has created opportunities for internal auditors at all levels, including those new to the profession, to step up and play a role in helping their organizations navigate through the issues to ensure positive outcomes.

"Based on our research, accounting/finance remains the most recruited academic degree, but the evolving nature of business and risks demands having individuals who bring a broader array of skills into the internal audit workplace. There's also an accelerated movement for what I call "Uber" auditors, those who may not be on staff but whose experience in, for example, cybersecurity or AI, are sorely needed. Graduates may find the first critical step in their career is specialization rather than generalization, so an education - perhaps even a dual degree - in technology, for example, may make you more appealing.

Additionally, internal audit employers are demanding strong soft skills, such as effective verbal and written communications, relationship acumen, critical thinking, and an eye for detail.

Early during the pandemic, we saw some tightening among internal audit departments, as most organizations were making adjustments overall due to the economic impact of COVID-19. Based on additional research, however, we know opportunities still exist in this environment and when we return to 'normal.' In this year's Pulse of Internal Audit survey, of the respondents who filled positions in the preceding 12 months, 47% reported they hired professionals who had not been internal auditors previously. A notable 28% of respondents had hired students or recent graduates, as well.

The IIA has begun a new program, in collaboration with AuditBoard, to provide existing internal auditors and those pursuing a career in the profession, including college students and graduates, access to training and educational courses provided by The IIA for those who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic pressures. The $500,000 'Elevate Internal Audit Scholarship Program' is providing scholarships that can be used to participate in IIA training and certification programs regardless of their professional level or ability to pay. More information on the scholarship program, including how to apply, can be found on The IIA's website at www.theiia.org.

ScoreInformation Systems AuditorUS Average

Salary

5.0

Avg. Salary $63,861

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

7.0

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.46%

Asian 12.22%

Black or African American 8.49%

Hispanic or Latino 10.82%

Unknown 3.95%

White 64.05%

Gender

female 33.93%

male 66.07%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress Level

7.0

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.9

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

4.1

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

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Key steps to become an information systems auditor

Explore information systems auditor education requirements

Most common information systems auditor degrees

Bachelor's

68.0 %

Master's

14.8 %

Associate

10.3 %

Start to develop specific information systems auditor skills

Skills	Percentages
Risk Assessments	8.40%
Audit Reports	7.84%
NIST	6.14%
Cisa	5.90%
Internal Audit	5.14%

Complete relevant information systems auditor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information systems auditors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an information systems auditor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information systems auditor resumes.

Research information systems auditor duties and responsibilities

Manage and coordinate annual external business evaluation in conjunction with CPA consultants.
Develop audit plans and programs, following COBIT, NIST, and FISCAM frameworks.
Develop process and procedure documentation (narrative and flowchart) base on COBIT and COSO frameworks for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
Develop thorough and concise audit plans and procedures in alignment with COBIT control framework.

Prepare your information systems auditor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information systems auditor resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an information systems auditor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Information Systems Auditor Resume templates

Build a professional Information Systems Auditor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Information Systems Auditor resume.

Apply for information systems auditor jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an information systems auditor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

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Information Systems Auditor reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019

Cons

Sometimes decision taking is difficult