Successful IT departments are built on the foundation of certified information systems auditors. These IT specialists carry out audits of the system security, data integrity, and data application controls inside the technology governance structures. Simply defined, they are in charge of safeguarding information assets and advising IT systems on how to remain highly effective and secure.
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) is the organization that issues the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification (ISACA). A significant step in the process of entering this field of work is obtaining this title. It's a widely accepted benchmark for evaluating an IT auditor's knowledge, proficiency, and ability to identify vulnerabilities and implement IT controls in an office setting. Â
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) is the organization that issues the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification (ISACA). A significant step in the process of entering this field of work is obtaining this title. It's a widely accepted benchmark for evaluating an IT auditor's knowledge, proficiency, and ability to identify vulnerabilities and implement IT controls in an office setting. Candidates for the CISA designation must have at least five years of professional experience and complete 20 hours of continuing education each year to maintain their distinction.
Working as a CISA is a fulfilling career with daily variety, attractive benefits and salaries, and a positive job outlook. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about certified information systems auditors and the necessary steps to start your career.
What is a Certified Information Systems Auditor?
CISAs are recognized internationally as professionals with the skills, experience, and credibility to leverage standards, manage vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, offer solutions, institute controls, and deliver value to enterprise-level IT systems. They’re responsible for auditing, controlling, and providing cybersecurity measures for information systems operations in business and IT industries.
To receive a Certified Information Systems Auditor certification, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam and satisfy industry work experience requirements.
With a CISA certification and a relevant degree, you have a wide variety of job titles you’re qualified to hold. Some common information systems auditor jobs include:
- Internal Auditor
- Public Accounting Auditor
- IS Analyst
- IT Audit Manager
- IT Project Manager
- IT security officer
- Network Operation Security Engineer
- Cybersecurity Professional
- IT Consultant
- IT Risk and Assurance Manager
- Privacy Officer
- Chief Information Officer
What Does a Certified Information Systems Auditor Do?
The daily work of a CISA has a lot of variety, so if you’re interested in this career, rest assured that you won’t be bored. From developing audit strategy to providing recommendations to IT management, CISAs perform essential tasks to maintain the health and effectiveness of a company’s IT systems.
Day-to-day responsibilities of a certified information systems auditor include:
- Implementing a risk management-based audit strategy for information systems (IS). Â
- Planning audits that can be used to determine whether or not IT assets are protected, managed, and valuable.
- Executing the audits in compliance with the organization's set standards and objectives.
- Sharing audit results and providing recommendations to management based on the results.
- Performing reexaminations of the audits to ensure the recommended actions have been performed by management.
- Obtaining, installing, and integrating software as part of information systems acquisition efforts.
How Do I Become a Certified Information Systems Auditor?
CISAs are highly educated professionals. One essential prerequisite is that you have a relevant bachelor’s degree—however, many seek a master’s degree in accounting or an MBA in IT, which makes them more competitive in the job market. An accounting degree may seem unrelated at first glance, but accountants have the same auditing skills needed in the CISA profession. On top of a degree, you’ll also need to secure a certification and follow a continuing education program to stay on top of industry standards. Â
Essential steps to become certified information systems auditor:
- Get a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting OR get a master’s degree in information technology management or an MBA in IT management
- Successfully pass the CISA exam
- Apply for CISA certification
- Adhere to ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics
- Follow ISACA's Continuing Professional Education Program
- Comply with ISACA's Information Systems Auditing Standards
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