How To Become A Data Processing Auditor: What It Is and Career Path

What is a data processing auditor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

Richard Chambers

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a data processing auditor. For example, did you know that they make an average of $27.18 an hour? That's $56,544 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 81,800 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a data processing 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.

ScoreData Processing AuditorUS Average

Salary

4.4

Avg. Salary $56,544

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 12.20%

Black or African American 8.56%

Hispanic or Latino 10.89%

Unknown 3.96%

White 63.94%

Gender

female 67.54%

male 32.46%

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

Key steps to become a data processing auditor

Explore data processing auditor education requirements

Most common data processing auditor degrees

Bachelor's

46.4 %

Associate

18.9 %

High School Diploma

15.1 %

Start to develop specific data processing auditor skills

Skills	Percentages
Data Analysis	24.22%
Audit Results	22.89%
SQL	13.20%
Data Entry Errors	5.67%
Data Integrity	4.58%

Complete relevant data processing auditor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New data processing 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 a data processing auditor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real data processing auditor resumes.

Research data processing auditor duties and responsibilities

Manage the collection, analysis and verification of managerial payroll information to detect fraud and/or unethical practices.
Prepare all files and information samples need for external audits conduct by CMS.
Provide group and one on one physician training on CMS requirements and documentation.
Approve testing and investigation documentation for FDA compliance and procedural requirements.

Prepare your data processing auditor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your data processing 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 a data processing 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 data processing auditor resume templates

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