What does an information systems auditor do?
An information systems auditor conducts extensive reviews and evaluations on information systems to ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently according to protocols and guidelines. Their responsibilities also include performing risk assessments, developing audit plans, utilizing audit software, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of various programs, and presenting reports to administrators, along with recommendations to optimize operations. Moreover, an information systems auditor leads and encourages staff to reach goals, all while implementing the company's information technology standards and regulations.
Information systems auditor responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real information systems auditor resumes:
- 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.
- Verify compliance with legal regulations and Sarbanes-Oxley key controls.
- Perform all Sarbanes-Oxley automate control testing, including automating testing processes and documenting processes in detail to ensure successful change management.
- Perform systems infrastructure analysis direct at improving technical security architecture, security management processes, and information system operational risk management.
- Develop appropriate paperwork for reporting load/unload trucks using a RF scanner-inventory.
Information systems auditor skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Information Systems Auditors are proficient in Risk Assessments, Audit Reports, and NIST. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Information Systems Auditors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Risk Assessments, 8%
Performed risk assessments on sensitive DoD applications in a predominately Windows NT environment.
- Audit Reports, 8%
Discussed audit findings and recommendations with site management and published final audit reports to Honeywell Corporate officers.
- NIST, 6%
Developed audit plans and programs, following COBIT, NIST, and FISCAM frameworks.
- Cisa, 6%
Sponsored and provided training for peers to become CISA certified.
- Internal Audit, 5%
Performed server and application administrator responsibilities for the Internal Audit department's two critical applications, Audit Leverage and ACL.
- Internal Controls, 4%
Developed review and audit programs to evaluate the effectiveness of system development methodologies, project management practices and internal controls.
Common skills that an information systems auditor uses to do their job include "risk assessments," "audit reports," and "nist." You can find details on the most important information systems auditor responsibilities below.
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling information systems auditor duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "accountants and auditors must be able to listen to and discuss facts and concerns from clients, managers, and other stakeholders." According to an information systems auditor resume, here's how information systems auditors can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "create final audit reports and followed up on the corrective action plans, while maintaining communication with all levels of management. "
Detail oriented. information systems auditors are also known for detail oriented, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to information systems auditor responsibilities, because "accountants and auditors must pay attention to detail when compiling and examining documents." An information systems auditor resume example shows how detail oriented is used in the workplace: "performed all sarbanes-oxley automated control testing, including automating testing processes and documenting processes in detail to ensure successful change management. "
Math skills. For certain information systems auditor responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "math skills." The day-to-day duties of an information systems auditor rely on this skill, as "accountants and auditors must be able to analyze, compare, and interpret facts and figures." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what information systems auditors do: "performed preliminary analyses of financial data and statistics, as well as revisions to medicare cost reports. "
Organizational skills. Another crucial skill for an information systems auditor to carry out their responsibilities is "organizational skills." A big part of what information systems auditors relies on this skill, since "strong organizational skills are important for accountants and auditors, who often work with a range of financial documents for a variety of clients." How this skill relates to information systems auditor duties can be seen in an example from an information systems auditor resume snippet: "identified, prioritized and managed risks for technology and operational departments to enhance organizational performance and improve business processes by:. "
The three companies that hire the most information systems auditors are:
- Allegis Group3 information systems auditors jobs
- Peraton3 information systems auditors jobs
- Kelly Services2 information systems auditors jobs
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Information systems auditor vs. Audit specialist
An audit specialist is responsible for evaluating the reports by a professional auditor that will assist in improving the growth of the organization to achieve its goals and objectives. Audit specialists aid in the development of the company by using a systematic approach to reach the goals set by the company. Primary responsibilities include operating complex and difficult audit projects and conducting audits of control, financial, and other operating records. Also, they develop, implement distinct audit strategies, programs, and procedures for intricate assignments.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an information systems auditor are more likely to require skills like "nist," "cisa," "system security," and "project management." On the other hand, a job as an audit specialist requires skills like "patients," "customer service," "process improvement," and "corrective action." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Audit specialists really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $72,330. Comparatively, information systems auditors tend to make the most money in the professional industry with an average salary of $76,610.On average, audit specialists reach lower levels of education than information systems auditors. Audit specialists are 5.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Information systems auditor vs. Audit internship
An audit intern is responsible for assisting the finance department in processing financial reports, analyzing account statements, releasing invoices, and conducting tax audits. Audit interns shadow tenured staff on the operation procedures to familiarize themselves with work processes. They are also tasked to do administrative and clerical duties under the supervision of a direct supervisor, such as writing reports, ensuring the accuracy of financial statements, responding to clients' inquiries and concerns, and escalating high-level complaints to the supervisor for immediate resolution.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, information systems auditor responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "nist," "cisa," "internal audit," and "internal controls." Meanwhile, an audit internship has duties that require skills in areas such as "cpa," "gaap," "audit intern," and "first hand." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, audit interns earn a lower salary than information systems auditors. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, audit interns earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $58,466. Whereas information systems auditors have higher pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $76,610.In general, audit interns achieve similar levels of education than information systems auditors. They're 2.3% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Information systems auditor vs. Auditor supervisor
An auditor supervisor is a financial professional who manages a staff of audit professionals and controls consulting engagements that evaluate the management and operating practices of a corporate. This supervisor is required to supervise audit planning and fieldwork as well as communicates findings and recommendations to senior management. To ensure that audit staff follows the department's methodology, the supervisor must supervise the audit staff and review their automated audit work papers. The supervisor must also ensure that reviews are following the standards of the corporate audit department and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an information systems auditor is likely to be skilled in "nist," "cisa," "system security," and "project management," while a typical auditor supervisor is skilled in "cpa," "excellent interpersonal," "night audit," and "front desk."
Auditor supervisors make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $86,925. On the other hand, information systems auditors are paid the highest salary in the professional industry, with average annual pay of $76,610.Most auditor supervisors achieve a similar degree level compared to information systems auditors. For example, they're 4.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Information systems auditor vs. Auditor/quality
A quality auditor is responsible for inspecting the company's services and products, ensuring its adherence to business requirements and internal regulations. Quality auditors analyze the efficiency of operational functions and production processes to maintain high-quality deliverables with the utmost consideration for the safety and security of the production staff. They run quality checks for the outputs, create findings reports, and strategize methodologies to enhance stability by utilizing standard testing parameters. A quality auditor must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as they may also recommend opportunities to generate more resources and increase revenues.
Types of information systems auditor
Updated January 8, 2025











