• SKILL LEVEL:
  • Expert

IT audit specialist

Specialism: Audit and assurance

What is an IT audit specialist and what do they do?

IT audit specialists assist organisations by protecting internal controls and data within the technology system. They safeguard information by identifying weaknesses and create strategies to mitigate the risks from information security breaches. They examine the organisation's IT systems to ensure sufficient controls are kept, and the security of data stored or transported. They classify technology issues and provide additional recommendations to management with solutions to address internal control weaknesses. They perform assurance work over applications and operating environments. They may perform consultative roles in implementation.

IT audit specialists should be able to operate in a digital-first (or digital-only) environment ,where a lot of the evidence provided by the entity is held in systems without associated paper trails.

Capabilities

While the accountancy profession offers diverse career options and paths, the core capabilities required to perform at the highest standards remain the same - irrespective of skill level or job role.

Collaboration Digital Drive Ethics Expertise Insight Sustainability
View all capabilities

Continuing professional development at ACCA

A commitment to life-long learning is a vital part of your ACCA membership; it unlocks the full potential of your career choices - and drives forward the profession.

We deliver a wide range of CPD resources tailored to different areas of expertise - and an ever-changing profession. Our, and your, commitment to quality CPD ensures you will have the most up-to-date skills to perform at the highest standard. 

So, get started (or restarted) and take a look at our curated list of the most relevant CPD resources to secure and succeed in this role.

Online course

Certificate in International Auditing (Cert IA)

This certificate offers an introduction to the clarified International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). It covers the principles of ISAs through online tuition and objective assessment.

The qualification is ideal for professional accountants or auditors. If your employees have experience but no formal qualifications in accounting and auditing, they may still be able to apply for this certificate.

The qualification is structured in an accessible and user-friendly way that underlines key information and provides useful summaries. It examines and breaks down specific standards topic-by-topic. There are case studies which are based on real-life examples, many exercises, multiple-choice questions and sample answers for students to test their knowledge with as they progress through the course.

The course is also updated every year to make sure it stays relevant, and includes a topic-by-topic explanation of the specific clarified ISAs.

Book now
units 4

Online course

Cyber security: the role of finance leaders

Cyber crime is an issue that is impacting all organisations irrespective of size or geography. It’s clear that organisations need to act and ensure that they have appropriate protection and recovery plans in place. The question is: who needs to take action, and what actions should they take?

In this course, you will learn what we mean by cyber risk, the nature and likelihood of cyber threats and attacks, how an attack can impact an organisation, and good practices on prevention and response.

This online course is designed for finance leaders and their teams who need an appreciation of the potential risks from cyber threats to their organisations. There is no need for prior knowledge of cyber security as this course is suitable for individuals who are involved in cyber risk from a financial or business risk management perspective, rather than as technology or cyber experts.

The course is based on Cyber and the CFO, a research report jointly commissioned by ACCA, CA ANZ, Optus Macquarie University’s Cyber Security Hub.

Book now
Find more CPD resources on ACCA Learning

How does the ACCA Qualification support this job role?

From a combination of exams, ethics and experience, the ACCA Qualification will boost your employability and performance at every stage of your career journey.

Here we have listed some elements of the ACCA Qualification that will help you perform at the highest standard in this job role.