Resumes and cover letters may list your experience and knowledge, but the designations after your name show you’ve put in the work to earn a degree that proves your expertise.
The role information technology (IT) plays in the accounting industry is evolving. For those interested in IT and auditing, a career path that combines skills in both areas may be beneficial. There are many licenses and certifications for IT and accounting professionals, and these credentials often give IT pros a leg up on the competition. Certified Information Systems Auditor, or CISA, is one designation that students can prepare for while earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
At University of West Florida, students earning their MBA in information security management online can choose to take a course called “Information System Auditing and Control.” This class covers a range of subjects such as information security, contingency planning, computer center operation controls, and other security topics, giving students the foundation they need to manage various aspects of information security in a business environment.
Why Become an IT Auditor?
According to IPasstheCIAExam.com, the primary responsibility of an IT auditor is to assess the controls, reliability and integrity of a company’s IT environment. Audits help to expose potential risks and allow an auditor to make changes to improve risk management and corporate efficiency. IT auditing relies less on accounting knowledge and more heavily on skills pertaining to information systems.
Many companies today require their accountants be cross-trained in IT and general auditing to mitigate risk within multiple facets of an organization. Conducting regular audits is vital to maximize efficiency of an organization’s IT infrastructure, operations and policies. As threats to security and corporate responsibility challenges continue to arise, professionals with skills in both accounting and IT will be in high demand.
To ensure that IT systems and resources are utilized effectively to meet business objectives, notes Business News Daily, organizations are shedding a spotlight on IT governance. Professionals must be in alignment with senior leadership to meet the technical and security goals established by an organization. This requires a team-focused effort from executives at all levels of the decision-making process. Strategic management, risk management and resource optimization are crucial pieces to identify goals and implement a plan of action around information security.
How to Become CISA Certified
“With a growing demand for individuals possessing IS audit, control and security skills, CISA has become a preferred certification program for individuals and organizations around the world,” according to an article on Medium. A minimum of five years of professional information systems auditing, control or security work experience is required for certification, with few exceptions. Once the candidate has passed the CISA exam and completed the work experience required, they will need to submit an application for the CISA certification to complete the process. Continuing professional education is also required to maintain the designation.
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) offers certifications that are globally accepted and even required by many organizations. Such certifications prove to an employer that a job candidate has the necessary skills for this vital role. By earning an MBA in information security management and attaining the CISA designation, an IT professional proves they are ready for senior information security management positions.
Learn more about the UWF online MBA with an emphasis in Information Security Management program.
Sources:
ISACA: How to Become CISA Certified
Business News Daily: ISACA Certification Guide: Overview and Career Paths
IPasstheCIAExam.com: The IT Audit Career Path: Salary, Hours, Certifications, and More
Medium: What Are the Benefits of Becoming Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)