Requisite Skills and Knowledge for Entry-level IT Auditors

Authors

Jeffrey W. Merhout, Miami University
Sarah E. Buchman, Protiviti

Abstract

Information technology auditing has become a career in high demand in recent years due to factors such as increasing compliance requirements with regards to information technology governance. Nonetheless, many information technology, management information systems, and accounting information systems educators may not have paid significant attention to this phenomenon and can benefit from an overview of the skills and knowledge requirements for a successful career in this lucrative field. Students seeking a career in information systems auditing also need to know more about the skills required for success, and the highest ranked categories may surprise management information systems students who tend to focus on technology skills (and often at the expense of other, "softer" skills). In this research, we analyze online advertisements for information technology audit jobs to compile a list of key career skills and knowledge for which educators, students and currently practicing audit professionals can focus attention to ensure success in this particularly strong employment market. This paper will also discuss specific ways that information systems educators can facilitate their students' development of these key skills.

Recommended Citation

Merhout, Jeffrey W. and Buchman, Sarah E. (2007) "Requisite Skills and Knowledge for Entry-level IT Auditors," Journal of Information Systems Education: Vol. 18 : Iss. 4 , 469-478.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jise/vol18/iss4/10