Head of IT Audit
The Head of IT Audit develops the organisation's IT audit framework to manage regulatory and operational risks to safeguard IT assets. He/She defines key objectives and guiding principles for the formulation of IT risk management programs, as well as procedures for documenting and updating policies, standards, guidelines relating to the management of IT assets. He advices on the development of IT audit plans and ensures that audit plans comply with regulatory, operational, security risks and relevant internal auditing standards. He oversees the conduct of audits, respective investigations into non-compliance and risks identified from audits. He overlooks new IT policies, systems and processes necessary for enhancing IT controls and mitigate risks. He consults with and advises senior leaders regarding internal controls and security procedures, prepares activity and progress reports relating to the IT audit function. He also guide team members on procedures, technical problems, priorities, and methods to develop audit capabilities. He works in a dynamic environment due to rapid changes in the IT landscape. He is knowledgeable of relevant regulatory requirements and internal auditing standards, particularly in the area of technology risk management. The Head of IT Audit possesses strong leadership and communication abilities, and is able to set realistic goals and implement appropriate plans to guide the team toward achieving those goals. He has a deep understanding of the environment in which systems operate and is able to advise and influence key stakeholders.
What Does a Head of IT Audit Do?
Key Responsibilities & Tasks
Establish IT audit strategy and framework
- Formulate the organisation's IT audit strategy in alignment with the organisation’s vision, mission and strategy, and regulatory standards
- Develop the organisation's IT audit framework to manage operational risks to safeguard IT assets
- Establish key objectives and guiding principles for IT risk management programs
- Develop procedures for documenting and updating technology policies, standards, guidelines and procedures
Develop IT audit plans
- Advise on the development of IT audit plans
- Advise on the approaches, methodologies and tools for IT audits
- Ensure IT audit plans comply with regulatory requirements and standards
- Review IT audit plan for approval
Implement IT audit plans
- Oversee the conduct of IT audits
- Oversee investigations of non-compliance and risks identified from IT audits
- Review recommendations to improve policies, processes and practices to determine closure of IT audit issues
- Oversee the implementation of organisation-wide risk assessment of IT infrastructure and systems
- Oversee the development of audit reports for regulatory compliance
Enhance IT compliance and risk management
- Advise on the development of new IT policies, systems and processes
- Act as an internal advisor and subject matter expert to assess and manage IT operations associated risks
- Drive process improvement in areas where controls do not adequately mitigate IT risks
- Lead the development of training programmes to ensure adoption of new procedures designed to mitigate IT risks
Manage people and organisation
- Review operational strategies, policies and targets across teams and projects
- Develop strategies for resource planning and utilisation
- Review the utilisation of resources
- Oversee the development of learning roadmaps for teams and functions
- Establish performance indicators to benchmark effectiveness of learning and development programmes against best practices
- Implement succession planning initiatives for key team positions
Do You Have the Skills for This Role?
A Head of IT Audit needs 4 core competencies. Here's what's required and at what level.
Must-Have Skills (Advanced)
Communication
AdvancedInteracting with Others
Influence
AdvancedInteracting with Others
Problem Solving
AdvancedThinking Critically
Transdisciplinary Thinking
AdvancedThinking Critically
SkillsFuture Skill Levels
3 levelsBasic
Recognise and understand fundamental concepts. Apply skills in routine situations with guidance.
Intermediate
Apply skills in varied situations independently. Analyse problems and adapt approaches as needed.
Advanced
Lead and innovate in complex situations. Evaluate strategies, guide teams, and drive improvements.
Technical Skills & Competencies (TSC) Levels
6 levelsFollow
Carry out routine tasks under close supervision. Follow established procedures and guidelines.
Assist
Perform tasks with some independence. Assist in non-routine situations and apply established techniques.
Apply
Apply skills and knowledge independently in varied situations. Analyse problems and adapt approaches.
Analyse
Analyse complex situations and develop solutions. Guide and mentor junior colleagues.
Strategise
Set strategic direction and drive innovation. Evaluate trade-offs and make high-impact decisions.
Transform
Lead industry transformation. Establish standards, shape policy, and provide expert advisory.
Technical Skills & Competencies
A Head of IT Audit requires 20 technical skills at specific proficiency levels.
Learning and Development
Level 6People Development
Mentor successors, support organisational learning and develop and engage employees to develop a strong organisational base
Audit and Compliance
Level 5Governance and Compliance
Establish audit and compliance strategy and objectives for the organisation, ensuring robustness of internal controls are strengthened
Budgeting
Level 5Business Finance
Develop long-term financial plans and budget requirements
Business Performance Management
Level 5General Management
Formulate organisational performance systems and key performance indicators in alignment with organisation’s vision, mission and values
Business Risk Management
Level 5Business and Project Management
Critically evaluate, review and drive organisation-wide risk mitigation and management initiatives
Data Analytics
Level 5Business Development
Manage and enhance organisational data science capability by refining financial and other business performance criteria and design data studies.
Data Governance
Level 5Governance and Compliance
Develop organisation practices and standards for handling data throughout their lifecycle, resolve breaches, and oversee transfer of data between organisations
IT Governance
Level 5Governance and Compliance
Develop policies and practices to govern the handling and usage of IT products and services and facilitate communications with governing authorities
IT Standards
Level 5Governance and Compliance
Set guidelines for IT-related activities in alignment with relevant service, quality and global industry standards
IT Strategy
Level 5Strategy Planning and Implementation
Create an IT strategy, and develop transformation initiatives to meet business requirements and support the modernisation of the IT landscape
Manpower Planning
Level 5Business and Project Management
Formulate organisational manpower plans to bridge gaps between manpower demand and supply based on current and projected needs of the organisation
Networking
Level 5Business Development
Implementing strategies to capitalise on new business opportunities
Partnership Management
Level 5Stakeholder and Contract Management
Evaluate and drive inter-organisational initiatives, and negotiate strategic information exchange with key partners
People and Performance Management
Level 5People Development
Establish organisation-wide performance management strategies
Process Improvement and Optimisation
Level 5Business and Project Management
Devise strategies for the adoption of improvements and optimisation of processes
Quality Standards
Level 5Governance and Compliance
Establish and control quality expectations in line with organisation directions and selected benchmarks
Security Governance
Level 5Governance and Compliance
Evaluate security risks and establish corporate security policies and frameworks to guard against them
Stakeholder Management
Level 5Stakeholder and Contract Management
Define a strategic stakeholder management roadmap, and lead critical discussions and negotiations, addressing escalated issues or problems encountered
Strategy Planning
Level 5Business and Project Management
Formulate the strategies and policies that are forward- looking and focuses on bottom line results
Sustainability Management
Level 5Business and Project Management
Define action plans, solutions and technologies to address energy efficiency gaps, and implement sustainability practices that encourage organisational commitment
European Skills Framework
ESCOSkills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential
Optional
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