I took part in the ISACA’s training week from June 12-15, 2012 in Dallas, TX. The track I registered and participated is called “Fundamentals of IT Assurance and Audit”. Topics covered include the process of auditing information systems, governance and management of IT, information systems acquisition, development, and implementation, information systems operations, maintenance, and support, and protection of information assets. What I learned the most, however, is a confirmation of my belief that IT audit/security is a growing area and an excellent career choice for accounting students. The biggest “gap” in this profession is that we have a bunch of IT “techies” who know everything about computers, network, etc. but not enough people who ALSO understand business side of the trade. After all, if the IT objectives cannot be aligned with business objectives, why do we invest in IT? So accounting students, here is your opportunity – you study accounting, so you know about business inside out – if you also know something about how IT works, your career choices will be wide open!
This event is well attended by professionals from different industries – accountants from CPA firms, internal auditors from public companies, security professionals, auditors at Federal Reserve, IT directors, etc. The instructor is an experienced consultant in IT audit. The picture was taken by a classmate – a CPA from Nigeria…(well they are called “chartered accountant” for that matter).
mer student of mine, Michelle Tolin, won a competitive IIA scholarship recently. This scholarship is sponsored by the Detroit Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). She won this scholarship by completing an essay ” Discuss the benefits of using social media in the internal audit process and provide specific examples“. She was one of my best students in BUS421 in the winter semester that ended in April. See the link to the IIA’s announcement here: http://www.detroitiia.org/Awards.htm#SCH
