CISA Job Roles and Responsibilities: A Complete Guide

In the rapidly evolving landscape of information security (InfoSec), the role of a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) has grown increasingly vital. A CISA certified professional is not only a guardian of an enterprise’s IT infrastructure but also a strategic partner in management and mitigation of risks. As businesses strive to protect sensitive data and comply with stringent regulatory requirements, the demand for skilled CISAs continues to grow.  

From ensuring the integrity of data systems to advising on information security (InfoSec)’s best practices, CISAs play a crucial role in safeguarding the digital assets of their respective organisations. Whether you're considering a career in this dynamic field or looking to understand the impact of a CISA within your company, this blog will shed light on the role an Information security (InfoSec) Auditor plays on a daily basis.  

Table of Contents 

1) What is Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)    

2) CISA Roles and Responsibilities  

3) The Benefits of CISA Certifications  

4) How to Become a Certified Information Systems Auditor? 

5) Conclusion  

What is Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)?

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a globally recognised certification and standard for appraising an IT auditor's expertise in instituting IT controls and assessing vulnerabilities in an enterprise environment. This certification, issued by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), ensures the monitoring and protection of an organisation's IT and business systems. This certification is presented upon completion of a comprehensive testing process designed for IT auditors, consultants, audit managers and security professionals.
 

CISA Roles and Responsibilities  

Auditing something as complex as modern Information Security (InfoSec) is a challenging role. The primary responsibilities of a CISA include: 

a) Implementing audit strategies for information systems (IS) based on risk management  

b) Structuring audits that can determine whether IT assets are protected, managed and valuable 

c) Implementing audits in compliance with the organisation's set standards and goals  

d) Sharing results and offering recommendations to management based on the audit results  

e) Performing audit re-examinations to ensure that management have performed the recommended actions  

A CISA's roles can extend beyond auditing control. They are expected to work with management to oversee organisational processes, implementation plans and operation of the deployed systems, and promote the organisation's strategies and objectives.  

This includes evaluation of:  

a) Resource management and IT portfolio  

b) Plans for business-IT alignment  

c) Strategies for disaster recovery and business continuity  

d) Risk management practices  

e) IT processes, policies, standards, and procedures within the company  

f) Monitoring and managing IT personnel, organisational structure and controls  

g) Value of IT control framework  

After the implementation, a CISA will continue to monitor multiple areas to ensure the successful deployment of the systems. This includes conducting project and post-implementation reviews along with:  

a) Assessing business case for the proposed system  

b) Evaluating the controls for the IS  

c) Evaluating IT contract management and supplier selection processes  

d) Inspect the project management framework and controls  

e) Assess the preparedness of the IS  

Once the system is fully implemented, the CISA is responsible for further evaluation of: 

a) IT service management structure & practices  

b) IT resilience & continuity  

c) End-user computing  

d) Database Management System (DBMS) execution  

e) Release management operations  

f) IT operations & maintenance  

g) Conducted reviews of the Information System  

h) Incident management practices  

i) Life cycle & data quality management   

Additionally, a CISA is responsible for working with management to ensure the organisation is adhering security standards, procedures, policies and controls. This will confirm the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information assets.  

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The Benefits of CISA Certifications

CISA certification is recognised globally as the sign of an individual's excellence in the landscape of information system auditing. A CISA certification offers many benefits: 

a) The certified individual gains a competitive edge in the job market and enormous prospect of job growth.  

b) It Increases the certified individual’s value within the organisation.  

c) Successfully completing the exam, gaining work recognition and educational experience, the individual’s credibility expands across the industry  

d) Receives assistance that meets the professional standards with ISACA's requirements  

e) A CISA certification demonstrates the individual’s ability to successfully meet challenges.  

CISA certification can significantly impact an individual's salary. Professionals with this certification often make around 85,839£ per year. Additionally, internal audit director is among the highest paid positions with CISA certification. An individual in this position can make around 143,961 £ per year  

Is your mind set on the dynamic world of IS management? Then, a CISM Certification is what you are looking for! 

How to Become a Certified Information Systems Auditor

To achieve a CISA certification, applicants are required to successfully pass the exam and then apply for the CISA certification. They should strictly adhere to ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics, comply with ISACA’s IS auditing standards and follow ISACA’s continuing Professional education program 

Every CISA applicant must complete five years of professional IS control, auditing, assurance or security work.  

Work experience must fall within 10 years prior to the submission of a candidate's application or within five years of a passed CISA exam. Once a candidate meets the criteria, he/she can successfully apply for certification. 

Conclusion

The roles and responsibilities of a CISA professional are quite extensive offering plenty of exciting challenges to take on while implementing all the knowledge and concepts that learned along the way. With the right certification, you can find your way into this exciting line of work and grow into a sought-after information security (InfoSec) auditor. 

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