IT Audit Careers in Europe

IT Audit Careers in EuropeIT audit careers in Europe are on the rise again, especially in the key European cities such as London, Madrid, Paris, and Berlin. It is true that the job outlook in Europe went quite sour in 2008, and this trend continued until 2010. In 2011, however, the situation started to pick up again. According to a 2011 news article published by CNBC, there were some signs of an improving market including an increase in small business hiring, online job advertising, and overall job openings.

Along with this also came an increase in accounting and auditing jobs. With the economy still slightly uncertain, many companies are now more willing to invest in their accounting and auditing departments to protect themselves from financial instability. They are also investing significantly in adopting new technologies and practices that may help them gain an advantage. As a result, audit jobs, especially in IT audit, are increasing in number as well.

Roles and Responsibilities

If you’re looking for auditing jobs in Europe, IT auditing opportunities should be on top of your list. IT auditors face high demand nowadays as more and more companies pay attention to their IT processes and to overall quality, all of which will be covered by the job responsibilities of the IT auditor.

With information technology playing a bigger role, IT has become important in almost all aspects of a business. Thus, the IT auditor will have a huge field to play in, making the job highly interesting.

The main role of the IT auditor is to ensure that all IT processes in the company are working consistently, efficiently, and effectively.

His secondary role is to manage all IT-related risks that threaten any aspect of the business.

In the course of his work, the IT audit manager will work closely with and may be required to report to the managers and decision-makers of the company, especially when it comes to relaying potential risks and recommending courses of actions that may help shield the company from said risks. These managers and decision-makers will rely heavily on the value and accuracy of the IT auditor’s report, which will factor into most of the decisions made by the company’s leaders. Thus, it is clear that the role of the IT auditor is very crucial, and this may provide a rewarding work experience for audit professionals.

As for the responsibilities of an IT auditor, they can be summarised as follows:

  • Reviewing, analysing, and evaluating IT processes, systems, and employees
  • Assessing the accuracy, reliability, and quality of IT processes
  • Inspecting internal IT controls
  • Protecting the company’s assets
  • Ensuring system checks that will ensure the effectiveness of all IT process for the long haul

 

Personality Traits and Educational Requirements

To become a successful IT auditor, one must have the right mix of personality traits and educational achievements. For personality traits, an individual seeking IT auditor vacancies in Europe should possess:

  • Strong ethical framework
  • Good communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Teamwork
  • Professional skepticism

These personality traits will support the educational achievements that will qualify one to apply for an IT audit position. These educational requirements include:

  • College degree or a master’s degree in accounting, finance, or economics
  • Certifications (any or all, depending on what the company requires)
    • CPA Certified Public Accountant
    • CIA Certified Internal Auditor
    • CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor
    • CGAP Certified Government Auditing Professional
    • CFE Certified Fraud Examiner

Having more certifications and higher educational attainments can help an IT auditor progress more efficiently in the IT audit career.

 

Benefits of Working in Europe

Working in Europe, especially in the key European countries, offers a lot of benefits. Many people who have worked in Europe find the environment interesting, especially if they want a laid-back yet very social atmosphere. Although the cost of living in European cities is higher compared to other overseas job destinations, this usually pays off in the form of many opportunities and experiences, most of which employees will not get in other places.

Taxes also tend to be high in Europe, but many professionals who work there consider this a small price to pay to be surrounded by the interesting people there.

The EU is also very strict in enforcing employment laws. For example, the law states that all workers should be provided with equal treatment in regards to salaries, working conditions, and social security benefits.

The EU also has a built-in system designed to recognize the work-related qualifications of all workers. This makes the EU labor market highly flexible and rewarding.

 

How to Get an IT Audit Job in Europe

If you wish to seek employment in Europe, you can make use of the Europass, a special initiative designed to help those in need of a job to present their skills and qualifications in a manner that can be easily understood and appreciated by potential employers. The Europass system dictates that jobseekers have to present only five documents:

  • Europass CV
  • Europass Language Passport
  • Europass Certificate Supplement
  • Europass Diploma Supplement
  • Europass Mobility

Aside from offering excellent job opportunities and great employment benefits, Europe also has a system that makes it easy for job seekers to find work. All these are what help make getting an IT audit jobs in Europe an excellent career move.

Auditing is a growing field, technology is further strengthening, and European job outlooks are improving. All of these show that IT audit careers in Europe are thriving and thus make excellent career choices for competitive, dynamic, and aspiring audit professionals looking for work abroad.

 

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