17 IT Audit Manager Interview Questions and Answers

An information technology (IT) audit manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating information technology audits in an organization. They develop and execute audit programs, review and analyze information systems, and recommend corrective actions.

If you’re looking to land an IT audit manager role, you’ll need to be prepared to answer a range of questions related to your experience and expertise. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a list of common IT audit manager interview questions and answers to help you prepare.

Are you familiar with the types of audits that are commonly performed in this field?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the field and how you can apply it in this role. You can answer with a list of common types of audits, such as compliance, financial or operational audits.

Example: “I have experience performing all three types of IT audits—compliance, financial and operational. Compliance audits are performed to ensure that systems meet standards set by regulatory bodies. Financial audits assess the efficiency of systems and processes for cost-effectiveness. Operational audits evaluate the effectiveness of systems and processes within organizations.”

What are some of the most important qualities that an audit manager should possess?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you possess the skills and abilities needed for this role. You can answer by listing some of the most important qualities, such as leadership, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Example: “The most important quality in an audit manager is strong leadership skills. This person needs to be able to motivate their team members and communicate effectively with them. Another important quality is analytical ability because it helps me understand complex processes and make decisions based on data rather than assumptions. Finally, I think problem-solving skills are essential because they help me find solutions to issues when they arise.”

How would you manage a team that is behind schedule on a critical project?

This question can help interviewers understand how you manage your team and the projects they’re working on. Use examples from past experience to explain how you would handle this situation, especially if it’s similar to a current project.

Example: “In my last role as an IT audit manager, I had a team that was behind schedule on one of our largest projects. We were under pressure to get everything done by the deadline, but we also wanted to make sure all of the work was accurate. I met with each member of the team to discuss their progress and what they needed to complete their tasks. This helped me learn more about the process so I could better support them in the future.”

What is your process for ensuring that your team follows all necessary compliance procedures?

Compliance is a major part of an IT audit manager’s job. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary experience and skills to ensure your team follows all compliance procedures. In your answer, explain how you would handle this responsibility. Share what steps you would take to ensure that your team members are following compliance rules.

Example: “I believe it is important for my team to follow all compliance procedures. I would first meet with each member of my team individually to discuss their responsibilities. I would also create a document outlining these responsibilities so everyone can refer back to it when needed. I would then hold weekly meetings with my team to go over any questions they may have about compliance. This process ensures that everyone understands their role in ensuring compliance.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or customer.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know how you handle conflict and whether or not you can resolve it in a professional manner. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to solve the problem and highlight your communication skills.

Example: “In my previous role as an IT auditor, I had a client who was very demanding. He would constantly call me with questions and request changes to our reports. It got to the point where he would call me multiple times per day. Eventually, I scheduled a meeting with him to discuss his concerns. I explained that we were doing everything we could to complete the audit within his timeline. After explaining the process to him, he understood and became much less demanding.”

If hired, what would be your priorities during your first few weeks on the job?

This question helps the interviewer determine how you plan to get started in your new role. Your answer should include a list of tasks that show you are organized and ready to take on this position.

Example: “My first priority would be to meet with my team members, including the IT audit staff and other employees who work within the IT department. I want to learn more about their roles and responsibilities so I can better understand the company’s current processes. Another priority is to review the company’s existing IT audit policies and procedures. This will help me create an action plan for improving these systems.”

What would you do if you noticed that one of your team members was engaging in unethical behavior?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a challenging situation. In your answer, try to explain what steps you would take to address the issue and ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

Example: “If I noticed unethical behavior from one of my team members, I would first speak with them privately about their actions. If they were aware of their wrongdoing but continued to engage in unethical behavior, I would document the incident and inform my supervisor so we could discuss further action. If the employee was unaware of their actions, I would work with them to educate them on proper procedures and expectations.”

How well do you handle stress and pressure?

IT auditors often work under tight deadlines and with a lot of pressure. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the stress that comes with the job. In your answer, explain how you manage stress in your life. Share an example from your past where you had to deal with high levels of stress.

Example: “I have always been someone who handles stress well. I am able to stay calm even when things get hectic. When working as an IT auditor for my previous employer, I was tasked with completing a large project within two weeks. This meant I would be working long hours every day. However, I knew I could do it because I have experience working under pressure. I managed to complete the project on time and without any errors.”

Do you have any experience performing risk assessments? If so, please describe your process.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with performing risk assessments and how you approach them. Use your answer to highlight any specific skills or techniques that you use when conducting a risk assessment, such as the ability to prioritize risks based on their severity and likelihood of occurring.

Example: “In my previous role as an IT auditor, I performed several risk assessments for various companies. In each case, I first conducted a thorough audit of the company’s IT systems to identify areas where there was a high level of risk. Then, I prioritized these risks according to their severity and likelihood of occurring. This allowed me to create a plan for addressing the most important issues while also ensuring that we addressed all of the major risks.”

When performing an audit, do you have a particular method that you follow?

This question can help the interviewer understand your audit process and how you apply it to a company’s needs. Use examples from previous experiences in which you applied your method to an IT audit and discuss what made it successful.

Example: “I have found that performing audits by following a structured approach is beneficial for both me and my team members. I typically start with a risk assessment, where I evaluate the risks of the organization based on its current systems and processes. From there, I perform a compliance review, which involves checking whether the company’s systems are compliant with industry standards and regulations. Finally, I complete a control assessment, which allows me to determine if the company has sufficient controls in place to mitigate any risks.”

We want to improve our communication with employees about upcoming audits. What would you do to improve our current system?

This question can help the interviewer understand your communication skills and how you would implement changes to improve processes. Use examples from previous experience or explain what you would do if you didn’t have any prior experience with this type of change.

Example: “I think it’s important for employees to know when an audit is coming so they can prepare themselves. I would create a calendar that shows all upcoming audits, including dates, times and who will be performing them. This way, employees can plan their schedules around these audits and make sure they’re available during those times.”

Describe your experience with using auditing software.

This question allows you to show your knowledge of the software used in IT auditing. You can describe how you use it and what benefits you’ve seen from using it.

Example: “I have experience with several different types of auditing software, including some that are free and others that cost money. I find that the best type of software for me is one that’s easy to use but also has a lot of features. This way, I can get all of my work done quickly while still being able to do more complex tasks when needed. The software I currently use is very helpful because it lets me track everything I need to keep track of, such as passwords and user accounts.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you would fit in with their company. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are the best candidate for this role. Consider highlighting any relevant experience or skills that match what the employer is looking for.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate for this job because I have extensive IT audit experience. In my previous position, I led a team of five auditors who performed internal and external audits on various companies. My team was responsible for identifying risks within organizations and providing solutions to mitigate those risks. I also understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality when performing audits.”

Which industries do you have the most experience in?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and experience. It’s important to highlight any unique or impressive experiences you have that are relevant to this role.

Example: “I’ve worked in both public and private sectors, but I’m most experienced with working in government agencies. In my last position as an IT auditor at a state agency, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the audit process, including planning, execution and reporting. This included ensuring compliance with federal regulations, such as FISMA and HIPAA.”

What do you think is the most important thing that an audit manager can do to ensure the success of their team?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and how you can help the team around you succeed. Your answer should include a specific example of what you did in a previous role that helped your team be successful.

Example: “I think one of the most important things an audit manager can do for their team is provide clear expectations and communicate often. I have found that when my teams know exactly what they need to accomplish, when they will receive feedback on their work and when they can expect to hear from me, it helps them feel more confident in their roles and perform better. In my last position as IT audit manager, I held weekly meetings with each member of my team where we discussed our progress and any questions they had about their assignments.”

How often do you perform audits in your current position?

This question can help the interviewer understand how much experience you have with audits. You can answer this question by describing your typical workday and what tasks you perform on a regular basis.

Example: “In my current position, I perform an audit every two weeks. However, in previous positions, I performed audits once or twice per month. In all of these roles, I’ve always been responsible for performing some type of audit. This has helped me develop my skills as an IT auditor and learn more about different types of audits.”

There is a conflict between two team members on how to approach an audit. How do you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your leadership skills and how you handle conflicts. In your answer, try to show that you can use your problem-solving skills to help the team members come up with a solution together.

Example: “In my experience, it’s important for IT audit managers to be able to resolve conflicts between their team members. I would first listen to both sides of the conflict and understand why they have different opinions on how to approach an audit. Then, I would explain to them the importance of working as a team and encourage them to find a solution together. If needed, I would offer some suggestions or advice on how to solve the issue.”