Mastering the Art of Prescreening: Essential Questions to Ask Information Systems Auditor in an Interview

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In the realm of Information Systems (IS) auditing, it is paramount to ensure that the appropriate person is handling the job. This is an area that demands proficiency, experience, and a deep understanding of both the auditing process and the information systems being audited. How do you ascertain whether a potential employee or an external auditor has the necessary skills and expertise? The answer lies in asking the right questions. In this article, we will discuss a set of prescreening questions that will enable you to gauge your candidate's expertise and experience in IT auditing, risk management, information security, and other relevant areas.

Pre-screening interview questions

What is your experience with IT auditing?

Experience is key in IT auditing since it involves technical complexities and requires a deep understanding of the different aspects of IS auditing. Candidates with a rich background in IT auditing will potentially be better equipped to handle the associated responsibilities.

Can you explain your understanding of Information Systems Audit work?

Beyond just having experience, the candidate's understanding of IS auditing work is critical. Their insight into how audits work, what purpose they serve, and how to handle them effectively demonstrates their expertise in the field.

Have you performed Information Systems Security audits in the past?

In today’s increasingly digitized environment, information systems security is a crucial component of any auditing procedure, whether it's about auditing a traditional database or a cloud-based system. Therefore, having experience in this area is a significant advantage.

Do you have any certification relevant to Information Systems Auditing such as CISA?

A certified Information Systems Auditor carries an added weightage to their profile as this certification speaks volumes about their dedication and proficiency in the field.

What tools and software are you familiar with for performing IS audits?

The right software tools can streamline and simplify the audit process. Hence, familiarizing oneself with such tools augments the efficiency of an IS auditor.

Do you have experience with risk management and understanding of risk assessment techniques?

Risk management and risk assessment techniques are integral components of IS auditing. An auditor should have the capability to identify potential risks and propose measures to mitigate them.

Can you talk about your experience with the COBIT framework?

COBIT is a widely used framework for developing, implementing, monitoring, and improving IT governance and management practices. Experience with COBIT indicates a candidate's ability to align IT with business objectives.

How well do you understand Information security management systems (ISMS)?

An auditor’s understanding of ISMS is crucial in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of an organization's information. This also includes knowledge of ISO 27001/27002 standards, which set out guidelines for the implementation of an ISMS.

How would you verify the effectiveness of an organization's Information Security Policy?

This question examines the practical application of their knowledge. Their response would reflect their ability to analyze and devise strategies based on an organization's security policy.

Prescreening questions for Information Systems Auditor
  1. What is your experience with IT auditing?
  2. Can you explain your understanding of Information Systems Audit work?
  3. Have you performed Information Systems Security audits in the past?
  4. Do you have any certification relevant to Information Systems Auditing such as CISA?
  5. What tools and software are you familiar with for performing IS audits?
  6. Can you talk about your experience with COBIT framework?
  7. Do you have experience with risk management and understanding of risk assessment techniques?
  8. Can you explain one challenging audit you have undertaken and how you addressed the issues?
  9. How do you stay updated about latest developments and trends in IS auditing?
  10. Have you ever had to present your findings to management? What was that experience like?
  11. Can you describe your experience or understanding of ISO 27001/27002 standards?
  12. Do you have experience in auditing cloud-based software or infrastructure?
  13. Can you explain the steps you follow to ensure a thorough and successful audit?
  14. How would you handle resistance or non-cooperation from the team you're auditing?
  15. Do you have a strong understanding of IT General Controls (ITGC)?
  16. What types of data analysis software or programming languages are you familiar with?
  17. Do you have experience with integrated audit approaches?
  18. How well do you understand Information security management systems (ISMS)?
  19. Have you had experience working with external auditors?
  20. How would you verify the effectiveness of an organization's Information Security Policy?

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