Overview
The Senior Manager - IT Audit is responsible for overseeing and managing the IT audit function, ensuring that the organization's information systems, technology infrastructure, and processes comply with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. This role focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance IT governance, risk management, and control frameworks while also addressing innovations like RPA (Robotic Process Automation), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and cloud technologies. Additionally, the role includes mentoring and leading the Store Operations Audit team, ensuring efficient execution of store audits across retail locations. The ideal candidate must have hands-on expertise in emerging technologies and risk mitigation strategies while ensuring a strong alignment with the retail sector's evolving technological landscape.
Key Responsibilities
IT Audit Planning and Execution
- Develop and oversee the annual IT audit plan, adopting a risk-based approach that incorporates audits for emerging technologies like RPA, AI, and blockchain, alongside traditional IT systems.
- Conduct audits of IT systems, including: Application controls for Oracle ERP, Oracle Retail, MS Dynamics 365, and Point of Sale systems.
- Cloud Security and Infrastructure audits.
- Cybersecurity audits addressing ransomware, zero-day vulnerabilities, and DevOps environments.
- RPA systems audits, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of automated processes.
- AI/ML audits to verify compliance, transparency, and ethical use.
- Data privacy and governance audits adhering to standards like GDPR, CCPA, and PCI-DSS.
- Ensure audit findings are clearly documented, with actionable recommendations for addressing risks.
Store Operations Audits
- Oversee audits of store-level, including but not limited to : Point-of-sale (POS) systems, Retail Processes, IT systems, Network connectivity and IT infrastructure.
- Retail data security, customer payment data protection, and adherence to compliance frameworks.
- Innovations in store-level AI (e.g., customer analytics, inventory management systems).
- Provide risk mitigation strategies for operational and IT risks unique to retail environments.
Data Analytics and Automation
- Leverage advanced analytics tools such as Power BI, Tableau, IDEA, and Python to analyze audit data, identify patterns, and mitigate risks.
- Implement automation and RPA techniques to improve the efficiency of audit processes and reduce human error.
- Drive the development of custom dashboards to deliver real-time insights into IT risk and performance.
Leadership and Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop the IT Audit and Store Operations Audit teams, ensuring skill-building in emerging areas such as cloud technologies, AI/ML systems, and RPA frameworks.
- Foster collaboration with cross-functional teams to promote innovation and ensure audit processes remain aligned with organizational goals.
- Monitor and evaluate team performance, ensuring adherence to best practices and continuous improvement.
Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance
- Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to IT systems, store operations, AI, and emerging technologies.
- Monitor industry trends and best practices in IT governance frameworks (e.g., COBIT, ITIL) and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, SOX, PCI-DSS).
- Provide actionable recommendations to leadership on IT risk mitigation and control enhancements.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Engage with senior management, IT leadership, and other business units to present audit findings and recommendations.
- Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, providing insights on IT risk management, emerging technologies, and control improvement opportunities.
Continuous Improvement
- Drive the adoption of cutting-edge auditing tools and techniques to improve audit effectiveness and efficiency.
- Stay updated on the latest trends in AI, RPA, cloud security, and audit methodologies.
- Implement quality assurance processes to ensure adherence to organizational and industry standards.
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Technology or Chartered Accountancy.
- Relevant certifications are required:
- CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and or
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).
- Additional certifications in AI/ML (e.g., AI Ethics certifications) or cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure certifications) are a plus.
Experience
- 10+ years of experience in IT auditing, including 2+ years in a leadership role.
- Proven expertise in managing audits in cloud, ERP, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies (AI, RPA).
- Experience in the retail sector is highly desirable, with a minimum of 3 years focusing on store operations or IT systems.
Technical Competencies
- Strong knowledge of IT governance frameworks (e.g., COBIT, ITIL).
- Hands-on experience with data analytics platforms (e.g., Tableau, IDEA) and IT audit tools.
- Deep understanding of AI/ML, RPA systems, APIs, microservices, and cybersecurity risks.
Leadership and Soft Skills
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Strong communication and presentation skills to convey technical findings to non-technical stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
