What does an IT Auditor start their day with?

They typically begin by reviewing emails, audit calendars, and planning meetings. This includes prioritizing audit tasks or evidence requests for current engagements.

What tasks do IT Auditors perform daily?

Daily tasks include interviewing system owners, reviewing access logs, evaluating controls, testing compliance with standards, and documenting audit findings.

Do IT Auditors interact with different departments?

Yes. Auditors collaborate with IT, security, HR, and compliance teams to understand policies, retrieve evidence, and clarify system configurations or controls.

How do IT Auditors handle findings?

They assess the severity of each finding, consult with stakeholders, recommend remediation actions, and record details in audit management systems or reports.

What wraps up an IT Auditor’s day?

Auditors often summarize completed tasks, log findings, schedule follow-ups, and plan the next day’s interviews or documentation reviews for ongoing audits.

Is the public sector hiring IT Auditors?

Government agencies are expanding digital infrastructure and need IT Auditors to enforce security standards, validate vendor compliance, and prevent data breaches.

How do IT Auditors support DevSecOps teams?

They provide feedback on security controls, validate logging mechanisms, and ensure audit trails are preserved for later analysis and compliance audits.

What a typical day looks like for a IT Auditor

IT Auditors operate at the intersection of technology, compliance, and risk. Their day-to-day responsibilities are dynamic and can vary depending on the industry, audit cycle, and organization size. However, most IT Auditors follow a routine that balances planning, assessment, documentation, and communication. Whether you’re performing fieldwork or conducting remote audits, your work ensures that IT systems are secure, policies are followed, and data remains protected.

Morning: Review, Planning, and Prioritization

The day typically starts with reviewing emails, task boards, and pending requests. This helps the auditor identify any urgent needs or updates from stakeholders.

Check audit management software for assigned controls and evidence submissions
Review previous day’s progress and outstanding data requests
Prioritize audits or follow-ups based on risk, deadlines, or compliance windows

If part of an internal audit team, there may be a brief team standup meeting to align on goals and blockers.

Mid-Morning: Control Testing and Evidence Collection

This is the most focused and technical part of the day. IT Auditors evaluate whether systems and processes meet defined control requirements.

Test user access controls, encryption configurations, or change management logs
Query databases to validate segregation of duties or activity logs
Review firewall configurations, vulnerability scan results, or system backups

Depending on the audit scope, this may involve interacting with cloud environments, on-prem infrastructure, or SaaS platforms.

Afternoon: Collaboration and Interviews

IT Auditors regularly work with stakeholders across IT, security, compliance, and legal departments.

Conduct interviews with system owners or admins to clarify configurations or controls
Request screenshots, policy documents, or logs for audit documentation
Discuss gaps or findings with technical teams to confirm accuracy and context

Strong communication skills are essential for navigating technical jargon and organizational dynamics.

Late Afternoon: Documentation and Reporting

Once testing is complete, auditors document their work to ensure traceability and regulatory readiness.

Write audit findings, control test results, and recommendations
Update audit management systems with evidence and notes
Draft executive summaries or stakeholder presentations, depending on the phase of the audit

Documentation must be clear, factual, and consistent—ready for both internal review and external scrutiny.

Ongoing Activities Throughout the Day

Monitor policy changes, compliance alerts, or system changes that may affect controls
Participate in training or webinars to stay current on regulations and audit techniques
Collaborate with audit peers or compliance teams on multi-region or cross-functional audits

Final Thoughts

A typical day in the life of an IT Auditor blends structure with variety. You’ll move between detailed technical testing, high-level risk discussions, and evidence gathering—all aimed at strengthening the organization’s information security and regulatory posture. The role offers continuous learning, cross-team interaction, and a vital impact on digital trust and operational integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an IT Auditor start their day with?: They typically begin by reviewing emails, audit calendars, and planning meetings. This includes prioritizing audit tasks or evidence requests for current engagements.
What tasks do IT Auditors perform daily?: Daily tasks include interviewing system owners, reviewing access logs, evaluating controls, testing compliance with standards, and documenting audit findings.
Do IT Auditors interact with different departments?: Yes. Auditors collaborate with IT, security, HR, and compliance teams to understand policies, retrieve evidence, and clarify system configurations or controls.
Is the public sector hiring IT Auditors?: Government agencies are expanding digital infrastructure and need IT Auditors to enforce security standards, validate vendor compliance, and prevent data breaches. Learn more on our Industries Hiring Skilled IT Auditors page.
How do IT Auditors support DevSecOps teams?: They provide feedback on security controls, validate logging mechanisms, and ensure audit trails are preserved for later analysis and compliance audits. Learn more on our How IT Auditors Enhance Product Security page.