ISO 20000: A New Career Opportunity for Auditors

With businesses becoming more customers centric, organizations worldwide are concentrating on high-quality IT services while maintaining efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction. To achieve these objectives, many companies are adopting ISO 20000, the international standard for IT service management.

If you are an auditor looking for a new career opportunity, earning ISO 20000 certification can be a good idea. As an ISO 20000 auditor, you will be responsible for assessing the ITSM practices of organizations, ensuring that they comply with the standard. This certification offers a number of benefits, including:

• High demand: The demand for ISO 20000 auditors is growing as more businesses seek to improve their ITSM practices.
• Good salary: ISO 20000 auditors often command a higher salary, as their skills are in high demand.
• Challenging and rewarding: The role of an ISO 20000 auditor is challenging but rewarding. Here, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of organizations, helping them improve their ITSM practices.

ISO 20000 certification: An Overview

ISO 20000 is an internationally recognized standard for IT service management, which demonstrates an organization's commitment to excellence in IT service management practices. This certification validates that the organization has implemented the necessary processes, controls, and procedures to effectively manage its IT services in line with industry best practices.

Earning ISO 20000 certification offers several benefits for both organizations and professionals. It enhances the credibility and reputation of the IT service management industries, instilling confidence in customers and stakeholders and establishing that the organization is committed to delivering reliable and consistent IT services.

Career Opportunities in Auditing

A career in auditing offers numerous opportunities, especially for individuals who are detail-oriented, analytical and possess strong problem-solving skills. Auditing career is a broad field with different career opportunities, including:

• External Auditor: These individuals are responsible for conducting independent financial audits of companies, organizations, and government entities.
• Internal Auditor: They work within organizations to evaluate and improve their internal controls, risk management, and operational processes.
• IT Auditor: IT Auditors assess the effectiveness of an organization's IT systems, data security, and internal controls related to technology.
• Compliance Auditor: These individuals focus on ensuring that organizations adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Forensic Auditor: As a forensic auditor, you will be responsible for investigating financial irregularities, fraud, and misconduct within organizations. These auditors work closely with law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and other professionals to uncover financial crimes and provide litigation support.
• Government Auditor: These auditors work for government agencies and perform audits of public sector entities. Government auditors play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and effective use of taxpayer money.
• Risk Assurance Professional: As a risk assurance auditor, you will provide assurance and advisory services related to risk management, internal controls, and governance processes.

Professional Development in Auditing

In the field of auditing, professional development is critical due to the dynamic nature of the business environment, evolving industry standards, and emerging risks. It helps auditors stay relevant and equipped with the necessary tools to perform their roles and responsibilities effectively. Below are some significant aspects of professional development in auditing:

• Continuing Education: Auditors must undergo continuing education programs, workshops, and seminars to help expand their knowledge.
• Professional Certifications: Earning specific certifications in auditing can also significantly enhance your career as an auditor. Consider professional certifications in auditing from Knowlathon. You can consider obtaining Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), or other related certifications.
• Industry Networking: Engaging with industry peers, participating in professional associations, and attending conferences or networking events provide opportunities for auditors to broaden their horizons in their auditing careers.
• Internal Training Programs: Some organizations also arrange internal training programs that focus on developing the skills and competencies of their audit teams.
• Mentoring and Coaching: You can also receive knowledge from experienced auditors. Mentors can offer insights into the auditing profession, share experiences, and provide constructive feedback to help mentees progress in their careers.
• Performance Reviews and Feedback:  Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions allow auditors to receive constructive feedback on their work, help them identify areas for improvement, and assist them in setting professional development goals.

ISO Standards in Auditing

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a non-governmental organization, develops ISO standards. This organization brings together experts from around the world to develop consensus-based standards.

There are several ISO standards relevant to auditing. Some of these are:

• SO 19011: Guidelines for auditing management systems
• ISO 9001: Quality management systems
• ISO 14001: Environmental Management systems
• ISO 27001: Information security management systems

Conclusion

ISO 20000 offers auditors a golden opportunity to broaden their career horizons. By acquiring this credential and continuously upgrading skills, auditors can unlock new possibilities in various roles, like IT service management auditor, IT governance consultant, IT project manager, and IT service delivery manager.

The demand for ISO 20000 auditors is on the rise, reflecting the increasing importance of effective IT service management in organizations. This certification can lead to numerous benefits for auditors, including attractive salary packages, engaging and fulfilling work, and access to exciting professional opportunities.