[Gabe]

I saw a handful of threads about this, but does anyone have a job that combines both IT and accounting? I know there are IT auditors but anything else? What certifications or degrees did you find helpful?

Thanks all

CPA, CFE
CISA- Experience will be completed by August 2016

[TNCPA16]

I work in IT audit and I can't say I know of too much else that would combine both accounting and IT. I've known some people who were previously IT auditors who have moved into security compliance roles (but that's more of an IT role than IT/accounting) or SOX compliance roles (which is pretty similar to audit). I also work with someone who has an accounting degree but is in charge of the payroll system – but again, it isn't really an accounting role, it is a true IT role.

As for certifications, the CISA is the biggie. I've known straight-up IT guys who have their CISA, so even though it is geared towards auditors, it is not strictly auditors who get it. Other good ones are the CISSP, CIPP, and CISM. There are a ton others too, but these are the big ones that I see most people going after. As for degrees, my personal opinion is that as long as you have a bachelor's degree, certifications are more important than additional degrees.

[Gabe]

Thanks for the insight Jilly Beans!

CPA, CFE
CISA- Experience will be completed by August 2016

[Last Chance CPA]

@Gabe – I am contemplating the same thing. I have 12 years of IT (on the business side) experience, but with the CPA now, I don't know which direction to go? What about building financial systems? And systems forensics?

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Gabe]

@Last chance. I was thinking the same thing. I am on the opposite side, I have plenty of accounting experience and no IT experience. A friend of mine has her CPA and her husband has an IT degree. They went into forensic accounting together. As someone with IT experience, is there anything you think is crucial to know? For instance, I've been working on an online computer programming class (Harvard's CS50).

CPA, CFE
CISA- Experience will be completed by August 2016

[Last Chance CPA]

@Gabe – I am mostly a business type person with an MBA. I work within the software development life cycle (SDLC), where I see a project implementation from start to finish – e.g., requirements, design, development, testing, production. That's why I mentioned financial systems implementations, it would be a smooth transition for me.

If you are good at programming, that has to be valuable in any environment. Just make sure you learn the latest coding languages. I am assuming CIA, CISA, etc are just as valuable in an IT/CPA environment though? Sometimes it's best to get in the field to learn what's required. I don't plan on anymore education past CPA, MBA, and PMP.

I really would love to get into forensic consulting. What kind of company are your friends working for?

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Author]

Replies