Auditing and Governance Risk and Compliance

IT Audit Fundamentals

Almost every business process now depends on IT systems, so auditors must understand IT risks and controls. This course covers IT audit fundamentals: IT governance, general controls over access, change and operations, application controls, cloud and outsourcing, cybersecurity basics and planning IT audits.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Financial and operational auditors increasingly need IT knowledge. You will learn the essentials to audit IT confidently.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Control walkthroughs, audit programme exercises, case studies and demonstrations.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain IT governance and risk concepts
Audit IT general controls
Evaluate application controls
Understand cloud and outsourcing risks
Review basic cybersecurity controls
Plan and scope IT audits

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Internal auditors new to IT audit
Financial auditors
Risk and compliance staff
IT managers
Audit managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

IT risk understanding
General controls testing
Application controls
Cyber awareness
Audit planning

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1IT Governance

09:00–10:08IT and business risk
10:08–11:00Frameworks
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Frameworks (continued)
11:45–12:53Roles
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2General Controls

09:00–10:08Access management
10:08–11:00Change management
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Change management (continued)
11:45–12:53IT operations
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Application Controls

09:00–10:08Input, processing and output controls
10:08–11:00Interfaces
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Interfaces (continued)
11:45–12:53Testing
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Cloud and Cyber

09:00–10:08Cloud and outsourcing
10:08–11:00Security basics
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Security basics (continued)
11:45–12:53Vendor reports
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Planning IT Audits

09:00–10:08Scoping
10:08–11:00Audit programmes
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Audit programmes (continued)
11:45–12:53Reporting
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

All courses

The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.