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Computer Specialist, Computer Systems Auditor, Fraud Investigator, Information Technology Specialist, Investigator, Systems Analyst
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Systems auditors review, evaluate, and provide proactive, control-related advice regarding:
In general, systems auditors work with the staff and management of the organization being audited. They assess the completeness, accuracy, validity, and efficiency of operational systems. They compare these with acknowledged internal and external criteria such as information security management (ISO 27001). While confirming compliance with standards, they account for specific conditions and risk tolerance.
Systems auditors may conduct audits as part of an audit department within the company. Or they may perform an annual external audit as part of a consulting company. In general, internal audits are done in advance of an external audit. The goal is to reduce the overall cost of external audits.
Duties vary in this role. In general, systems auditors:
Systems auditors spend a lot of time consulting with people and authoring reports. Their reports must be clear and logical.
Systems auditors work in office settings. They may use advanced information technology.
They often work standard weekday hours. They may have to work overtime to meet project deadlines.
Some positions require a lot of travel.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in analyzing information to review organizational information technology (IT) policies, standards and procedures and to complete audit assessments according to standard IT audit practices
Interest in consulting to recommend ways to improve quality assurance practices and procedures
Interest in precision working to design information systems audits
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Systems auditors need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 221 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 26, 2024 and Nov 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Design, develop and implement information systems business solutions | 192 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management and service delivery | 192 |
| Tasks: Confer with clients to identify and document requirements | 183 |
| Tasks: Conduct reviews to assess quality assurance practices, software products and information systems | 173 |
| Tasks: Assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware | 150 |
| Tasks: Develop policies, procedures and contingency plans to minimize the effects of security breaches | 142 |
| Tasks: Develop and implement policies and procedures throughout the software development life cycle | 133 |
| Attention to detail | 114 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 101 |
| Work under pressure | 95 |
This is not an entry-level position. The work requires knowledge of business practices, information management, and computer technology. Systems auditors need both related post-secondary education and experience in technical, accounting, and business roles. Most employers prefer applicants with a degree in accounting, business, computer science, or a related field, as well as professional certification.
Various degree and diploma programs are related to computer science and accounting. These are offered by universities, colleges, technical institutes, and private vocational schools throughout Alberta. To learn more about accounting programs and designations (CA, CGA, CMA), see the Accountant occupational profile.
Before enrolling in any program, prospective systems auditors should discuss their education options with people already working in this field.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop, or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies. They do so objectively applying specialized knowledge and professional judgement.
Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf]. This means that to call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the I.S.P. designation, you must be a registered member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta).
You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Information Systems Professional.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Systems auditors work for large organizations in the private and public sectors, and for consulting firms.
Experienced systems auditors may advance to senior management positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Information systems analysts and consultants
2016 NOC: 2171
79.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Earnings for systems auditors vary depending on their education and experience and the responsibilities of the position.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $21.90 | $55.07 | $35.33 | $34.21 |
| Overall | $27.67 | $63.22 | $45.60 | $45.67 |
| Top | $32.26 | $81.63 | $54.92 | $53.87 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $90,533 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $115,141 |
| Construction | $103,316 |
| Manufacturing | $72,145 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $84,515 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $83,049 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $88,840 |
| Educational Services | $85,632 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $90,018 |
| Public Administration | $92,701 |
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: ab.cips.ca
Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.ca
Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) website: www.isaca.org
Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) website: www.theiia.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
