I'm an IT Auditor. I review the controls and systems that keep organizations secure and compliant, and I report clearly on where they fall short. I came from accounting, so applying that same rigor and skepticism to technology turned out to be a perfect fit. I get to dig into how systems are protected and where the risks hide. It's detailed, meaningful work that genuinely suits the way I think.
I started out as an accounts assistant. I was meticulous with numbers and detail, but over time I wanted work with more variety and impact than the books offered. Security and audit sat right at the intersection of my detail focus and a growing curiosity about technology. That intersection is exactly what I aimed for. I wanted to keep my strengths but apply them to something newer and more challenging.
Auditing appealed to me because it rewards precision and healthy skepticism, both of which I already had from accounting. I wanted to understand the systems behind the controls, not just the financial side of things. IT audit let me grow technically while still using my existing strengths rather than abandoning them. It felt like a natural evolution of my career rather than a complete reset. That continuity made the move feel achievable.
CertLabz gave me genuine hands-on exposure to the systems I'd eventually be auditing. The labs and performance-based questions let me analyze realistic scenarios instead of working through dry, abstract checklists. SkillTracker showed me precisely where my technical gaps were so I could close them efficiently. It turned audit theory into practical understanding I could rely on. I finally understood the technology I'd be assessing, not just the rules around it.
"I kept my accounting discipline and added real technical depth. CISA made it official."
Melissa Wazdorf, IT AuditorI kept my accounting discipline and added real technical depth on top of it. That mix is exactly what audit work demands, and it set me apart.
Earning my CISA was the credential that made my whole career change official. It proved I could audit information systems to a recognized professional standard, which is precisely what employers wanted to see. With my accounting background and CISA together, I moved into IT audit. It gave my career change real credibility in the eyes of hiring managers. That qualification turned an unusual background into a clear asset.
What I valued most was building real technical understanding rather than just memorizing audit checklists. I never wanted to be an auditor who didn't understand the systems. CertLabz gave me that genuine grounding through hands-on work. I also appreciated how the study respected my existing strengths and built on them. It made an unusual career change feel both natural and credible.
Don't discount the strengths you already have; detail and skepticism are absolute gold in audit work. Add genuine hands-on technical understanding so you can assess real systems with confidence. A credential like CISA proves you can do the work to a professional standard. Career changes like mine are very achievable with the right preparation and mindset. Lean on what you're already good at, and build the rest.
Next, I'm broadening my audit expertise across more complex systems and frameworks. I'd like to grow into a senior auditor role and eventually lead full audit engagements myself. My accounting background and technical skills together give me a strong and fairly unusual foundation. I'm also enjoying helping other finance professionals see that a move into IT audit is genuinely possible. The regulatory landscape keeps shifting, so continuous learning is absolutely essential. I'm committed to staying sharp and keeping my technical understanding current as the field evolves.
