Northwestern Mutual

Senior IT Audit Specialist

Northwestern Mutual$70K — $105K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as IT, Cybersecurity, or Risk Management.
  • 3+ years of experience in IT or cybersecurity auditing.
  • Strong communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Working knowledge of IT audit standards and frameworks like COBIT, NIST, and ISO.
  • Understanding of IT control topics such as access management and change management.
  • Ability to analyze data and identify control gaps effectively.
  • Willingness to attain relevant professional certifications.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to technology and cybersecurity audits under senior audit professionals.
  • Assist in audit planning by identifying risks and developing objectives.
  • Evaluate controls managing various risks across IT processes.
  • Conduct audit testing across crucial IT control areas.
  • Prepare detailed workpapers documenting audit findings and evidence.
  • Draft clear observations and recommendations for audit issues.
  • Communicate audit status, results, and recommendations effectively, adjusting for audience knowledge.

Benefits

  • Professional development opportunities including training and certifications.
  • Collaborative team environment with support for learning.
  • Exposure to diverse audit areas and technology processes.
  • Potential for internal career growth within a large corporate structure.
  • Opportunities to work across various technology and cybersecurity platforms.
Full Job Description

About the Job:

The IT Audit Senior Specialist will be responsible for supporting the planning, execution, and reporting of information technology and cybersecurity audits. This role contributes to risk-based audit work by evaluating IT processes, assessing control design and operating effectiveness, documenting results, and communicating observations and recommendations in a clear, accurate, and professional manner.

What You'll Do:

  • Serves as a contributing team member on technology, cybersecurity, and integrated audits under the direction of more experienced audit professionals.
  • Supports audit planning by helping understand business and technology processes, identify relevant risks, develop audit objectives, and define appropriate testing procedures.
  • Evaluates the design and operating effectiveness of controls that manage technology, cybersecurity, operational, regulatory, and financial reporting risks.
  • Performs audit testing across common IT control areas, such as access management, change management, system development, configuration management, data integrity, backup and recovery, business continuity, logging and monitoring, and third-party or cloud-related controls.
  • Prepares clear, logical, well-supported, and accurate workpapers that document procedures performed, evidence reviewed, conclusions reached, and any identified exceptions.
  • Drafts audit observations and issue content that clearly explain the condition, risk, root cause, and recommended corrective action, consistent with department guidelines.
  • Applies working knowledge of audit standards, risk and control concepts, and technology processes to evaluate control gaps and support audit conclusions.
  • Communicates audit status, testing results, potential issues, and recommendations to audit team members, business stakeholders, and IT management in both technical and non-technical terms.
  • Demonstrates effective interviewing, inquiry, and note-taking skills to understand processes, clarify assumptions, validate evidence, and support audit conclusions.
  • Manages assigned audit work across one or more concurrent audits by meeting deadlines, escalating questions or concerns timely, and adjusting to changing priorities.
  • Builds business, technology, cybersecurity, and project management knowledge through audit work, stakeholder interaction, self-directed learning, and professional development.
  • Uses data, reporting, and analytic tools, where applicable, to support audit testing, improve efficiency, and develop deeper insight into risk and control effectiveness.

What You'll Bring to the Role:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
  • Three or more years of experience in IT audit, cybersecurity audit, internal audit, compliance, technology risk, technology operations, or a related field.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document audit work clearly and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Working knowledge of IT audit concepts, risk and control principles, and common audit standards or frameworks, such as COBIT, NIST, ISO, ITIL, IIA Standards, or similar frameworks.
  • Solid understanding of general IT control topics, including logical access, change management, system development, configuration management, data integrity, encryption, retention and disposal, backup and recovery, business continuity and disaster recovery, logging and monitoring, and vulnerability or security management.
  • Ability to analyze information, identify control gaps, support conclusions with evidence, and communicate the business or technology risk in a practical and understandable way.
  • Strong organization and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and produce high-quality work.
  • Demonstrated curiosity and willingness to continue developing technical knowledge, audit skills, business acumen, and project management capabilities.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment, receive feedback, collaborate with audit colleagues, and build productive relationships with stakeholders.
  • Willingness to obtain or actively work toward a relevant professional certification, such as CISA, CISSP, CIA, CRISC, CISM, CPA, or a similar credential.
  • Experience with a large corporate internal audit function, public accounting firm, consulting firm, financial services organization, or regulated environment preferred.
  • General understanding of Model Audit Rule, SOX, IT general controls, cybersecurity controls, or regulatory-driven audit work preferred.

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$70,320.00

Pay Range - End:

$105,480.00

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

$77,360.00 USD - $116,040.00 USD

Structure 115:


$80,880.00 USD - $121,320.00 USD

We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click to learn more.


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About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to millions with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages billion of dollars of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

Northwestern Mutual Careers

Joining Northwestern Mutual presents a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to empowering personal and professional growth, innovation, and leadership in the financial services industry. As a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Northwestern Mutual offers unparalleled job opportunities for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe in building strong relationships not only with our clients but also among our team members. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, all united in their commitment to leadership and innovation. Our employees are equipped with top-tier benefits and diversity training that ensure their career journey is both rewarding and inclusive.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern Mutual is committed to fostering an environment where career growth is not just a possibility but a priority. With a variety of positions available, from financial representatives to internships for budding professionals, our company is a place where your skills and passion can thrive. We provide extensive training programs and leadership development opportunities that prepare you for success in your current role and beyond.

Innovative Work Environment

Our team at Northwestern Mutual is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative financial strategies to provide exceptional service to our clients. This focus on innovation is not just about staying current; it's about leading the way in the financial sector. Employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, driving the company forward as a leader in the financial industry.

Be Part of Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Northwestern Mutual; they are integral to our company culture and business strategy. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees can flourish. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance understanding and foster an inclusive environment for all team members.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within Northwestern Mutual opens doors to expansive career advancement opportunities. We encourage our employees to engage in internal networking events, which often lead to mentorship and further career development. Whether you are looking to enhance your resume, prepare for an interview, or step into a leadership role, Northwestern Mutual provides the resources and support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level. Explore the job opportunities and internships available at Northwestern Mutual and find out how you can contribute to our legacy of innovation and leadership.

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Join us and start your journey at Northwestern Mutual today, where your career is nurtured, your skills are honed, and your achievements are celebrated.
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7,000 employees
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