Question

Steve is a talented, senior-level programmer who has worked in the IT department of Infotech for the past 5 years. Steve has made very significant contributions toward the design and/or migration/implementation of several important information systems, programs and applications at INFOTECH Inc. Discuss the issues, considerations and/or advantages associated with transferring Steve to Infotech’s internal audit department as an IT auditor and a programming and app development subject matter expert on a full-time or part-time basis (3-4 short paragraphs).

Answer 1

The primary advantage that the company had through Steve's transfer is that he can resolve any internal audit query or issue in an easier manner since he has a wider experience. Also any improvements suggested through internal audit can be implemented in an effective manner. Any conflicts between the audit and other teams can also be resolved.

The major issue here is that the Steve is given conflicting duties i.e. an IT auditor as well as app development subject matter expert on a full-time or part-time basis. This is against the principals of IT audit where in an auditor is given an access role modify the application. In this case to meet the IT audit requirement he can indulge in unethical behavior and put across a clean audit report. The deficiencies through audit may never come to light which can be quite misleading.

Going by the above analysis, the company must appoint Steve either as an IT auditor or app development subject matter expert on a full-time or part-time basis. The decision will depend on what the company believes is important for him to serve as.