IT Risk and Compliance Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of digital transformation, the need for IT Risk and Compliance Officers is increasingly critical.
As technology progresses, the demand grows for proficient professionals who can manage, monitor, and secure our IT infrastructure.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s genuinely expected of an IT Risk and Compliance Officer?
Whether you are:
- A candidate trying to understand the true nature of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect prospect,
- Or simply interested in the complexities of IT risk and compliance,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable IT Risk and Compliance Officer job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
IT Risk and Compliance Officer Duties and Responsibilities
The IT Risk and Compliance Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring an organization’s information systems are secure and compliant with legal and internal standards.
They assess, mitigate, and monitor IT-related risks, also ensuring compliance with local and international regulations.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Overseeing and evaluating IT security measures, systems, and policies
- Conducting and coordinating IT audits to ensure adherence to standards and regulations
- Identifying IT risks and developing risk mitigation strategies
- Monitoring and assessing the efficiency of implemented IT risk management strategies
- Ensuring the organization’s data and technology practices comply with regulatory standards
- Providing advice and guidance on IT risk management and compliance best practices
- Working with IT teams to identify areas of non-compliance and provide solutions
- Preparing and presenting reports on IT risk and compliance to management and stakeholders
- Staying updated with the latest IT risk and compliance regulations and standards
- Providing training and awareness programs related to IT risks and compliance
IT Risk and Compliance Officer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a diligent IT Risk and Compliance Officer to identify IT risks and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Your responsibilities will include assessing our IT systems, developing risk management strategies, and building compliance programs.
You should have a deep understanding of IT systems and regulations related to data security and privacy.
A successful candidate will be excellent at problem-solving, with strong attention to detail and communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Identify and assess IT risks and compliance issues within our organization.
- Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks and achieve compliance.
- Conduct IT audits to ensure adherence to established IT standards, policies, and legislation.
- Prepare and present reports on audit findings and propose recommendations.
- Collaborate with different departments to build compliance programs.
- Stay updated with the latest IT and industry-specific security standards.
- Train staff on IT risk management and compliance requirements.
- Work with IT teams to ensure the right security controls are in place.
- Manage and maintain records of compliance activities.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as an IT Risk and Compliance Officer or similar role.
- Knowledge of IT risk management and control practices.
- Understanding of IT laws, regulations, standards, and best practices.
- Experience with IT audit processes and procedures.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- BSc degree in Computer Science, Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Certification such as CISA, CISSP, CRISC is a plus.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: IT Risk and Compliance Officer
- Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Compliance Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does an IT Risk and Compliance Officer Do?
An IT Risk and Compliance Officer typically works in the IT department of various industries, private sector organizations, or public institutions.
They can also work as consultants for IT firms.
Their primary role is to ensure that the organization’s IT systems are compliant with regulatory standards and best practices.
They assess the risks associated with the organization’s information systems and take the necessary steps to manage and mitigate them.
They analyze and implement IT security policies and procedures, ensuring that they align with the objectives and goals of the organization.
This includes conducting audits of the IT systems, documenting results, and recommending solutions to rectify any non-compliance issues.
The IT Risk and Compliance Officer is also responsible for training and educating staff on regulatory requirements and the importance of compliance.
They often work closely with other IT professionals, legal teams, and senior management to ensure that the organization maintains a robust and compliant IT infrastructure.
Additionally, they stay updated with the latest IT security trends and regulatory changes to ensure that the organization’s IT systems are always compliant and capable of resisting any potential threats.
IT Risk and Compliance Officer Qualifications and Skills
An IT Risk and Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that the IT department of a company complies with relevant laws and regulations, and that data and systems are secure.
The skills and qualifications for this role include:
- Understanding of IT systems, networks and infrastructure to identify and manage potential risks and vulnerabilities.
- Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations and standards such as GDPR, ISO 27001, SOX etc., to ensure compliance.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess and mitigate risks and to devise compliance strategies.
- Ability to conduct risk assessments and audits to identify areas of non-compliance or potential risk.
- Strong communication skills to effectively relay complex information about risks and compliance to non-technical team members and stakeholders.
- Interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with various departments and ensure adherence to compliance protocols.
- Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, keep track of changes in regulations, and ensure ongoing compliance.
- Attention to detail to ensure all compliance details are addressed and nothing is overlooked.
IT Risk and Compliance Officer Experience Requirements
IT Risk and Compliance Officers typically require a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in IT risk management, compliance, or a related field.
This experience may be gained through full-time positions or internships in the IT industry or related sectors.
Entry-level roles that can contribute to this experience include IT Auditor, Compliance Analyst, or Risk Analyst.
In these roles, individuals gain practical experience in dealing with IT risks and compliance issues, and begin to understand the regulatory environment.
Candidates with over 5 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of IT risk management and compliance principles, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
They may have played a significant role in risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in their previous roles.
Individuals with over 7 years of experience, or those who have held management positions previously, may bring leadership experience.
They are often capable of developing and implementing risk and compliance management programs, handling complex compliance issues, and leading teams.
It’s also crucial that an IT Risk and Compliance Officer has experience with various IT systems, technologies, and security measures, as well as a thorough understanding of data protection laws and regulations.
Experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure data security and compliance with regulations is highly desirable.
Some roles may also require specific experience with certain standards and regulations such as ISO 27001, PCI DSS, or GDPR depending on the industry and nature of the business.
Overall, a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s IT infrastructure, potential risks, and relevant regulations is a key requirement for the role of an IT Risk and Compliance Officer.
IT Risk and Compliance Officer Education and Training Requirements
IT Risk and Compliance Officers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field.
They need to have a solid understanding of IT systems and infrastructures as well as knowledge about cybersecurity and data privacy.
Familiarity with compliance regulations and standards such as ISO 27001, GDPR, or SOX is also necessary.
Some positions may require a master’s degree in information systems or cybersecurity, particularly for roles with broader responsibilities or in larger organizations.
Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) are highly valued in this field.
Additional training in business continuity planning, disaster recovery, risk management, and corporate governance is also advantageous.
These professionals must have excellent communication skills as they often need to explain complex information to non-technical stakeholders.
Continuing education is essential in this role due to the rapidly evolving nature of information technology and cybersecurity.
IT Risk and Compliance Officer Salary Expectations
An IT Risk and Compliance Officer earns an average salary of $108,595 (USD) per year.
The earnings may fluctuate based on the professional’s experience, educational background, geographic location, and the company they work for.
IT Risk and Compliance Officer Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does an IT Risk and Compliance Officer need?
An IT Risk and Compliance Officer typically needs a bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, or a related field.
Additionally, certifications like Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are highly beneficial.
Some roles might require a master’s degree in a related field or substantial work experience.
What are the daily duties of an IT Risk and Compliance Officer?
On a typical day, an IT Risk and Compliance Officer may conduct and review risk assessments, develop risk mitigation strategies, and ensure that the organization is adhering to its compliance obligations.
They might work with different IT departments to coordinate audits and review IT policies.
They also stay updated with the latest developments in IT compliance regulations and standards.
What skills are necessary for an IT Risk and Compliance Officer?
An IT Risk and Compliance Officer should possess strong analytical skills to understand and mitigate risks.
They should have a thorough understanding of IT systems and security, as well as knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
Communication skills are also important to explain complex regulations and potential risks to non-technical personnel.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills are also critical for this role.
What qualities make a good IT Risk and Compliance Officer?
A good IT Risk and Compliance Officer has strong attention to detail, enabling them to identify compliance issues or risks that might be overlooked.
They are proactive and stay updated on the latest IT regulations and risk management strategies.
They are also able to balance the need for compliance with the organization’s business needs.
Is previous experience necessary for an IT Risk and Compliance Officer?
Yes, previous experience in IT, preferably in areas related to security, risk management, or compliance, is usually required.
This allows the officer to have a better understanding of the IT landscape, identify potential risks, and recommend effective mitigation strategies.
The required level of experience can vary depending on the complexity and size of the organization.
Conclusion
And there we have it.
Today, we’ve illuminated the true essence of being an IT Risk and Compliance Officer.
Surprised?
It’s not just about managing risks or ensuring compliance.
It’s about architecting a secure digital landscape, one policy at a time.
Armed with our intuitive IT Risk and Compliance Officer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to venture forward.
But why halt your journey here?
Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating detail-oriented job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Bear in mind:
Every policy, every risk managed, contributes to a broader, safer digital environment.
Let’s construct this future. Together.
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