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How to Hire an IT Compliance Analyst for Your Business

November 14, 2023

In the digital age, information is a valuable business resource. As its value increases, so does the importance of data laws. This has led to the rise of compliance analysis.

Without proper compliance analysis, your company could face heavy fines. For example, if you’re operating in Europe and you break the GDPR, you could face a fine of up to 20 million Euros.

An IT compliance analyst ensures data integrity and legal adherence to ensure you follow the law. Ignoring these laws could hurt your organization.

So, how do you find the right person for this crucial role? What attributes should they have? This article covers everything you need to know.

Roles & Responsibilities in Ensuring Business IT Integrity

Before hiring, know what an IT compliance analyst does. Their main job is to ensure IT activities in your company follow internal policies and government regulations.

They may conduct regular audits, spot potential irregularities, and investigate them. They also identify vulnerabilities, like poor security practices that attract cyber criminals. For example, they may be responsible for dealing with ransomware.

Plus, they stay updated on the ever-changing landscape of IT law, and they are well-versed in the latest IT compliance solutions.

Qualification Criteria and IT Regulations

Qualification criteria can vary based on your company’s attributes. For instance, specific industries may need analysts with certain qualifications to stay compliant with IT regulations.

Different localities might also require a specialized analyst who understands local laws. For example, if operating in the European Union, you’ll need someone familiar with GDPR.

Check their educational background too. Look for degrees in computer science, cyber security, or a related field. Qualified pros often have certifications like CISA or CRISC.

Before posting a job, research the required certifications that are vital to your business. This will help you tailor the job posting and attract the right analysts for your company.

Experience Matters in Business Technology

Qualifications and certifications are crucial, but they can’t replace experience. Compliance analysis is a field with zero room for error. If your company isn’t compliant with regulations, massive fines could follow.

So, look for analysts with a proven track record in risk management and incorporating business technology into IT compliance. Don’t just search for someone with the most years in the industry. Find an analyst who’s skilled at navigating information compliance complexities.

For instance, seek analysts familiar with key compliance frameworks like ISR 27001 or HIPAA. If you’re not sure what kind of frameworks the candidate needs to have experience in, you’ll need to talk things over with your IT department.

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

Soft skills and cultural fit also matter. Besides technical qualifications, find a compliance analyst with the right soft skills and company culture fit. IT compliance is complex, so seek an analyst who knows how to simplify it for a non-expert audience.

This helps them communicate effectively across your organization. Great technical skills won’t matter if you can’t understand them in meetings. No one wants to sit in a meeting while someone from the IT department talks in incomprehensible technical jargon.

Grasping Compliance Tools and Tech

IT compliance goes hand-in-hand with tech tools. So, top candidates should know the latest tools in the industry. They might be familiar with governance, risk management, and compliance platforms.

They need a sharp understanding of using technology to make compliance more efficient and improve data analysis. Plus, they should use tech to maintain secure and detailed records.

It’s crucial to ensure the candidate fits your company. If your company uses specific tools, mention it in the job listing and require candidates to have experience with that particular tool.

Craft a Good Job Posting

Of course, when looking for a compliance analyst, it’s crucial to craft the job description correctly. A poorly worded or formatted one could lead to the ideal candidate passing over the role.

With the variation in compliance analysis, make sure the job description outlines the role’s objectives and responsibilities clearly. Also, state necessary qualifications and unique requirements, like certifications.

For instance, if you want an analyst to be comfortable with GDPR, make it explicit in the job description. This will help get the most qualified candidate and prevent sifting through applications from unqualified analysts who don’t realize they lack the necessary skills or experience.

Recruit through the Right Channels

A top-notch job description won’t matter if you don’t use the right recruitment channels. To find the best analysts, you need to know where to look.

Industry-specific job boards are key so that you don’t throw out your recruitment net in the wrong industry pond. It’s extra effort for little gain and can take away from your overall productivity.

LinkedIn can be a goldmine as most compliance analysts have a presence there. Networking is another way to find top candidates. Try attending industry conferences to build a strong presence.

You may even find the perfect candidate before listing the job. Many compliance positions are filled through recommendations in professional networks. Lastly, consider using a reputable recruitment agency to place competent pros in your organization.

Continuous Education

First off, hiring a top-notch IT compliance analyst isn’t enough. With the tech world always evolving, they need to embrace lifelong learning. So, give your analysts chances for ongoing education and training.

Think about sponsoring certification courses. Or even offer a stipend for self-guided learning. Investing in their education means consistent compliance and a loyal analyst likely to stick around and teach others in your IT team.

Find the Right IT Compliance Analyst

Hiring an IT compliance specialist is crucial for modern businesses. You need to shield your business from legal risks and protect your company’s reputation by keeping sensitive data secure.

Doing your technical compliance in-house can be a big responsibility, so it doesn’t always make sense to do so. A well-managed IT services company like Facet can take on this responsibility on your behalf, allowing you to focus on the day-to-day operations of your company.

Contact us today to discuss how we’ll make your company compliant with the law.

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