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MSc on the complex relationship between IT and accountancy

IT Audit, Compliance and Advisory (Masterprogramme for Register IT-auditor, RE)

Toekomst
View the Dutch programme
Je leert, onderzoekt en communiceert over de theorie én de praktijk van IT-audit, ‑compliance en -advisory. Dit doe je in samenwerking met je medestudenten en topdocenten uit de praktijk.

The ITACA programme at VU offers an excellent opportunity for professionals looking to accelerate their career in IT auditing. Combining in-depth subject knowledge, a hands-on approach, flexible study options and strong networking opportunities, ITACA is the perfect choice. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge or take your career in a new direction, this programme will help you achieve your goals and excel in the dynamic field of IT auditing and risk management.

In-depth lectures and workshops

The course is structured to include a number of in-depth lectures focusing on specific systems. Workshops emphasize collaboration between IT auditors with different areas of expertise, which is crucial in practice.

Collaborative learning

At ITACA, collaborative learning is central. The interactivity is reflected in lectures, where you exchange views with top lecturers, and when working on group case studies.

E-books

ITACA training e-books give you a taste of the valuable knowledge and skills you will gain. These e-books contain current insights, practical examples and the latest developments in IT audit, compliance and risk management.
Download our e-books for free here.

Publications

View publications by our professors, students and alumni

Go to publications
Brochure

IT Audit Compliance and Advisory (ITACA)

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Prof. Dr. Abbas Shahim RE

Prof. Dr. Abbas Shahim RE is Professor and Chair of IT Audit Compliance and Advisory (ITACA). He is also active in practice as Partner IT Assurance at KPMG. Abbas has also chaired a committee that reviews RA programs on behalf of the Committee on Accountancy Education Learning Outcomes (CEA) to see if they meet the IT-related learning outcomes for core subjects.

View the profile of Abbas Shahim

11 modules

The ITACA program consists of 11 modules, spread over two years. You determine your own pace of study and the program can also be completed part-time. The program concludes with an individual study assignment, for which lectures and individual supervision are available. In addition, ITACA offers the opportunity to conduct joint research.

Subjects

1.1 Internal Control and Accounting Information Systems
1.2 IT Auditing
1.3 Governance of Enterprise IT
1.4 Regulatory and Compliance
1.5 Risk Advisory
2.1 Data and the Digital Landscape
2.2 Essentials of Technology
2.3 Technology of IT Audit
2.4 Digital Assurance
2.5 Cyber Security
2.6 Implementation of Audit Results

August-July

The first year runs from late August to early July. A college day consists of approximately 6 hours of lecture. The preparation time is similar to the lecture hours and depends on your background and experience. In addition to Internal Control and Accounting Information Systems (IC&AIS), in the 1st year you also take courses aimed at broadening and deepening your knowledge of (IT) auditing and consulting.

Subjects

M1.1 Internal Control and Accounting Information Systems (IC&AIS).

IC&AIS concerns the design of an internal control system with cost-benefit considerations, resulting in an information system that collects data, uses it for management decisions and provides adequate control measures. ESG aspects are also important here. Optionally, you can participate in training for the National BIV Examination of the accounting school.

National BIV

M1.2 IT Auditing

This module covers basic techniques of IT auditing to identify anomalies, focusing on control measures, IT General Controls, Application Controls and international IT frameworks. Methodical auditing according to standards and ensuring audit quality are the focus.

M1.3 Governance of Enterprise IT

IT Students learn to research and advise on IT governance, focusing on COBIT, project management, IT operating models, service integration management, Agile and (Sec) DevOps. The module concludes with trends and innovation in IT.

M1.4 Regulatory and Compliance.

This module covers the basics of regulatory and compliance in auditing, including privacy (AVG and GDPR) and auditing, legal and forensic aspects in fraud investigations, and innovations and trends in compliance and ESG.

M1.5 Risk Advisory

The year concludes with the Risk Advisory module, which focuses on the advisory role of the IT auditor and a case study on integrated risk management, covering enterprise risk management, project risk management, audit risk and compliance risk.

August-July

The second and final year of ITACA runs from late August to July. A college day consists of approximately 6 hours of lecture. Preparation time is similar to the lecture hours and depends on your background and experience.

Subjects

M2.1 Data and the Digital Landscape

Lectures provide insight into organizations' use of data, data governance, data quality and tooling such as Data Mining. Value creation from data and its relationship with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics during audits are discussed.

M2.2 Essentials of Technology.

This module covers IT infrastructure, systems, networks, data communications and databases, with a focus on security and emerging trends. Technical topics are approached practically.

M2.3 Technology of IT Audit.

This module provides guidance on the use of technology in audits, with a focus on both supporting functions and pitfalls, such as with SAP and modern web applications.

M2.4 Digital Assurance

This module provides insight into Digital Assurance in modern technologies such as IOT, Robotics, Blockchain and Cloud, which IT auditors can use to advise organizations on risk management and opportunities.

M2.5 Cyber Security

This module covers Cyber Strategy and implementation within an organization, including appropriate Cyber Response and risks around hacking and rapid, effective responses.

M3.5 Implementation of Audit Results.

Through workshops, students give presentations on real-life IT challenges, which combines theory and practice to enhance the professional practice of an IT auditor.

Final work

In the final paper, students demonstrate the final qualifications of ITACA through a self-designed research project, with guidance to deepen academic research skills and contribute to the IT audit profession.

  • Structure

    11 modules

    The ITACA program consists of 11 modules, spread over two years. You determine your own pace of study and the program can also be completed part-time. The program concludes with an individual study assignment, for which lectures and individual supervision are available. In addition, ITACA offers the opportunity to conduct joint research.

    Subjects

    1.1 Internal Control and Accounting Information Systems
    1.2 IT Auditing
    1.3 Governance of Enterprise IT
    1.4 Regulatory and Compliance
    1.5 Risk Advisory
    2.1 Data and the Digital Landscape
    2.2 Essentials of Technology
    2.3 Technology of IT Audit
    2.4 Digital Assurance
    2.5 Cyber Security
    2.6 Implementation of Audit Results

  • Year 1

    August-July

    The first year runs from late August to early July. A college day consists of approximately 6 hours of lecture. The preparation time is similar to the lecture hours and depends on your background and experience. In addition to Internal Control and Accounting Information Systems (IC&AIS), in the 1st year you also take courses aimed at broadening and deepening your knowledge of (IT) auditing and consulting.

    Subjects

    M1.1 Internal Control and Accounting Information Systems (IC&AIS).

    IC&AIS concerns the design of an internal control system with cost-benefit considerations, resulting in an information system that collects data, uses it for management decisions and provides adequate control measures. ESG aspects are also important here. Optionally, you can participate in training for the National BIV Examination of the accounting school.

    National BIV

    M1.2 IT Auditing

    This module covers basic techniques of IT auditing to identify anomalies, focusing on control measures, IT General Controls, Application Controls and international IT frameworks. Methodical auditing according to standards and ensuring audit quality are the focus.

    M1.3 Governance of Enterprise IT

    IT Students learn to research and advise on IT governance, focusing on COBIT, project management, IT operating models, service integration management, Agile and (Sec) DevOps. The module concludes with trends and innovation in IT.

    M1.4 Regulatory and Compliance.

    This module covers the basics of regulatory and compliance in auditing, including privacy (AVG and GDPR) and auditing, legal and forensic aspects in fraud investigations, and innovations and trends in compliance and ESG.

    M1.5 Risk Advisory

    The year concludes with the Risk Advisory module, which focuses on the advisory role of the IT auditor and a case study on integrated risk management, covering enterprise risk management, project risk management, audit risk and compliance risk.

  • Year 2

    August-July

    The second and final year of ITACA runs from late August to July. A college day consists of approximately 6 hours of lecture. Preparation time is similar to the lecture hours and depends on your background and experience.

    Subjects

    M2.1 Data and the Digital Landscape

    Lectures provide insight into organizations' use of data, data governance, data quality and tooling such as Data Mining. Value creation from data and its relationship with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics during audits are discussed.

    M2.2 Essentials of Technology.

    This module covers IT infrastructure, systems, networks, data communications and databases, with a focus on security and emerging trends. Technical topics are approached practically.

    M2.3 Technology of IT Audit.

    This module provides guidance on the use of technology in audits, with a focus on both supporting functions and pitfalls, such as with SAP and modern web applications.

    M2.4 Digital Assurance

    This module provides insight into Digital Assurance in modern technologies such as IOT, Robotics, Blockchain and Cloud, which IT auditors can use to advise organizations on risk management and opportunities.

    M2.5 Cyber Security

    This module covers Cyber Strategy and implementation within an organization, including appropriate Cyber Response and risks around hacking and rapid, effective responses.

    M3.5 Implementation of Audit Results.

    Through workshops, students give presentations on real-life IT challenges, which combines theory and practice to enhance the professional practice of an IT auditor.

    Final work

    In the final paper, students demonstrate the final qualifications of ITACA through a self-designed research project, with guidance to deepen academic research skills and contribute to the IT audit profession.

Do you have questions or need personal advice?

Please contact us using the contact details below.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
School of Business and Economics for Professionals
1081 HV AMSTERDAM

Contact

  • Aicha Rahali
  • Programme Manager

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