IT Audit Manager Jobs for OPT Students
IT Audit Manager roles involve overseeing internal controls, IT risk assessments, and compliance frameworks, making them a strong fit for OPT students with accounting, information systems, or cybersecurity backgrounds. Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a directly related field, which satisfies the specialty occupation standard that keeps your OPT authorization on solid ground.
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As an NRG employee, we encourage you to take charge of your career and development journey. We invite you to explore exciting opportunities across our businesses. You’ll find that our dynamic work environment provides variety and challenge. Your growth is key to our ongoing success—take the lead in shaping your career development, goals and future!
Job Summary
The Manager, IT Audit, will be responsible for execution of assigned IT SOX testing, IT operational audits, administration of the department audit management system, and development of audit staff. Under direction of the Director, provide an independent and objective opinion on the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the company’s system controls in mitigating business risks to achieve NRG’s strategy and performance objectives. Provide additional assurance services as requested by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors or Senior Management.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
- Perform IT SOX control testing and review, document workpapers and issues, system scoping, and coordinate with external auditors.
- Manage the effective and timely execution of IT internal audit projects end to end as assigned from the NRG internal audit plan, including all phases of the audit lifecycle.
- Assist the Director in management, supervision, training, and development of IT audit staff.
- Participate in audit department planning activities including scheduling testing and staffing, budget preparation, risk assessment, and other IT Audit related duties as needed.
- Plan testing activities throughout the year and regularly report on status to Internal Audit management and other stakeholders.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of IIA and ISACA professional auditing standards and best practice audit procedures and techniques.
- Proactively interact with all levels of management to gather information, resolve problems, and make recommendations for process and control improvements.
- Assist department with management of AuditBoard, data analytics and AI initiatives, department SharePoint and system access.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required, with a focus in information systems or computer science preferred, and four or more years of IT Audit or relevant experience.
- Must have extensive knowledge of IT general controls, cyber security, data privacy, IT operations and governance.
- Proficiency in Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, advanced security concepts, emerging technologies, system implementations and project management.
- Excellent, proven communication skills required, ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of clients including technical and non-technical clients, as well as work with teams cross-functionally.
- Robust qualitative skills, including demonstrated ability to write audit reports with minimal rework, proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters, capability to handle multiple assignments, meet deadlines and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to solve problems and consider / develop alternative solutions.
- Motivated to work independently and complete responsibilities with little supervision yet work well and promote team-oriented culture.
- Highly proficient with Microsoft Office applications, audit management systems and other auditing and data analytics tools.
- Demonstrated attention to detail; this is a front-line manager position.
- Demonstrated high degree of ethics and strong sense of business judgment, and able to operate within NRG’s published core values.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification related to IT security or auditing in one or more of the followings is preferred: CISA, CISSP, CISM.
- Experience working within a NERC CIP, PCI, NIST, COBIT, AI, ITIL and / or other leading business and IT controls frameworks.
- Demonstrable hands-on skills or knowledge for various technology areas such as key Information Security Topics (Identity and Access Management, Authentication Services, DevSecOps, Encryption etc.), Operating Systems (UNIX/Linux, Windows), Cloud Technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.), Networking Technologies (Software Defined Networking, Firewalls, etc.), Database Systems (Oracle, SQL Server, etc.), Data Analytics technologies (PowerBI, Tableau, etc.), and Infrastructure (servers, containers etc.).
- Experience in application development, IT project management, system and database administration, web application design and development preferred.
- Familiarity with automating processes and utilizing agile methodologies to streamline controls preferred.
- Big 4 experience preferred.
- Ability to manage an AuditBoard environment preferred.
- Working knowledge of PowerBI utilization preferred.
- Experience testing Application, Key Report, and Interface controls in a SOX environment preferred.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid work schedule, Monday-Thursday in a professional open office environment office; working remotely on Friday
- Minimum overtime, but it may be necessary to complete special projects or meet deadlines
- Minimal travel within the U.S. up to 10% of the time
The base salary range for this position is $160,000 - $170,000
The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition the position may be eligible to participate in the benefits program which include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending accounts.
NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills. Official description on file with Talent.

As an NRG employee, we encourage you to take charge of your career and development journey. We invite you to explore exciting opportunities across our businesses. You’ll find that our dynamic work environment provides variety and challenge. Your growth is key to our ongoing success—take the lead in shaping your career development, goals and future!
Job Summary
The Manager, IT Audit, will be responsible for execution of assigned IT SOX testing, IT operational audits, administration of the department audit management system, and development of audit staff. Under direction of the Director, provide an independent and objective opinion on the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the company’s system controls in mitigating business risks to achieve NRG’s strategy and performance objectives. Provide additional assurance services as requested by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors or Senior Management.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
- Perform IT SOX control testing and review, document workpapers and issues, system scoping, and coordinate with external auditors.
- Manage the effective and timely execution of IT internal audit projects end to end as assigned from the NRG internal audit plan, including all phases of the audit lifecycle.
- Assist the Director in management, supervision, training, and development of IT audit staff.
- Participate in audit department planning activities including scheduling testing and staffing, budget preparation, risk assessment, and other IT Audit related duties as needed.
- Plan testing activities throughout the year and regularly report on status to Internal Audit management and other stakeholders.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of IIA and ISACA professional auditing standards and best practice audit procedures and techniques.
- Proactively interact with all levels of management to gather information, resolve problems, and make recommendations for process and control improvements.
- Assist department with management of AuditBoard, data analytics and AI initiatives, department SharePoint and system access.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required, with a focus in information systems or computer science preferred, and four or more years of IT Audit or relevant experience.
- Must have extensive knowledge of IT general controls, cyber security, data privacy, IT operations and governance.
- Proficiency in Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, advanced security concepts, emerging technologies, system implementations and project management.
- Excellent, proven communication skills required, ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of clients including technical and non-technical clients, as well as work with teams cross-functionally.
- Robust qualitative skills, including demonstrated ability to write audit reports with minimal rework, proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters, capability to handle multiple assignments, meet deadlines and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to solve problems and consider / develop alternative solutions.
- Motivated to work independently and complete responsibilities with little supervision yet work well and promote team-oriented culture.
- Highly proficient with Microsoft Office applications, audit management systems and other auditing and data analytics tools.
- Demonstrated attention to detail; this is a front-line manager position.
- Demonstrated high degree of ethics and strong sense of business judgment, and able to operate within NRG’s published core values.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification related to IT security or auditing in one or more of the followings is preferred: CISA, CISSP, CISM.
- Experience working within a NERC CIP, PCI, NIST, COBIT, AI, ITIL and / or other leading business and IT controls frameworks.
- Demonstrable hands-on skills or knowledge for various technology areas such as key Information Security Topics (Identity and Access Management, Authentication Services, DevSecOps, Encryption etc.), Operating Systems (UNIX/Linux, Windows), Cloud Technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.), Networking Technologies (Software Defined Networking, Firewalls, etc.), Database Systems (Oracle, SQL Server, etc.), Data Analytics technologies (PowerBI, Tableau, etc.), and Infrastructure (servers, containers etc.).
- Experience in application development, IT project management, system and database administration, web application design and development preferred.
- Familiarity with automating processes and utilizing agile methodologies to streamline controls preferred.
- Big 4 experience preferred.
- Ability to manage an AuditBoard environment preferred.
- Working knowledge of PowerBI utilization preferred.
- Experience testing Application, Key Report, and Interface controls in a SOX environment preferred.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid work schedule, Monday-Thursday in a professional open office environment office; working remotely on Friday
- Minimum overtime, but it may be necessary to complete special projects or meet deadlines
- Minimal travel within the U.S. up to 10% of the time
The base salary range for this position is $160,000 - $170,000
The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition the position may be eligible to participate in the benefits program which include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending accounts.
NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills. Official description on file with Talent.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an IT Audit Manager
Lead with your CISA or CISM progress
Employers hiring IT Audit Managers expect candidates working toward or already holding CISA or CISM certification. Listing exam progress on your resume signals professional commitment and offsets concerns about onboarding an OPT candidate into a senior audit role.
Target Big Four and mid-tier advisory firms first
Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG have established OPT and H-1B sponsorship infrastructure. Mid-tier advisory firms like RSM and Grant Thornton also sponsor frequently. These employers understand the process and are less likely to withdraw offers over work authorization questions.
Frame your degree field as a direct match
IT Audit Manager roles require a degree in information systems, accounting, or computer science to qualify as a specialty occupation. Explicitly connecting your degree field to the role description reduces employer hesitation and strengthens your OPT eligibility narrative.
Address OPT duration proactively in interviews
Many employers assume OPT lasts only 12 months. If your STEM OPT extension applies, clarify upfront that you have up to 36 months of work authorization. This changes the employer's cost-benefit calculation significantly and removes a common objection before it becomes one.
Highlight SOX and IT general controls experience
SOX compliance and IT general controls are core audit competencies. Candidates who can demonstrate hands-on experience with access management reviews, change management testing, or ERP control assessments stand out and reduce the employer's training burden, making sponsorship a more attractive investment.
Research the employer's H-1B filing history before applying
Publicly available DOL disclosure data shows which employers have filed H-1B Labor Condition Applications for audit-related roles. Focusing your applications on firms with a documented sponsorship track record saves time and significantly improves your chances of receiving a long-term offer.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does an IT Audit Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT purposes?
Yes, IT Audit Manager positions consistently qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as information systems, accounting, or computer science. The role involves applying theoretical and technical knowledge to assess IT risks and internal controls, which meets the specialty occupation standard USCIS uses to evaluate F-1 OPT eligibility.
Can I use my STEM OPT extension for an IT Audit Manager job?
You can use a STEM OPT extension if your degree falls under an eligible STEM classification, such as management information systems or computer and information sciences. Many information systems and accounting information systems degrees qualify. Confirm your degree's CIP code against the official STEM OPT designated degree program list before assuming eligibility, since not all accounting degrees qualify on their own.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor OPT students in IT audit roles?
Public accounting firms and large financial services companies have the highest sponsorship rates for IT audit professionals. Big Four firms, regional advisory firms, and banks with internal audit functions regularly hire OPT students and have HR teams experienced with the process. Migrate Mate's job board surfaces these sponsorship-friendly employers so you can focus your applications where they're most likely to convert.
What certifications strengthen an OPT student's candidacy for IT Audit Manager positions?
CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) is the most recognized credential for this role and is often listed as a preferred or required qualification. CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) are also valued. Even partial progress toward CISA, such as passing one exam section, demonstrates commitment and can differentiate you from other candidates at the application stage.
How much time should I allow before my OPT expires to start an H-1B sponsorship conversation?
Start the conversation at least six months before your OPT expiration. H-1B cap-subject petitions must be filed in April for an October 1 start date, so if your OPT expires in mid-year, timing matters considerably. Employers also need time for the Labor Condition Application process before filing. Raising the topic early gives both you and the employer enough runway to plan without urgency creating friction.
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