Pass your statutory IS audit, support your SOX compliance, prove your IT controls

Information Systems (IS) audit, also called IT audit, is the formal examination of IT infrastructure, applications, data, and IT-related processes to assess whether IT controls are designed appropriately and operating effectively. It's governed by ISACA ITAF standards and aligned with COBIT 2019 and COSO frameworks. Differences from other engagements: Pen testing finds technical vulnerabilities. ISO 27001 certifies your security management system. SOC 2 attests to operating effectiveness for service organisations. IS audit examines IT controls affecting financial reporting and operational risk for statutory, regulatory, or audit-reliance purposes.

IS/IT Audit costs in India typically range between ₹3,00,000 and ₹15,00,000 depending on entity size, in-scope applications and infrastructure, and audit framework complexity. Small entities with limited IT scope (5-10 applications) start around ₹3,00,000-5,00,000. Mid-size organisations (15-30 applications, multiple business units) run ₹5,00,000-10,00,000. Large entities, banks, listed companies, and SOX-scope subsidiaries reach ₹10,00,000-25,00,000+ depending on rigor required. Annual recurring audits (RBI, IRDAI mandate) typically follow predictable pricing year-over-year with efficiency improvements. Secureroot provides transparent fixed-price quoting after scoping.

Most IS/IT Audit engagements complete in 6-12 weeks. Small entities with limited scope: 4-6 weeks. Mid-size organisations: 8-12 weeks. Large entities, banks, SOX-scope subsidiaries: 12-20 weeks. Timeline depends on: number of in-scope applications, audit framework rigor (ISACA-aligned vs SOX vs RBI), client documentation availability, walkthrough scheduling efficiency, and remediation cycles for findings. Annual recurring audits typically faster (3-6 months for full cycle) due to year-over-year continuity. We provide clear timeline commitments after audit scoping engagement.

IT General Controls (ITGCs) are foundational controls applying broadly across IT environment: access management, change management, IT operations, system development. They ensure the IT environment is well-managed. Application Controls are automated controls within specific applications: input validation, processing controls, output controls, reconciliation. They ensure transactions are processed correctly. Both are important but tested differently. Auditors typically test ITGCs first - strong ITGCs allow reliance on application controls. Weak ITGCs require more substantive testing of underlying transactions, which increases financial audit cost dramatically.

Under ISA 315 (Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement), external financial auditors must understand and may rely on IT controls relevant to financial reporting. Strong, documented, tested IT controls reduce external auditor substantive testing - which reduces audit fees and scope. Weak or untested controls increase substantive testing, audit fees, and audit risk. Annual IS audit provides external auditors with auditor-grade evidence they can rely on. Many organisations realise IS audit ROI through reduced statutory audit cost alone — financial auditors view robust IS audit work as direct cost saver.

Yes — our IS audit methodology aligns with RBI IS Audit Guidelines applicable to scheduled commercial banks, payment system operators, NBFCs, and other regulated entities. Coverage includes: RBI-specified domains (information security, infrastructure, change management, business continuity, customer service, regulatory reporting), RBI-specified audit scope (core banking, lending, payments, treasury), and RBI annual filing requirements. We also align with IRDAI Cyber Crisis Management Framework for insurance entities, SEBI listing regulations for listed companies, and CERT-In requirements for critical infrastructure. Sectoral expertise across multiple regulators.

No - and that's important for independence. We are IS/IT auditors and consultants. Statutory financial audits must be performed by Chartered Accountants registered with ICAI. We work alongside (not replace) your statutory financial auditors. Our IS audit reports support their work - providing detailed IT control testing that financial auditors can rely on under ISA 315. This independence model is standard: external financial auditors (CA firms) handle financial audit; specialized IS auditors (us) handle IT control audit; both serve the audit committee. Coordination between financial and IS auditors is essential for efficient audit execution.

Three ways to start: (1) Book a free 30-minute IS audit scoping call - our senior auditors understand your business, applicable regulatory framework, statutory audit relationships, and propose realistic audit scope, timeline, and cost. No obligation. (2) Email info@secureroot.co with details (entity type, regulatory framework, in-scope applications, audit deadline, parent company SOX scope if applicable) and we'll respond within one business day. (3) Call +91 73071 48874 during business hours. For urgent statutory audit deadlines or RBI/IRDAI annual filing windows, we accommodate fast-track scoping.