When hiring for the IS audit department, what should be prioritized after technical experience?

Prioritizing the ability to maintain independence from IT after technical experience is crucial in the context of IS audits. Independence ensures that auditors can objectively assess the systems and controls without undue influence from the IT department, which can help prevent conflicts of interest. This independence allows for more credible and reliable audit findings, fostering trust in the audit process.

When auditors operate free from bias or pressure, they are more likely to identify areas of improvement within the organization’s information systems and provide honest assessments of compliance with policies and regulations. This objectivity is essential for delivering valuable insights and recommendations that can help organizations strengthen their security and operational practices.

In the realm of IS auditing, technical experience alone does not guarantee an effective audit. The auditor’s ability to remain impartial is just as critical, as it directly impacts the audit's integrity and the organization's ability to address identified deficiencies appropriately. Thus, maintaining independence from IT is a priority in hiring decisions for the IS audit department following the consideration of technical experience.