“It’s great to let CPAs know they can specialize in IT and accountancy which is a stand-out skill set. And I want to make sure every university class knows our profession is more than just tax and audit,” said Ben Hunter III, CPA/CITP, Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA®), CRISC, CDPSE, CISM, and Chief Information Security Officer for Bernard Robinson & Company, a regional CPA firm based in North Carolina. “My passion comes from the great family first, balanced quality of life being a CPA, Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP®) has given me.”
With an established decade-long career conducting IT audits as a certified information systems auditor, Hunter’s love of learning led him to the CITP credential. “I loved the concept of the CITP credential providing me with the resources I need to influence and increase the impact of the profession.”
The CITP Champion Program offers CITPs everything they need to communicate the importance of information technology in the accounting profession. CITP Champions seek to expand awareness about the variety of roles that CITP credential holders maintain in business and industry.
CITP Champion program — An influential resource
A CITP since 2018, Hunter has helped drive and influence recognition of the IT and accountancy skill set. “I pursued the CITP credential to set me apart in the IT audit field. The credential enhanced my performance in System and Organization Controls (SOC) and my abilities to explain cyber risk to the financially minded C-suite. In fact, my career consolidated in cybersecurity, IT audit, and SOC,” said Hunter.
As Chief Information Security Officer, Hunter is responsible for the security of firm and client data. He’s also a Principal in the Risk Advisory Services practice. Managing two teams, he works closely with the IT director, the CEO, and managing partner.
CITP Champions like Hunter, become their local accounting and finance community’s CITP credential information resource. As such, they are exposed to new experiences and a wealth of opportunities to cultivate relationships, mentor fellow professionals, and provide support to those pursuing the CITP credential.
“Discovering and gaining the CITP credential is the perfect fit in my mission to give back. One of my great joys is being able to comment and influence the future of the profession. My role as a CITP Champion is to spread awareness of the credential and the benefit it can provide CPAs and the organizations in which they work.”
Hunter enjoys speaking and makes sure he includes CITP in his presentations and talks. The role enables him to do the following:
Influence the future of the credential, serving as a consultant on exam questions
Gain opportunities to speak at conferences
In 2022, Hunter spoke on cybersecurity at the NCACPA Employee Benefit Conference and he’ll speak on third party risk, at the Engage Conference in June 2023.Be recognized as a subject matter expert
Hunter volunteered as a session facilitator for two of nine virtual study group sessions hosted by the AICPA in 2022, in the AICPA CITP Exam Study Group courses. The courses prepare candidates for the CITP exam.
CITP Champion program — Prerequisites and application process
A prerequisite of becoming a CITP Champion is to achieve the CITP credential. If you’ve already achieved that milestone, you’re ready to apply to become a champion.
Initial and annual requirements of the CITP Champion program are easy to understand and meet.
The manager of the CITP Champion program, Paul Warrick, CPA, CGMA, at AICPA® & CIMA®, can answer questions you may have. And when you’re ready, email Warrick your application:
Current résumé/CV
A brief statement about your participation or desire to participate in your community as an advocate of the CITP credential
Once you become a CITP Champion, you’ll be invited to participate in local events such as technology conferences and meetings through state societies and universities. Further, your expertise will be sought in creating content for the CITP credential body of knowledge, also known as the Global CITP Examination content specification outline.
The CITP credential guides finance professionals to proficiency in IT. And developing an IT auditing career can differentiate you from others in the accounting and finance field. Established CITP Champions have sought-after expertise.
Learn more through the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) credential handbook.