An AI auditor is responsible for assessing and ensuring AI systems and algorithms follow legal and ethical procedures. They assess systems and map out potential risks in its functionality and ensure compliance. Read on to find out more about the role of an AI auditor.
What is an AI Auditor?
An AI auditor is a relatively new job role and is one that is responsible for ensuring that AI procedures and documentation in organisations follow proper procedures.
The purpose of AI auditing is to research and practise the assessment and mitigation of an AI algorithm’s safety, legality, and ethics. In other words, auditors are required to assess a system, map out any risks, and then recommend steps to mitigate said risks.
Audits are done for the entire pipeline of an AI system’s life cycle, addressing areas such as code tests, reporting of business cases, assessment of the developing team, etc.
Different major global organisations have defined many AI auditing frameworks with a set of principles to aid auditors with their auditing.
How can AI be used in an internal audit?
There are lots of ways that AI can be used in internal audits, particularly in phases of planning, testing and monitoring. For example, auditors can use artificial intelligence to help them sift through vast quantities of data during the planning phase and automate tasks and analysis. This leads to improved efficiency and precision.
Other examples of how AI can be used in internal audits are:
- Generate timely reports
- Speed up the auditing process
- Aid in identifying patterns and trends
- Identify risks quicker
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Responsibilities of an AI Auditor
An AI auditor is primarily responsible for assessing AI systems and looking for any technical or ethical problems that may need to be dealt with in order to ensure more accuracy and compliance.
These specialists evaluate algorithms, models, and data streams and audit data sources including internal and external sources.
They conduct analysis of operations, results, and even unexpected outcomes and monitor structured and unstructured data.
What are the responsibilities of an AI auditor?
- Assess AI systems for any technical or ethical problems
- Ensure accuracy and compliance
- Evaluate algorithms, models, and data streams
- Audit data sources including internal and external sources
- Conduct analysis of operations, results, and even unexpected outcomes
- Monitor structured and unstructured data
- Scrutinise data usage and data privacy practices
- Collaborate with AI Ethicists to help ensure accurate and objective results
Skills of an AI Auditor
An AI auditor has advanced knowledge of AI technologies, including:
- Machine learning algorithms
- NLP (natural language processing) and;
- Computer vision
They also have knowledge of data analysis methods and programs and are experienced with basic coding such as Python or R.
AI auditors have excellent analytical thinking, and are accountable, disciplined and ethical. They also have strong problem-solving skills and are able to manage their time effectively.
What are the skills of an AI auditor?
- Knowledge of AI technologies like ML algorithms and NLP
- Knowledge of data analysis methods and programs
- Experience with basic coding such as Python or R
- Knowledge of cybersecurity principles
- Familiarity with data privacy laws and regulations
- Basic knowledge of human-centred design principles
- Familiarity with auditing frameworks
- Excellent analytical thinking
- Ability to be accountable
- Strong discipline and ethics.
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Excellent time management skills
- Desire to stay up-to-date on AI systems advancements
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Background and education
An AI auditor should ideally have at least a Bachelor’s degree. This could be in Computer Science, AI, Cybersecurity or a related field. Some advanced job roles may require a Master’s degree as well.
Most employers look for previous practical work experience and knowledge that deals with AI, data analysis, AI governance strategy and auditing. You can choose to obtain certifications to increase your practical knowledge on these topics. See options for courses down below:
- AI and Risk Management
- Artificial Intelligence for Finance, Accounting & Auditing
- Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
- Accomplishing AI Privacy and Compliance with IBM Privacy Toolkits
Salary of an AI Auditor
An AI auditor makes approximately $95,000 per year on average in the US. Entry-level positions can offer around $70,000 whereas more senior positions can offer close to $120,000 per year.
In Germany, AI auditors make around €55,000 – €96,000 whereas in the UK, the salary range is around £56,000 – £73,000 per year.
Note that these salaries can vary depending on your location, skill set, position and level of experience.
How much do AI auditors make?
| US | $70,000 – $120,000 |
| Germany | €55,000 – €96,000 |
| UK | £56,000 – £73,000 |
How much do freelance AI auditors make?
Freelance AI auditors make approximately $100 per hour according to the freelancermap index in December 2023. Considering an 8-hour work day, auditors can make around $800 per day.
