Editor’s note: ISACA’s Career Catalyst Stories showcase how members have been supported by ISACA throughout all stages of their careers. Today, we profile Niki Gomes, Senior Internal Auditor. Find out more about ISACA membership here.
Niki Gomes anticipated being a psychologist as she started her career, then pivoted to managing hotels and later became an accounting manager for a resort.
Around that time, Gomes set her sights on becoming a CPA, but decided it wasn’t for her. Instead, she decided to explore the adjacent IT audit world. Topics such as reviewing IT change management systems and learning about Payment Card Industry (PCI) Standards were brand new to her, but she found herself intrigued.
“I fell into audit and IT by accident and fell in love with both,” Gomes said. “I have been here ever since.”
And ISACA has been along for that ride with her each step of the way.
Niki and ISACA: early career
In Gomes’ experience, no two audit projects feel the same and there are always new lessons to learn. That is a big part of why this unforeseen twist in her career journey, becoming a senior internal auditor, is one with long-lasting potential.
“I learn about and touch every department in the organization and gain exposure to intricacies I would normally never learn,” said Gomes, a US resident who has been an ISACA member for seven years. “I also get to connect and work with everyone from those at an entry level to the CEO of the organization.”
Once Gomes transitioned to audit, it wasn’t long before her supervisor suggested that she attain ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification.
The process wasn’t easy – Gomes recalls putting the review manual aside for three months because she found some of the concepts daunting – but eventually she decided to take the plunge, and she is glad she did.
“I was overwhelmed by the thought of the certification at first, but I obtained my CISA, which gave me credibility for my work, a salary increase and later a promotion,” Gomes said.
What’s happening now?
It was 2018 when Gomes became CISA-certified and, since then, Gomes has progressed to become a senior auditor for a non-profit organization, performing operational and IT audits.
As Gomes’ career has advanced, so has her relationship with ISACA. She has become a frequent ISACA volunteer, both at in-person events and through ISACA’s Engage online community.
Gomes said her two favorite volunteer roles are serving as an Engage Topic Leader for the CISA exam forum and a member of ISACA’s Awards Working Group.
“Being a topic leader, I get to use my knowledge and expertise to help others study for and gain the confidence and support they need to succeed in passing the CISA exam,” Gomes said. “There is nothing more gratifying than seeing someone post they have passed their CISA exam and then hearing they are officially certified. Serving on the Awards Working Group is an amazing feeling as you watch members who have put in so much time and dedication to the profession get awarded. I look forward to it every year.”
Those volunteer experiences also have provided Gomes with a valued professional community.
“The most meaningful part of my relationship with ISACA is the relationships I have built over the years with other members and ISACA staff, as well as volunteering,” Gomes said. “I enjoy being able to give back through my volunteer efforts.”
What’s next for Niki?
Gomes leads a busy life outside of work. She teaches fitness classes at a local gym, is a distance runner and manages a family. As the wife of a military veteran and a previous federal government employee, she also enjoys sharing her love of fitness at a local Air Force base.
Despite her bustling schedule, as Gomes envisions the coming years, continuing to participate as an active member of the ISACA community remains a priority. That includes exploring the possibility of organizing a new local chapter closer to where she lives. She also is interested in additional contributions to ISACA’s SheLeadsTech community.
“I enjoy supporting girls and women and those from underrepresented communities and helping them learn more about the world of technology from my perspective and experience,” Gomes said.
In fact, Gomes said that mindset is part of what motivated her to overcome her hesitancy and pursue the CISA several years back.
“I wanted to show women that look like me that they belong in this industry,” she said.
