IT Specialist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

An Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), or an IT Professional, is a technical person who maintains, monitors and implements IT systems. Their common duties include network analysis, security and information assurance, IT audits, web and database administration. They also solve IT problems in computer systems, network infrastructure and cloud platforms.

 

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IT Specialist duties and responsibilities

IT Specialists help solve technical problems. They are responsible for installing and upgrading system components, setting up software for employees, resolving IT and hardware issues and assisting in network administration. Their main tasks can include:

  • Consulting with clients and departments to estimate and resolve IT issues
  • Administering data and network security for departments including system firewalls, antivirus, group policy and email security
  • Coordinating the needs of in-house IT experts and remote employees, vendors and contractors
  • Preparing budget estimates used by executives to plan, organise and schedule work
  • Installing, configuring and monitoring wireless network systems
  • Providing training to fellow employees about network security and the best computer usage practices
  • Creating, analysing, reporting, converting and transferring data through systems using application software

 

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IT Specialist Job Description Examples:

 

Example 1

Overview: This role will be responsible for the analysis, execution, and support of payroll benefits operations with utmost confidentiality of employee records and business information of our EMEA Payroll Finance Shared Services organization. Key role that supports over 8,000 employees in 37 countries. The position will also play a key role in expansion initiatives including documenting and building processes around employee benefits in multiple countries. Managing relationship with a broker and employees throughout the year. This role is located in the Bio-Rad’s Watford, UK office with remote access for business continuity needs. Responsibilities: Involved in data gathering from HR, employees and third parties. Executing day-to-day data entry, data corrections, mass upload etc. on benefits portal Performing audits and validations of the employees’ data within brokers’ and benefits providers’ database Ensure timely preparation, processing, maintenance and appropriate distribution of employee information, reports, all year end reports. Identify and drive continuous performance improvement projects to improve compliance, productivity and employee satisfaction. Ensure end-to-end processes are well-thought out to address customer and regulatory requirements. Adhere and recommend best practices, key performance indicators and SLA metrics for department. Monitoring changing business, regulatory and benefit requirements Adherence to approved SLAs Perform execution in accordance with all company, country, federal, state, local and other applicable compliance requirements Supporting Payroll Shared Services Team & Manager with execution of day-to-day duties. Participate in ongoing vendor internal process improvement. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree A relevant qualification or accreditation with a professional body for Employee Benefits Proactive, pay attention to details, motivated, results oriented individual capable of partnering with diverse perspectives and backgrounds to negotiate positive outcomes that impact the work of internal, external and cross-functional partners Capable of contributing to setting team goals, measuring success, and communicating achievements. Measured on individual and team goals. Demonstrated focus on providing an excellent employee experience Comfortable in a fast-paced, complex, and highly matrixed environment Strong process redesign and/or efficiency Innovative and able to think both analytically and conceptually Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to confidently present complex information to all levels of the organization are required Fluent (both orally and in writing) in English and another Major European Language is a plus ie or Italian At least 4-5 years of experience in benefits administration preferably in shared services center environment Multi-national companies experience, especially for with Payroll EMEA (UK, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Israel, Germany, France and more) Candidates that have worked with third-party payroll services providers Experience working in systems such as SAP, SuccessFactors, ADP and Microsoft Office Suite Excellent skills of data validation and data analysis Implementation of Payroll and Benefits Internal Controls and Procedures

What does an IT Specialist do?

IT Specialists often cater to the organization’s technical needs. They can work in multiple areas of information technology, which include software engineering, software development, system analysis, database administration, computer security and at a help desk centres to assist end-users with their technical problems. Based on the specific role, IT Specialists perform a variety of tasks such as implementing, maintaining and monitoring IT systems in addition to solving technical problems in computer systems, hardware and networks.

 

IT Specialist skills and qualifications

IT Specialists are well-informed about developments and trends in the industry. They are tech-savvy people able to solve technical problems without difficulties. IT Specialists handle all  IT-related issues, coordinate among multiple departments and provide excellent customer care. A successful IT Specialist candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications, these may include:

  • Proficiency in the working of servers, networks, computers and peripherals
  • Extensive knowledge of system security and procedures for protecting the organisation’s data from intrusion or corruption
  • Proficiency in multiple programming languages
  • Excellent communication and customer support skills
  • Advanced knowledge about hardware and software configuration
  • Ability to prioritise tasks and create their work schedules with minimal supervision
  • Excellent troubleshooting, creative and technical problem-solving skills

 

IT Specialist experience requirements

IT Specialists have extensive experience in IT support roles, software and hardware installations, networks, operating systems or similar positions. Most companies prefer to hire candidates who have experience solving technical difficulties in cloud platforms, networks and hardware configuration. Some employers prefer IT Specialists with exposure to technical writing. Scripting experience with programming languages such as Python, Perl and BASH is also beneficial.

The best programming languages for IT Specialists often depend on the job and organisation they are applying for. However, they should know the primary programming languages such as Java, Python, JavaScript. The best programming languages for cybersecurity include C, C++, HTML, PHP and Assembly.

 

IT Specialist education and training requirements

Entry-level IT Specialists need a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, engineering or a related field as a minimum. Some candidates also have additional technical courses in hardware and software installations, computer packages, networking, database administration and programming languages. Useful industry certifications include Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional CISSP or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).

 

IT Specialist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Junior IT Specialist is £20, 710 per year while the salary of a Senior IT Specialist averages at £37, 591 per year. Salary estimates may differ based on factors like experience, education, location and company.

 

Job description samples for similar positions

If an IT Specialist is not what you were looking for, here are other job description samples that may fit your needs:

 

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IT Specialist job description FAQs

 

What's the difference between an IT Consultant and an IT Specialist?

IT Consultants are advisory parties who help clients assess different technology strategies and align them with their business and process strategies. IT Specialists diagnose IT problems and prepare budget estimates to be used in executive plans instead.

 

Which departments can an IT Specialist work in?

The IT Specialists can support various IT departments across the company, in general to monitor and troubleshoot servers and system upgrades. They can also ensure that all the employees work stations are connected to the network and are secure. 

 

What questions should you ask during an IT Specialist job interview?

Some of the questions to ask during an IT Specialist interview include:

  • What software packages have you used over your career?
  • What resources do you use to increase your knowledge daily?
  • How do you ensure that you have updated programming knowledge?
  • Can you recall any project with issues, and how did you resolve those issues?

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