IAM Analyst Job Description

This article by Identity Management Institute summarizes the IAM analyst job description, duties, and salary. The role of an identity and access management analyst is to work with various departments within an organization to help drive access control initiatives in support of internal policies, regulatory compliance, and industry standards. The IAM analyst role typically provides IAM expertise and guidance to various business units and works closely with IT and cybersecurity groups to gather identity and access management requirements to design and implement access controls across all systems in support of IT and cybersecurity strategies.

The IAM analyst’s role is to support the organization’s identity and access management program. Here are common tasks listed in an IAM analyst job description:

Administer user accounts and access privileges in the organization’s identity management system.
Work closely with the IAM team to ensure that the right people have access to the right resources.
Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the IAM system.
Involved in troubleshooting and resolving IAM issues.
Participate in IAM projects and initiatives.
Work with internal customers, business analysts, and application teams to understand access requirements.
Maintain documentation for the IAM program.
Participate in IAM audits and review access control reports to identify potential risks.
Provide training to new users on the IAM system.
Update and maintain the IAM system according to changes in the organization’s business needs.

IAM Analyst Job Duties

The duties of an IAM analyst may include the following:

Managing user accounts and permissions in the identity and access management system.
Granting or denying access to company resources based on user role and privileges.
Creating and managing user groups in the identity and access management system.
Enforcing company policies and procedures related to identity and access management.
Monitoring user activity in the identity and access management system.
Reporting on identity and access management system activity.
Identifying and addressing identity and access management issues.
Working with the IAM team to resolve identity and access management problems.
Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of identity and access management best practices.
Documenting IAM processes and procedures.

IAM Analyst Job Qualifications

The qualifications for an IAM analyst vary depending on the company, but most companies require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some companies may also require professional identity and access management certification, such as the Certified Access Management Specialist (CAMS) certification from the Identity Management Institute. Here are some of the qualifications that are commonly required in an IAM analyst job description:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
At least two years of experience in identity and access management or a related field.
Excellent communication and project administration skills.
Strong analytical skills.
Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
Familiarity with IAM concepts and best practices.
Knowledge of IAM software, such as Microsoft Active Directory.
Proficient in using spreadsheets and word processing software, such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
Familiarity with database concepts and relational databases, such as Microsoft SQL Server.
Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

IAM Analyst Salary Range

The salary range for an IAM analyst varies depending on the company, but most companies offer salaries ranging from $60,000 to $85,000 per year. Also, many companies offer benefits, such as health insurance, dental insurance, and 401(k) plans. These benefits can add an additional $10,000 to $15,000 per year to the total compensation package.

Management Reporting Level

The management reporting level for an IAM analyst varies. Most companies require IAM analysts to report to the IAM manager or IAM director.

IAM Analyst Job Expectations

Below is a list of job expectations from an IAM analyst role:

1. Be able to provide clear and concise reports to upper management on the status of IAM within the organization.
2. Understand and be able to articulate the company’s IAM strategy.
3. Be able to develop IAM metrics and KPIs to track progress and measure success.
4. Understand the various IAM tools and technologies available and be able to recommend solutions that will meet the company’s needs.
5. Be able to lead IAM projects from start to finish, including developing project plans, coordinating resources, and managing timelines
6. Be able to troubleshoot IAM issues and develop creative solutions to solve problems.
7. Have a strong understanding of security concepts and how they apply to IAM.
8. Be able to develop and deliver IAM training to both technical and non-technical staff.
9. Be able to research and stay up-to-date on IAM trends and best practices.
10. Work effectively with other IT team members to ensure that IAM solutions are integrated seamlessly into the overall IT infrastructure.

Types of Reports Prepared by an IAM Analyst

1. Access Request Report

This report details all access requests made by users in the organization. You should include information such as the date of the request, the user’s name and department, the type of access requested, and whether or not the request was approved.

2. User Provisioning Report

This report details all user provisioning activities within the organization. You should include information such as the date of the provisioning, the user’s name and department, the type of access provisioned, and whether or not the provisioning was successful.

3. Audit Report

This report details all IAM-related audits that have been conducted within the organization. You should include information such as the date of the audit, the type of audit performed, the audit’s scope, and the audit’s findings.

4. IAM Strategy Report

This report provides an overview of the company’s IAM strategy, including the goals and objectives of the strategy, the tools and technologies that will be used, the timeline for implementation, and the budget for the project.

5. User Authentication Report

This report details all user authentication activities within the organization. You should include information such as the date of the authentication, the user’s name and department, the type of authentication used, and whether or not the authentication was successful. Failed authentication attempts are also reported and investigated to prevent a potential breach.

6. Password Reset Report

This report details all password reset activities within the organization. You should include information such as the date of the reset, the user’s name and department, and whether or not the reset was successful.

7. Authorization Report

This report details all authorization activities within the organization. You should include information such as the date of the authorization, the user’s name and department, the type of authorization requested, and whether or not the authorization was approved.

IAM Analyst Technical skills

The technical skills required for an IAM analyst job include the following:

1. Familiarity with multiple operating systems (Linux, Windows, etc.)
2. Strong understanding of directory services (LDAP, Active Directory, etc.)
3. In-depth knowledge of security protocols (SSH, TLS, etc.)
4. Proficient in at least one scripting language (Python, Ruby, etc.)
5. Experience with IAM tools (Okta, Ping Identity, etc.)
6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
8. Detail-oriented and able to work independently.
9. Flexible and able to adapt to changing needs.
10. Team player with a positive attitude.

Comparing the IAM Analyst Role to Other IAM Roles

The IAM analyst role may be confusing when compared to other IAM job roles described below as some of the tasks in related IAM roles are similar and overlapping. However, one important aspect of the IAM analyst role is that it works under close supervision to support various IAM projects, requires limited decision making or judgement, and applies theoretical knowledge to improve on the job.

IAM Engineer Role

IAM engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the IAM system. They work closely with other IT team members to ensure that the IAM system is integrated seamlessly into the overall IT infrastructure. The difference between an IAM engineer and an IAM analyst is that an IAM engineer focuses on the technical aspects of the IAM system while an IAM analyst focuses on the business aspects.

IAM Architect Role

IAM architects are responsible for designing the overall IAM strategy for an organization. They work with various teams to ensure that the IAM system is appropriately integrated and meets all security and compliance requirements. The difference between an IAM architect and an IAM analyst is that an IAM architect focuses on the big picture while an IAM analyst focuses on the details.

IAM Administrator

IAM administrators are responsible for managing the IAM system on a day-to-day basis. They work with users to reset passwords, create new accounts, and troubleshoot issues. The difference between an IAM administrator and an IAM analyst is that an IAM administrator focuses on the operational aspects of the IAM system while an IAM analyst focuses on the IAM requirements in support of the IAM strategy.

IAM Analyst Job Description