How Do I Hire an IT Manager For My Bank? By Tyler Tobin, GSEC/GIAC Date: 9/10/09 One decision all banks face, sooner or later, is whether or not to hire an IT manager.  Hiring an IT manager depends on the needs of the business and the stage of its existence.  Remember that more often than not, you get what you pay for when it comes to IT management. That IT manager will not only have to manage resources but lead people. They will also have to deal with internal IT auditors with varying levels of technical competencies. And let's not forget about the federal or state examiner that will work with this person for weeks on end. You might ask yourself what type of manager behaviorally is right for your bank.  Are college degrees and technical certifications required? Should I be concerned with hands-on skills? Is a banking background important? How do I find someone with all the right traits that is willing to work for a bank? Do you hire a manager that is a master of ‘geek-speak’ or a 'nerd-knob'?  To explain the difference, a manager that has ‘geek-speak’ tendencies will have the ability to communicate with all levels of management; however their technical skills may leave something to be desired.  The ‘geek-speak’ manager will demonstrate all of the policies, procedures, standards and guidelines surrounding the technology.  Rapport, tone and patience will be their strength. A manager with ‘nerd-knob’ tendencies will be gifted in the realm of all that is electronic, but communicates on a different level.  Managers that display ‘nerd-knob’ traits can be extremely helpful in guiding the examiner through all that is IT. They point out all of the technical oversight, controls and reports that can be generated. However, they have a tendency to speak about technology with a detached tone.  What is the best ‘fit’ for your bank? Oftentimes it's best to try to find a person that fits into both categories. Over the years we have worked with thousands of IT managers and have developed a composite picture of someone who possesses the elements of a strong IT manager. A strong and competent manager will be traditionally educated in either a vocational or university setting. They may have started their career in a technology company and then moved into an industry position.  During this time they may have studied a particular skill-set which they enjoyed such as hardware design or software support. They may have pursued a technical certification, or soaked up the knowledge along the way. As their career continued they may have touched the financial industry directly or indirectly. At this point in their career they may be looking for more family time and be willing to make financial moves to support that goal. The strongest manager candidate may have earned six figures in the past, and worth every penny, but at a great cost to their family and psyche.  A strong and successful IT manager understands that there will be long hours as computer upgrades have to occur when the bank is closed. However, they may be willing to accept a lower salary in order to obtain a better a work-life balance. At any rate, a good IT manager will require (possibly expensive) continuing education and expect a training budget and conference allowance.  If you are willing to invest in the type of person who has these types of traits, you may find the ‘geek-speak – nerd knob’ combination IT manager your bank needs.