Copyright © 2019 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Cloud computing (CC) represents a key tool in the race for innovation across industries. However, organisations are facing constraints in implementing and leveraging cloud technology for development purposes due to a lack of skills, knowledge and talent. To address this concern, this study focuses on the impact of CC on IT staff's roles and responsibilities, within cloud user organisations. Accordingly, this study suggests skills required to mitigate the risks in the accountability and responsibility of managing IT controls. The results were empirically verified by senior IT practitioners. The empirical intervention emphasised on people's business skills, in addition to domain knowledge and the mind-set to adapt to the changed environment. The findings of this study offers new insights for scholars and it will help IT decision makers to assess their staff's capabilities to meet their business needs and to plan appropriate selection, training and hiring policies.