As a Director - Audit, you lead and manage audit functions across Department of National Defence operations. You provide strategic direction and oversight of audit activities that assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance of DND programs and financial operations. Your leadership ensures that audit services support organizational accountability and help identify opportunities for improvement in how defence resources are used.
In this role, you develop audit plans, manage audit teams, and ensure audit work meets professional standards and Treasury Board requirements. You work with senior leadership to communicate audit findings and recommendations that shape organizational decision-making. You may specialize in financial audit, operational audit, or information technology audit depending on your assignment.
You work in an office environment, typically at DND headquarters or major defence establishments. Your role involves collaboration with various departments, external audit bodies, and government oversight agencies. You report to senior management and contribute to the strategic planning of audit and evaluation activities across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of audit services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the audit team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Analytical skills, Risk assessment, Report writing, Professional skepticism, Data analysis, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a university degree in accounting, finance, public administration, business, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold professional designations such as Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or equivalent professional certifications.
The Government of Canada supports ongoing professional development. You may pursue or maintain certifications through organizations like CPA Canada, the Institute of Internal Auditors, or the Chartered Professional Accountants designation. DND offers access to training in audit methodologies, Treasury Board policies, and government-specific financial management systems. Leadership and management training is also available to support your development as a director-level manager.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways in the federal Public Service. Most commonly, candidates apply through advertised competitions for the Director - Audit position. These competitions may be open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or internally to current public servants, depending on organizational needs.
If you're already working in the Public Service, you may transition to this role through internal competitions or lateral moves from related positions in audit, finance, or evaluation. Some candidates progress through junior and intermediate audit positions (such as Auditor or Senior Auditor) before reaching director level. Student or entry-level programs in finance and audit may also provide a pathway into the Public Service, allowing you to build experience toward a director role. Relevant experience in private sector audit or financial management can be recognized and may support your application to federal competitions.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in audit are typically full-time. However, the Government of Canada is committed to offering flexibility where operationally feasible. Depending on organizational needs and management approval, options such as flexible work arrangements or compressed work weeks may be available. Remote work arrangements have become more common in federal positions; audit work that involves analysis, report writing, and virtual meetings can often be performed from approved work locations.
If you require part-time work or have specific flexible work needs, we encourage you to discuss accommodation possibilities with the hiring manager or your human resources office. Arrangements are considered on a case-by-case basis depending on operational requirements and the needs of the audit function.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
