As a Director of Costing at National Defence, you lead a team responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining costing methodologies and frameworks across the department. You oversee the financial analysis and cost management functions that support decision-making at the strategic and operational levels. This role combines financial expertise with leadership responsibility, ensuring that Defence resources are allocated efficiently and that accurate cost information is available to support departmental priorities.
Your responsibilities include directing costing policies and procedures, managing a team of costing professionals and analysts, overseeing the preparation of cost estimates and financial projections, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board directives and government accounting standards. You work closely with other financial management specialists, program managers, and senior leadership to provide cost analysis for major capital projects, operational decisions, and strategic planning initiatives.
You work in a dynamic federal environment where your financial insights directly influence how Canada's defence resources are managed and deployed. This position offers the opportunity to work on matters of national significance while managing a skilled team and contributing to continuous improvement in financial management practices across the department.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of costing services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the costing team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Financial analysis, Accounting principles (PSAS/IFRS), SAP/financial systems, Budgeting, Attention to detail, 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 succeed as a Director of Costing, you typically need a university degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. Many candidates hold professional accounting designations such as CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), or CA (Chartered Accountant). Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in financial management or costing in lieu of formal credentials.
Once hired, you will participate in Government of Canada onboarding and orientation programs specific to National Defence. The department offers professional development opportunities including training in Treasury Board policies, defence-specific financial systems and processes, and leadership development programs for managers. You may also pursue or maintain professional accounting certifications and memberships with recognized accounting bodies. Government of Canada supports continuous learning through access to training programs, conferences, and professional development funding.
Entry Plans
Entry to a Director of Costing position typically occurs through open staffing processes advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). Most director-level positions require competition among qualified candidates from within and outside the Public Service.
Common entry paths include: lateral moves from other financial management roles within National Defence or other federal departments, promotion from senior costing or financial analyst positions, or external recruitment of individuals with equivalent private sector experience and relevant qualifications. The specific requirements and competition details are outlined in each job posting.
Candidates should demonstrate progressive experience in financial management, costing analysis, team leadership, and familiarity with government financial systems and processes. Some positions may participate in priority hiring pools or recruitment initiatives targeting specific groups. You are encouraged to monitor jobs.gc.ca regularly and connect with Defence Civilian Careers recruiters for information about upcoming opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions at National Defence are typically full-time permanent appointments due to the strategic nature of the role and team leadership responsibilities. However, the department recognizes the importance of work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Flexible options may include flexible hours, compressed work weeks, or hybrid remote and in-office arrangements, depending on departmental needs and manager approval. Remote work may be available for portions of your work week, though you will likely be required to be present for team meetings, strategic planning sessions, and collaborative work. Specific arrangements are negotiated with your manager and may vary based on business requirements. The department encourages discussion of flexibility options as part of the hiring process and during your employment.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
