As a Director of Internal Audit within the Department of National Defence, you will lead a specialized team responsible for providing independent, objective assurance and consulting services to senior management and the organization. You will develop and implement comprehensive audit strategies that evaluate the effectiveness of DND's internal controls, risk management processes, and governance frameworks across military and civilian operations. Your work ensures that public resources are managed responsibly and that the department operates in compliance with Treasury Board policies, the Financial Administration Act, and other applicable legislation.
Your responsibilities include planning and directing audit engagements, supervising audit staff, and preparing detailed reports that provide findings, recommendations, and risk assessments to departmental leadership. You will work closely with other audit functions, departmental managers, and external partners such as the Office of the Auditor General to identify emerging risks and control gaps. This role requires strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to communicate complex audit findings to diverse audiences, from operational staff to senior executives.
You will work in a dynamic federal environment where your decisions directly impact how the department safeguards public funds and achieves its operational objectives. The role offers exposure to all aspects of DND's business, including military readiness, procurement, human resources, and information technology. You may work from National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa or regional audit offices across Canada, with potential travel to audit various DND locations and operations.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of internal audit services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the internal 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 role, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, which is highly valued in internal audit roles. A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) credential demonstrates specialized expertise and is often preferred or required for director-level positions.
Professional development opportunities within DND include specialized audit training, Treasury Board policy workshops, and leadership development programs. The department supports employees pursuing advanced certifications such as the CIA or CPA if not already obtained. You will also have access to training in emerging audit methodologies, data analytics, cybersecurity auditing, and risk management frameworks to keep your skills current in an evolving audit landscape.
Entry Plans
Entry to this director-level position typically occurs through federal public service competitions open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Most candidates advance to director level after demonstrating several years of progressive audit experience within the federal government, often at the senior audit specialist or manager level. Internal candidates from DND or other government departments with equivalent audit backgrounds are encouraged to apply when competitions are announced.
You may also enter through lateral moves if you hold a director-equivalent position in another federal department's audit function or from the private sector with comparable experience managing audit teams and delivering complex assurance services. The Public Service Commission posts competitions on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca). Some candidates transition into this role from audit manager positions within DND following internal development and competition processes. Student or graduate recruitment programs in accounting and finance can provide pathways to entry-level audit positions, from which you can progress to director level over time.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work arrangements for director-level positions are limited due to the strategic and leadership responsibilities inherent to the role. However, the Department of National Defence, like other federal employers, recognizes the importance of work-life balance and may accommodate compressed work weeks or flexible scheduling where operationally feasible.
Remote work is increasingly available for audit work that does not require on-site assessments or in-person meetings with departmental managers. As a director, you may have flexibility to work from home for administrative tasks, report writing, and virtual team meetings, though you will need to be present at the office for leadership activities, stakeholder engagement, and audit planning sessions. Specific arrangements depend on departmental needs, team structure, and individual circumstances, and should be discussed with your manager during the hiring process. DND's flexible work policies continue to evolve to support employee wellness while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
