As a Director of Internal Control within the Department of National Defence, you will lead the development, implementation, and oversight of internal control frameworks and policies across the organization. You will be responsible for ensuring that DND's financial and operational systems maintain the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and risk management. This role reports to senior leadership and serves as a subject matter expert on internal control best practices within the federal government.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include directing teams of internal control specialists and auditors, developing control strategies that align with Treasury Board standards and the Financial Administration Act, and conducting assessments of departmental systems to identify vulnerabilities and improvement opportunities. You will collaborate with finance, procurement, human resources, and operational managers to embed effective controls into business processes and ensure compliance with government-wide directives.
This position operates in a dynamic federal environment where you will influence departmental policy, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and contribute to the Department's overall governance structure. You will work from an office setting, primarily in the National Capital Region, though remote work arrangements may be available depending on operational needs.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of internal control services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the internal control 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
Candidates typically hold a university degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related discipline. Professional certification as a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), or similar financial designation is highly valued and often expected at this level. Some candidates may hold a Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or Accounting.
Once hired, you will have access to Treasury Board-funded professional development programs, including advanced training in risk management, governance frameworks, and federal financial management systems. DND supports ongoing education through the Federal Public Service Learning Portal, and you may pursue additional certifications in internal audit or enterprise risk management. Mentorship opportunities with senior government leaders and participation in interdepartmental working groups enhance your professional growth. Membership dues for professional accounting organizations may be covered as part of professional development benefits.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director-level position typically occurs through one of several pathways within the federal Public Service:
**Advertised Competitions**: DND and Treasury Board Secretariat regularly post Director-level positions on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and evaluate candidates on education, experience, and demonstrated competencies in financial management and leadership.
**Internal Mobility**: Current federal public servants at the Manager or Senior Analyst level may apply for advertised positions or be identified through internal talent management processes. Your experience in financial management, audit, or internal control roles at other departments strengthens your candidacy.
**Lateral Moves**: Professionals with equivalent private sector experience in internal control, enterprise risk management, or financial management may enter the Public Service at the Director level through bridging mechanisms, though this typically requires a competitive process.
**Student and Early Career Programs**: While entry at Director level is not typical for recent graduates, candidates who begin their careers through the Federal Student Work Program or as Financial Analysts can progress into this leadership role within 8-12 years with demonstrated performance and continuous learning.
Part-Time Options
The Director - Internal Control position is typically a full-time, permanent role due to the strategic and supervisory nature of the work. However, the Government of Canada's Treasury Board policies support flexible work arrangements, including telework and flexible hours, which may be negotiated with your manager based on operational requirements and business needs.
Remote work options have expanded since 2020, and many headquarters-based Director roles now operate in hybrid or fully remote arrangements. As a Director, you will have greater flexibility to structure your work schedule around departmental priorities and meetings. Part-time work at the Director level is extremely rare and would require specific approval from senior management, though compressed work weeks (e.g., 4 days per week over longer daily hours) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Upon hiring, you will work with your manager to establish a work arrangement that balances organizational needs with work-life balance objectives, within the parameters of the federal collective agreement or management category terms.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
