As a Director of Professional Practices within the General Audit and Evaluation function, you will lead and direct audit and evaluation activities across the Department of National Defence. This role involves developing professional standards, frameworks, and methodologies that guide audit and evaluation work throughout the organization. You will be responsible for ensuring the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of professional practices, while maintaining alignment with Treasury Board policies and government-wide requirements.
In this position, you will manage a team of audit and evaluation professionals, oversee the development and implementation of audit and evaluation strategies, and provide expert guidance on complex issues. Your work will directly support departmental accountability, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will collaborate with senior leadership, other government departments, and external audit bodies to advance professional practices and share best practices across the public service.
This Director-level role requires strong leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and deep expertise in audit and evaluation methodologies. You will work in a professional environment that values integrity, objectivity, and evidence-based decision making. The position offers opportunities to influence policy, mentor professionals, and contribute to the effective stewardship of public resources.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of general audit and evaluation services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the general audit and evaluation 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 succeed in this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution. Many candidates hold a master's degree in one of these disciplines or in audit and evaluation.
Professional certifications are highly valued and often expected, such as:
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
• CPA with specialization in public sector audit
Successful candidates typically have extensive experience in audit, evaluation, or related assurance activities within the public or private sector. Ongoing professional development is encouraged and supported, including participation in audit and evaluation associations, attendance at professional conferences, and completion of specialized training in areas such as risk management, data analytics, and emerging audit methodologies. Knowledge of Treasury Board policies, government accounting standards, and federal legislation is essential and developed through on-the-job experience and formal training programs.
Entry Plans
Entry to Director-level positions in the General Audit and Evaluation function typically occurs through competitive selection processes advertised on the Government of Canada's job portal (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and are conducted in accordance with Public Service Commission regulations.
Most candidates advance to Director roles from mid-level audit and evaluation positions (such as Senior Auditor or Manager positions), having built expertise and demonstrated leadership capability over several years within the federal public service or other recognized organizations. Some lateral moves occur when experienced audit and evaluation professionals from other government departments or provincial/municipal governments transfer to DND.
Occasionally, external recruitment may occur when specialized expertise is required or when there is limited internal talent. Candidates from the private sector or other public institutions with equivalent experience in leading audit, evaluation, or assurance functions may be considered. The federal government also maintains staffing pools and registers from previous competitions that may be used to fill Director-level vacancies more quickly.
To prepare for entry at this level, candidates should gain progressive experience in audit and evaluation roles, obtain relevant professional certifications, develop strong project and people management skills, and demonstrate knowledge of government legislation, policies, and processes.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work arrangements at the Director level are limited due to the nature of the role and leadership responsibilities. However, the federal public service is committed to supporting work-life balance and offers flexible options where operationally feasible.
Flexible work arrangements, such as flexible hours or compressed work weeks, may be negotiated with management depending on departmental needs and operational requirements. These arrangements are typically discussed during recruitment or as part of ongoing performance management conversations.
Remote or hybrid work may be available for portions of the week, though this role may require regular on-site presence for leadership responsibilities, team management, and coordination with senior departmental officials. The extent of remote work flexibility can vary based on business continuity requirements and departmental priorities.
Employees are encouraged to discuss flexible work options with their manager and Human Resources advisor. All arrangements must maintain service delivery and support the department's operational needs. Benefits such as leave entitlements, wellness programs, and employee assistance services are available to all employees regardless of work schedule arrangement.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
