As a Director General of Accounting Operations, you will lead and manage the financial accounting operations and teams within the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for establishing strategic direction, ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies and accounting standards, and delivering high-quality financial services that support the department's mission. This is a senior leadership role where you set the tone for financial integrity and operational excellence across accounting functions.
Your responsibilities include overseeing the design and implementation of accounting systems and processes, managing budgets and resources for your directorate, ensuring your teams meet Treasury Board reporting deadlines and audit requirements, and providing expert financial advice to senior leadership. You will also be responsible for talent management, performance management, and fostering a professional development culture within your teams. In this role, you serve as a subject matter expert on accounting operations matters and represent the department in discussions with Treasury Board, Audit and Accountability Bureau, and external auditors.
You will work in a dynamic federal government environment where you collaborate with other government departments, financial institutions, and oversight bodies. The role requires strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex financial operations in a large, security-conscious organization. You will balance operational demands with continuous improvement initiatives and emerging financial management challenges.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of accounting operations services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the accounting operations 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 qualify for this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold professional accounting credentials such as CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant), CA (Chartered Accountant), or CGA (Certified General Accountant). Some candidates may have completed an MBA or equivalent graduate-level qualification in accounting or financial management.
Throughout your career leading to this position, you will have participated in various professional development programs, including senior government management training, financial management courses, and accounting-specific certifications. Within DND, you may access Treasury Board learning programs on government financial management, senior leader development programs, and specialized courses on defence accounting practices. The government encourages continued professional development through membership in professional accounting associations and participation in Treasury Board or National Financing and Administration Institute (NFAI) learning opportunities. Knowledge of government financial systems such as SAP, Phoenix, and other enterprise resource planning tools is highly valued.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General position typically comes through several pathways. Most candidates advance through the Public Service by progressing through intermediate accounting and financial management positions, such as Accounting Officer or Director-level roles. You may enter the federal Public Service initially through recruitment at the Accounting Technician, Accountant, or Financial Management Officer levels, then progress upward through competitions and merit-based selections.
Most Director General positions are staffed through closed competitions that target qualified managers already within the federal Public Service. These competitions are advertised through the Public Service Commission's Job Bank and internal government recruitment channels. Some candidates transition laterally from other government departments or agencies with relevant financial management experience. External recruitment at the Director General level is less common but may occur when specialized expertise is required. Candidates typically need to demonstrate 10 or more years of progressive management experience in accounting or financial operations, with several years in director-level or equivalent positions. If you are currently in the Canadian Armed Forces, you may transition to DND civilian positions through specific transition programs that recognize your military financial management experience.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time roles due to the strategic and operational responsibilities involved. However, the Department of National Defence recognizes the need for work-life balance and supports flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. You may be able to negotiate flexible work schedules or compressed work weeks, particularly once you have established your priorities and team structures. Remote work options may be available for certain tasks such as strategic planning, report writing, and virtual meetings, though the role generally requires on-site presence for leadership visibility and team management.
Given the senior nature of this position, any part-time arrangement would be exceptional and would require approval at the Deputy Minister level. DND offers employee wellness programs, leave benefits including parental leave, and other supports to help you manage your professional and personal responsibilities. It is recommended that you discuss specific flexibility needs during the recruitment and selection process, as arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on operational requirements and organizational needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
