As a Director General - Audit, you lead and manage a strategic audit function within the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and reporting of comprehensive audit activities that assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance of DND operations and programs. This executive-level position involves directing a team of professional auditors and support staff, developing audit strategies, and providing senior leadership with independent assurance and insights to support decision-making.
Your responsibilities include establishing audit priorities aligned with departmental and government-wide objectives, ensuring audit quality standards are maintained, and managing audit resources effectively. You will communicate audit findings and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders, contributing to improved governance and accountability across the organization. You work in a dynamic environment where you must balance competing priorities, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and demonstrate strong business acumen alongside technical audit expertise.
This role requires you to stay current with evolving audit practices, emerging risks, and changes in the defence and security landscape. You will collaborate with other government departments, external audit organizations, and internal partners to ensure DND maintains the highest standards of financial stewardship and operational integrity.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct audit activities per professional standards, Collect and analyze evidence to support findings, Prepare reports and recommendations for management, Monitor implementation of action plans
Required Skills
Analytical skills, Risk assessment, Report writing, Professional skepticism, Data analysis, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To be successful in this role, you typically need a university degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. Many candidates hold professional accounting designations such as CA (Chartered Accountant), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), or equivalent credentials.
Experience in audit, financial management, or related governance functions is essential, usually requiring 15+ years of progressive experience with demonstrated leadership in audit or similar roles. You should have deep knowledge of audit methodologies, risk assessment, internal controls, and compliance frameworks relevant to public sector organizations.
Professional development opportunities include specialized training in government audit standards, advanced risk management, fraud investigation, information systems audit, and executive leadership programs. DND supports continuous learning through internal training programs, professional associations like the Institute of Internal Auditors, and participation in government-wide professional development initiatives.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General position typically occurs through competitive public service recruitment processes advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and DND careers portals. Most candidates come from within the federal Public Service, having progressed through intermediate and senior audit positions (Auditor, Senior Auditor, Manager - Audit) or equivalent roles in financial management or internal services.
Lateral moves from other federal departments, provincial governments, or the private sector are possible for candidates with equivalent executive-level experience in audit, internal control, or related governance functions. Some appointments may come through executive recruitment pools maintained by Treasury Board Secretariat for senior management positions.
There are no specific student or early-career entry programs directly to this level; however, recruitment at entry and intermediate levels (Auditor positions) provides a pathway for building the audit expertise needed for eventual advancement to Director General roles. Successful candidates typically demonstrate progressive leadership experience, a track record of audit accomplishments, and alignment with DND's strategic priorities.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are classified as executive-level roles and are typically full-time, permanent positions. Part-time arrangements at this level are uncommon due to the strategic leadership responsibilities and requirement for continuous engagement with senior management and stakeholders.
Flexible work arrangements, including telework options, may be available depending on operational requirements and DND policies. Remote work flexibility has expanded across the federal Public Service and may apply to portions of this role, particularly for planning, analysis, and reporting activities, though regular in-person attendance is expected for leadership, team management, and high-level meetings.
Discussions about specific flexible work options should occur during the recruitment process and with your direct supervisor once appointed, taking into account DND's operational needs and the security-sensitive nature of audit functions.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
