As a Director General in Costing, you lead the costing function across the Department of National Defence, providing strategic financial analysis and cost estimation expertise to senior leadership and operational teams. You are responsible for developing costing policies, methodologies, and frameworks that support defence procurement, capability planning, and resource management decisions. Your work directly influences major defence investments and helps ensure taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and efficiently.
In this role, you manage a team of specialized costing professionals and collaborate with other financial management experts, programme managers, and military commanders. You work on complex, high-stakes projects that may involve multi-billion dollar defence systems, infrastructure investments, and operational costs. Your costing analyses inform Treasury Board submissions, parliamentary committees, and departmental strategic planning.
You will operate in a dynamic, results-oriented environment where accuracy, analytical rigour, and clear communication are essential. You balance competing priorities while maintaining professional independence in your financial assessments. This is a senior leadership position requiring both technical expertise in costing methodologies and the executive judgment to guide strategic financial decisions across Defence.
Key Responsibilities
Perform costing functions per GC financial policies, Prepare financial reports, analyses, and forecasts, Process transactions and maintain financial records, Support audit readiness and internal controls
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a university degree in a relevant field such as accounting, finance, economics, engineering, business administration, or public administration. Many successful candidates hold advanced degrees (MBA, Master's in Finance, or similar).
Professional certifications strengthen your candidacy. Relevant designations include: Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Project Management Professional (PMP), or similar accounting and finance credentials.
DND and the Government of Canada provide extensive professional development opportunities for executives, including leadership programs through the Canada School of Public Service, specialized costing and financial management training, and executive coaching. Once appointed, you may pursue additional certifications or designations relevant to defence costing and financial management. The department also supports attendance at professional conferences and industry forums to maintain current knowledge of costing best practices and defence sector trends.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director General level typically occurs through one of several pathways:
Competitive Selection Process: The primary route is through an open or departmental competition announced by DND or the Public Service Commission. These competitions are advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca) and require you to demonstrate executive-level experience, proven costing expertise, and leadership capability.
Internal Advancement: Many Director Generals are promoted from within DND from lower-level financial management or costing positions (such as Manager or Director roles). Internal candidates benefit from established knowledge of Defence operations and existing networks.
Lateral Moves: Experienced financial managers and costing specialists from other federal departments, Crown corporations, or the private sector may enter through competitions. Your transferable skills in financial analysis, budget management, and team leadership are valued.
Executive Pools: The Government of Canada maintains talent pools for senior positions. If you are qualified, you may be nominated to an executive pool, which can lead to appointments across multiple departments.
The Public Service Commission oversees all federal competitions and ensures fairness and merit-based selection.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent appointments due to the strategic and decision-making responsibilities of the role. However, the Government of Canada is increasingly flexible with work arrangements for senior leaders.
Remote and Flexible Work: While this role involves significant in-person engagement with senior military and civilian leadership, DND offers flexible work options where operationally feasible. Many executives work a combination of on-site (at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa or regional offices) and remote days. Your specific arrangement would be negotiated with your Deputy Minister or senior leadership.
Work-Life Balance: As a senior executive, you will have considerable scheduling flexibility and autonomy over your calendar, though the role demands availability for high-priority meetings and decisions. Compressed work weeks or flexible scheduling may be possible depending on operational needs.
Leave: You are entitled to all standard federal leave benefits, including vacation, sick leave, and family-related leave under the Treasury Board policies.
For specific details about work arrangements, discuss expectations with your hiring manager during the competition or interview process, as arrangements may vary based on your directorate's operational requirements and DND's strategic priorities.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
