As a Director General - Internal Control, you lead and manage the internal control framework across the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing policies, standards, and practices that ensure strong internal controls, risk management, and compliance throughout the organization. Your strategic direction supports the department's ability to achieve its objectives while protecting public resources and maintaining accountability to Parliament and Canadians.
In this role, you provide executive leadership to a team of professionals who work across multiple branches and units. You collaborate with senior management, finance leaders, and program managers to embed effective internal controls into departmental operations. You also represent the department on internal control matters with Treasury Board, other government departments, and external oversight bodies. Your decisions directly influence how the department manages risk, prevents fraud, and demonstrates sound stewardship of public funds.
You work in a dynamic federal government environment where you balance competing priorities, navigate complex organizational structures, and respond to evolving governance requirements. This is a position of significant responsibility that requires strong judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence change at the highest levels of the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Perform internal control 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 succeed in this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, or a related discipline. Many candidates hold professional designations such as CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant), CA (Chartered Accountant), or CGA (Certified General Accountant). Some candidates bring relevant qualifications in internal audit, risk management, or governance.
Professional development is ongoing at this level. You are expected to stay current with Treasury Board policies, Treasury Board Secretariat directives, and best practices in internal control and risk management. The federal public service supports continuous learning through access to courses, seminars, and professional conferences. Many Director Generals pursue executive education programs offered through universities or professional associations. Government of Canada security clearance requirements and training are also part of the role.
Entry Plans
Entry into a Director General position in the federal public service typically comes through competitive staffing processes managed by the Public Service Commission. These competitions are open to current federal public service employees and, in some cases, the public. Candidates usually have 10 or more years of progressive experience in financial management, internal control, audit, risk management, or related fields within government or the private sector.
Many Director General appointments come through lateral moves from other departments or agencies, or promotion from Executive Director positions within the Department of National Defence. Some candidates enter the federal public service at lower management levels through junior management trainee programs or professional development streams, then progress through competitions over their careers. Candidates must demonstrate executive-level competencies, including strategic vision, stakeholder management, financial acumen, and leadership ability. All candidates are subject to thorough security vetting and reference checks.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the strategic nature and executive responsibilities of the position. However, the federal public service does offer flexibility in how work is organized. Many Director Generals work in hybrid arrangements that combine time at National Defence headquarters locations (primarily in the National Capital Region) with remote work options, depending on departmental needs and operational requirements.
The nature of the role—including participation in senior management meetings, Treasury Board briefings, and strategic planning sessions—usually requires regular in-person presence. Flexible work arrangements, including compressed work weeks or adjusted schedules, may be negotiated with your manager based on business requirements. Part-time conversions to this level are rare, as the executive responsibilities and continuity of strategic leadership typically require a full-time commitment. Work-life balance and wellness support are priorities within the federal public service, and you have access to employee assistance programs and other supports.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
