Internal Auditors play a critical role in the Department of National Defence by providing independent, objective assurance and consulting services to strengthen organizational governance, risk management, and control processes. You will conduct comprehensive audits of DND's operations, programs, and financial systems to ensure compliance with Treasury Board policies, Treasury Board Directive on Internal Audit (TBDIAU), and applicable legislation. Your work directly supports senior leadership in making informed decisions and protecting departmental resources.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include planning and executing audit engagements, examining financial records and operational processes, interviewing staff, and documenting findings. You will analyze complex data, identify areas of non-compliance or inefficiency, and develop practical recommendations for improvement. Internal Auditors at DND work across diverse areas including procurement, human resources, information technology, military logistics, and financial management, giving you broad exposure to defence operations.
This position offers a structured work environment within the Internal Audit Services unit at National Defence Headquarters or regional audit offices. You will collaborate with audit teams, senior management, and external stakeholders while maintaining professional independence and objectivity. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct internal 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, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify as an Internal Auditor, you typically require a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates have completed accounting coursework or hold credentials such as the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification.
The Government of Canada values continuous professional development and supports auditors in obtaining and maintaining professional certifications. Once hired, you may access funding for CIA or CPA examination fees and study materials. DND provides on-the-job mentoring from experienced auditors and access to Treasury Board audit standards, policies, and best practices. You will also receive training in DND-specific systems, security protocols, and departmental operations. Professional development opportunities include specialized audit courses (data analytics, IT audit, investigative audit), Treasury Board workshops, and conference attendance to stay current with evolving audit standards and defence sector challenges.
Entry Plans
Positions for Internal Auditors at DND are typically filled through public service staffing competitions. The most common entry method is through an open competition advertised on the Public Service Commission (PSC) website and Government of Canada jobs portal (canada.ca/jobs). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
You may also enter through lateral movement if you are already working in the federal Public Service—for example, moving from an accounting, financial analysis, or program evaluation role within DND or another department. Some positions are filled through talent pools established by the PSC following previous competitions, which can expedite the hiring process.
Recent graduates or early-career professionals should monitor postings for Junior or Entry-level Internal Auditor positions, which may require less experience but similar educational credentials. The Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) and DND's own recruitment programs occasionally offer student employment or internship opportunities that can provide valuable experience and networking for future permanent positions. Working with a federal government recruitment consultant can help you navigate the competition process and strengthen your application.
Part-Time Options
Internal Auditor positions at DND are predominantly full-time, permanent roles. However, the Public Service does offer flexibility in certain circumstances. Some audit teams have negotiated compressed work weeks or staggered schedules to accommodate work-life balance while maintaining coverage for audit activities.
Remote work options have expanded across the federal government. Depending on your audit assignment and supervisory approval, you may have the opportunity to work remotely for portions of your audit engagements, particularly during planning and reporting phases. However, fieldwork and interviews with operational units across DND facilities typically require on-site presence.
Part-time or job-share arrangements for Internal Auditor roles are less common but not impossible—these would need to be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and depend on departmental needs and staffing levels. If flexible work arrangements are important to you, we recommend discussing options with the hiring manager during the recruitment process. The Treasury Board also permits employees to request flexible work arrangements under the Directive on Employee Well-being and Mental Health, and your department will consider requests based on operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
