As a Manager - Audit in the Department of National Defence (DND), you will lead and direct audit and evaluation activities across the department. You oversee a team of auditors and evaluation professionals, manage audit projects, and ensure compliance with Treasury Board policies and the Auditor General Act. Your work directly supports DND's accountability to Parliament and Canadian taxpayers by examining how defence resources are being used effectively and efficiently.
Your key responsibilities include planning and conducting audits, evaluating program performance, managing audit teams, and preparing reports on findings and recommendations. You will work with senior leadership, program managers, and other government departments to assess financial management, operational effectiveness, and organizational performance. You may specialize in financial audit, operational audit, or evaluation depending on your assignment and expertise.
As a manager in this role, you create a positive work environment for your team, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure audit work meets professional standards and Treasury Board requirements. You will typically work in an office environment at DND headquarters in Ottawa or regional locations, though some fieldwork and travel may be required to audit operations across Canada and abroad.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of audit services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the audit team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Analytical skills, Risk assessment, Report writing, Professional skepticism, Data analysis, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To qualify for a Manager - Audit position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field. Many candidates hold a professional accounting designation such as CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant), CA (Chartered Accountant), or CGA (Certified General Accountant).
Government of Canada requires that you have several years of progressive experience in audit, accounting, or evaluation—usually a minimum of 5-7 years—with at least 2-3 years in a supervisory or team leadership capacity. Experience in the public sector is highly valued.
Professional development continues throughout your career. The government supports professional memberships (such as the Institute of Internal Auditors or the Canadian Evaluation Society), ongoing training in audit standards and Treasury Board policies, and management development programs. You may also pursue advanced certifications like the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) or CIA-Canada designation to strengthen your expertise.
Entry Plans
Entry into a Manager - Audit position in the federal Public Service typically occurs through a few pathways:
Competitive staffing processes are the primary route. The Public Service Commission posts competitions for Manager - Audit positions when vacancies arise. These are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. You apply with your education credentials, professional certifications, and a detailed account of your relevant experience in audit leadership, team management, and public sector work.
Lateral moves are common for this role. If you are already a federal public servant working as an Auditor or in a related Audit and Evaluation position, you may apply for manager-level competitions. Promotions from within the audit stream are encouraged and reflect career progression in the Public Service.
Some candidates enter through recruitment of external professionals with significant audit management experience. DND may conduct targeted recruitment for experienced auditors from the private sector, Crown corporations, or other levels of government who wish to transition to federal public service.
Student and early-career programs are also available. Graduates with accounting or audit backgrounds can enter as junior auditors through programs like the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign, then advance to manager roles as they gain experience and demonstrate leadership capability.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements in a Manager - Audit role depend on DND's operational needs and the nature of audit project schedules. While the position is typically full-time, many federal departments including DND offer flexible work options such as compressed work weeks, staggered hours, or job-sharing arrangements where staffing levels permit.
Remote and hybrid work has become more common in audit roles since the pandemic. Much audit planning, analysis, and reporting can be conducted from home or satellite offices. However, some audit fieldwork requires in-person attendance at DND facilities or operational locations being audited. Your manager will work with you to establish a hybrid schedule that balances operational requirements with flexibility.
Eligibility for part-time or flexible arrangements is typically negotiated at the time of hiring or during your employment. Collective agreements and Treasury Board policies govern these options. If part-time or flexible work is important to your career decisions, discuss these possibilities during the staffing process or with your hiring manager.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
