As a Manager - Internal Audit with the Department of National Defence, you will lead and oversee internal audit activities that help ensure the organization uses public resources effectively and operates with integrity. You'll direct a team of auditors in examining DND's financial systems, operations, and programs to identify risks, evaluate compliance with policies, and recommend improvements. Your work directly supports DND's accountability to Parliament and Canadian taxpayers by providing independent assurance on the management of defence resources.
Your responsibilities include developing audit plans aligned with organizational priorities, managing audit projects from planning through reporting, and presenting findings to senior leadership and audit committees. You'll apply professional audit standards and best practices to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management frameworks, and governance processes. You'll also mentor your audit team, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and collaborate with other government departments and external audit bodies.
You'll work in a dynamic federal environment where your insights directly influence how DND manages its operations and budgets. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on government accountability while developing expertise in defence management and federal financial systems.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of internal audit services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the internal 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 this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold professional certifications such as CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), or CCSA (Certified Control and Security Auditor). Some positions may accept equivalent professional experience in lieu of formal education.
Once hired, you'll receive training in DND-specific financial systems, defence operations, and federal audit policies and procedures. The Government of Canada and professional bodies offer ongoing professional development opportunities, including courses on advanced audit techniques, risk management, leadership skills, and emerging compliance issues. Many employees pursue or maintain professional certifications to enhance their expertise and career advancement. DND also supports attendance at professional conferences and seminars relevant to internal audit practice.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through a public competition advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank website. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and may be departmental (DND only) or multi-departmental.
If you're already a federal public servant, you may apply as an internal candidate, which can streamline the recruitment process. Some competitions use staffing pools of pre-qualified candidates, allowing faster hiring when positions become available. Lateral transfers from other audit roles or related finance and evaluation positions within DND or other departments are also possible with appropriate experience.
DND occasionally participates in the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), which can provide entry pathways for students and recent graduates. Building experience in audit, risk assessment, or financial analysis in any government department strengthens your candidacy for this management role.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Manager - Internal Audit positions are available but vary by operational needs. Since this is a managerial role requiring leadership of a team and stakeholder engagement, most positions operate on a full-time basis. However, many DND workplaces support flexible hours arrangements, allowing you to adjust your daily start and end times within departmental requirements.
Remote work options have expanded across the federal government post-pandemic. Depending on your specific location and audit priorities, you may be able to work from home for portions of the week, particularly when conducting desktop analysis or preparing reports. On-site presence is typically required for team leadership, meetings with senior management, and certain audit fieldwork. The extent of flexible and remote options can be negotiated with your manager and depends on DND's operational requirements at your location. It's best to discuss specific arrangements during the hiring process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
