As a Supervisor - Internal Audit with the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage a team of internal auditors while maintaining the highest standards of audit quality and professional practice. You will be responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing internal audit activities across various DND operations and programs, ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies, the Internal Audit Standards for the Government of Canada, and International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. Your work will directly support organizational accountability, risk management, and continuous improvement across the Department.
In this supervisory role, you will manage audit projects from inception to completion, including scope definition, resource allocation, and quality assurance of audit reports and recommendations. You will conduct or oversee audits of financial systems, operational processes, and governance frameworks, identifying risks and control deficiencies while providing constructive recommendations for improvement. You will also be responsible for coaching and developing your audit team, managing performance, and fostering a culture of professional excellence and integrity.
You will work in a dynamic, secure environment within DND's headquarters or field offices. The role requires strong analytical skills, professional judgment, and the ability to communicate complex audit findings to senior management and stakeholders at all levels. You may travel occasionally to conduct audits at different DND locations across Canada.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily internal audit operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
Analytical skills, Risk assessment, Report writing, Professional skepticism, Data analysis, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To succeed as a Supervisor - Internal Audit, you should have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, commerce, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold professional accounting designations such as CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), or CGA (Certified General Accountant). Previous experience working as an internal auditor or in a related audit role is typically required before moving into a supervisory position.
The Government of Canada supports ongoing professional development for internal auditors. You may pursue or maintain certifications such as the CIA through the Institute of Internal Auditors, which is highly valued within the federal audit community. DND provides access to training on Treasury Board policies, government-specific audit standards, and audit software tools. As a supervisor, you will also receive training in people management, leadership development, and conflict resolution to strengthen your ability to lead your team effectively. Participation in professional associations and attending industry conferences is encouraged to keep current with evolving audit practices and government initiatives.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Supervisor - Internal Audit position typically occurs through external or internal competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's official job site (jobs.gc.ca) and DND's careers portal. Most supervisor-level positions require candidates to demonstrate prior experience as an internal auditor or in an equivalent audit role within government or the private sector.
If you are already working within the federal Public Service in an audit or finance role, you may be able to compete for internal promotion opportunities. DND occasionally uses staffing pools to fill multiple supervisor positions, which can streamline the hiring process for qualified candidates. Some individuals enter the internal audit career stream through student employment programs or as junior auditors, gaining experience before advancing to supervisory levels.
External candidates with relevant audit qualifications and professional designations are encouraged to monitor job postings regularly. The hiring process typically includes a written assessment, technical interview, and competency-based interview focusing on audit expertise, team leadership, and decision-making abilities. Bilingualism (English and French) may be required depending on the position's classification and location.
Part-Time Options
Supervisor - Internal Audit positions are typically full-time permanent roles. However, the federal Public Service does offer flexibility options that may apply to this position depending on operational requirements and management approval. Compressed work weeks, flexible hours, and telework arrangements may be available, particularly for administrative and report-writing components of the role. Since audit work sometimes requires on-site presence at various DND locations and attendance at meetings with senior management, the ability to work on-site is usually necessary, though some planning and analysis work can be performed remotely. Part-time supervisor positions are rarely available due to the managerial responsibilities involved, but you may explore options with your hiring manager after taking on the role. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance and will consider requests for flexible arrangements where operationally feasible.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
