Assistant Vice President Internal Audit

Vaco by Highspring; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training budget

CIA designation support

Travel to UK

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking an AVP, Internal Audit to lead a broad portfolio of audits across multiple business areas. The role reports to the Chief Internal Auditor and partners with senior leadership to enhance controls and governance.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of auditing experience in financial services, familiarity with IIA standards, and is open to international travel (up to ~30%). A CIA designation support pathway is available.

Qualifications

• University degree in accounting/finance/business; CIA consideration or pursuit encouraged.
• 10+ years in internal and/or external auditing in financial services.
• Familiar with IIA Standards; CIA designation pursued or in progress.
• Knowledge of NA and UK regulatory/risk environments; strong audit reporting.
• Excellent written/verbal communication; leadership and mentoring skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 30%; valid passport.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a broad portfolio of internal audit, risk, compliance, and operational reviews.
• Develop and execute the internal audit strategy aligned with priorities and regulatory needs.
• Provide QA across engagements: planning, risk assessment, data analytics, reporting, follow-up.
• Partner with senior leadership to identify risks and strengthen controls.
• Present insights and recommendations to senior management and governance committees.
• Coach and develop the Internal Audit team and foster continuous improvement.
• Promote data analytics and tech use to improve audit effectiveness.
• Maintain and enhance Internal Audit methodologies, frameworks, policies, and procedures in alignment with professional standards and leading practices.
• Develop strong working relationships across the organization and participate in strategic initiatives, projects, and committees where Internal Audit expertise is required.
• Support special reviews, investigations, advisory assignments, and other strategic initiatives as required.
• Perform other related responsibilities and special projects in support of the Internal Audit function.

Skills

Leadership

Data analytics

IT auditing

Risk assessment

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business

Tools

Audit software

Job description

Our client is in the insurance industry. They are looking for a AVP, Internal Audit to join their team!

Why Work Here

• Broad ownership: The role leads operations and enterprise audits, and covers subsidiaries, and helps shape the audit plan and processes.
• Senior-level exposure: The AVP reports to the Chief Internal Auditor and works with Senior Execs, while supporting materials for board reporting.
• Opportunity to grow and improve the function: The team is building dashboards and evolving its audit processes, giving the new hire a chance to bring ideas
• Development and international scope: offers a training budget, will support a CIA designation if needed, and the role typically includes travel to the UK

About the Opportunity

• Lead and oversee a broad portfolio of internal audit, risk, compliance, and operational review activities across multiple business areas and jurisdictions.
• Support the development and execution of the annual internal audit strategy and plan, aligned with organizational priorities, risks, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide oversight and quality assurance across audit engagements, including planning, risk assessment, data analytics, reporting, and follow-up activities.
• Partner with Senior Leadership and key stakeholders to identify emerging risks, strengthen internal controls, and provide practical recommendations that enhance business performance and governance.
• Prepare and present audit insights, trends, and recommendations to senior management and governance committees as appropriate.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Internal Audit team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Promote the use of data analytics, technology, and innovative audit practices to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Internal Audit function.
• Maintain and enhance Internal Audit methodologies, frameworks, policies, and procedures in alignment with professional standards and leading practices.
• Develop strong working relationships across the organization and participate in strategic initiatives, projects, and committees where Internal Audit expertise is required.
• Support special reviews, investigations, advisory assignments, and other strategic initiatives as required.
• Perform other related responsibilities and special projects in support of the Internal Audit function.

About You

• Minimum university degree or community college diploma in accounting, finance or business
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in external and/or internal auditing in the financial services industry (insurance and/or asset management preferred). This experience should include risk-based audit planning, execution, file completion, reporting and supervision/management of audit staff.
• Familiarity with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) International Standards of Practice and must be considering or be in the process of pursuing a CIA designation
• Strong understanding of regulatory and risk environments across North America and the United Kingdom.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong audit report writing capabilities.
• Strong risk assessment, analytical, negotiation, planning, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, interpersonal, and talent development capabilities.
• Experience with IT auditing, data analytics, and/or life insurance is an asset.
• Professional designations such as CISA, FLMI, or LOMA are considered an asset.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including Canada, the US, and the UK, as required (up to approximately 30%).
• Valid passport and ability to travel to applicable jurisdictions.

Salary Range

$150,000 - $190,000 / year

You must currently reside within the Greater Toronto Area and be permitted to work in Canada to be considered for this opportunity.