Audit Associate

Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia; Victoria; Hybrid; CAD 67,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Audit Associate role at the Office of the Auditor General of B.C. participates in financial statement audits while pursuing the CPA designation.

You will work in a team under a Manager, conduct audits in accordance with Canadian standards, and engage with ministries, Crown corporations, and health authorities. Located in Victoria, hybrid work arrangement supports flexible schedules; the office offers professional development, reimbursement for dues, and a clear path from Audit Associate to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or CPA prerequisites by Jan. 11, 2027.
• Eight years of relevant experience and CPA prerequisites by Jan. 11, 2027.
• Enrollment in CPA Professional Program supporting CPA designation as of Jan. 11, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Audit financial statements and related audits under CPA standards.
• Interact with ministries, Crown corporations, universities, and health authorities.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Teamwork

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Post-graduate diploma in accounting

CPA prerequisites by 2027

Tools

CaseWare

MS Word/Excel/Outlook

Job description

Audit Associate

Classification: Band 1

Starting Salary: $66,900.01 annually

Salary Band: $66,900.01 - $95,400.22 annually

Job Type: Regular Full-Time, up to three positions available

Start Date: January 11, 2027

Location: Victoria, BC (Hybrid)

An eligibility list may be established for future vacancies.

Be part of a high-performing and rewarding organization that’s making a difference for people in B.C.

The Office of the Auditor General of B.C. (OAG) is an independent office of the legislature. Our team contributes to an effective and accountable provincial public service.

We dig deep into public sector financial statements through our audits, and we conduct performance audits of government programs and services. We report our work directly to the Legislative Assembly and to the people of B.C.

Recognizing our people have different personal needs, we support flexibility in how and where we work. We encourage a healthy work-life balance as you pursue top-notch work.

We are inclusive and respectful, promote strong, team-centred values, and provide great opportunities for career growth. We believe in supporting each other to learn and develop, offering professional development, education opportunities, and reimbursement for required professional dues.

Our comprehensive compensation package includes:

• a compensation framework for salary progression opportunities;


• four weeks of annual leave (to start);


• winter holiday closure from December 25 to New Year’s Day;


• extended health benefits and life insurance;


• public service pension plan;


• maternity, parental, and adoption leave salary top up; and


• confidential employee and family assistance support.

Located in the heart of downtown Victoria, our office has modern collaboration spaces and great amenities. It includes a gym, private locker rooms and showers, indoor bike storage, complimentary hot drinks, an outdoor patio, and sunroom with views of Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour.

The OAG is a great place to work. We regularly celebrate our achievements together, with engaging and exciting events. If you want to make a difference for people in B.C., you’ll fit right in here.

About the Role

The Audit Associate, while studying to gain their Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, participates primarily in financial statement audits and may participate in other audits, as required. Audit results provide the public and members of the Legislative Assembly with assurance information about government’s ability to fairly present its annual financial results, as adherent to the Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards for senior governments.

Reporting to a Manager, Financial Audit and Related Services, the Audit Associate works in a team, receiving assignments depending on the complexity or sensitivity of an audit. Audits are conducted in accordance with Canadian auditing standards established by the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board.

Audit Associates may work with a range of entities included in the Province of B.C.'s Summary Financial Statements. They interact with staff, primarily in financial management (and potentially with program managers) of ministries, Crown corporations, universities, colleges, school districts, and health authorities.

As part of their work experience, Audit Associates are expected to progress through the required CPA Professional Program and pass the three CPA Professional Final Exams (done after CPA Core, CPA Leadership and CPA Professional Readiness) to meet the requirements for an auditor position.

While progressing through the program, Audit Associates are expected to handle increasing levels of responsibility within audit teams and may be required to review the audit work of other Audit Associates. Audit Associates receive performance and salary reviews while progressing through the CPA Program. With successful performance, Audit Associates will progress to the position of Senior Audit Associate, then gain the title of Auditor when CPA designation is obtained.

Accountabilities

Audit Associates are exposed to all areas of the audit cycle, including planning, conducting, and reporting on financial statement audits in accordance with OAG and professional standards. They document and analyze various business processes, identify relevant controls or weaknesses, carry out analytical procedures, perform substantive sampling, and other audit tasks. They may also work on a variety of other projects as needed.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, or one of:
  
  
  
  • a bachelor’s degree in any subject and a post-graduate diploma in accounting; or
  
  
  • eight years of relevant experience and completion of all CPA Professional Program prerequisites by Jan. 11, 2027. See 3. Admission in the CPA Professional Program Education and Experience Policies document.
  
  
  
  


• Eligible for enrollment in the CPA Professional Program, supporting attainment of a CPA designation as of Jan. 11, 2027. See 3. Admission in the CPA Professional Program Education and Experience Policies document.


• A minimum GPA of 65% on all CPA Professional Program prerequisite courses.


• General work experience in a team-focused, client-centered environment.

Note

Only applicants eligible for enrollment in the new CPA Professional program and that have not yet started the CPA program will be considered. Applicants who have started and are already progressing through the CPA PEP Program as of Jan. 11, 2027, will not be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).


• Ability to work effectively in a team.


• Ability to prepare and review reports and documents, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and completeness.


• Ability to continually receive and incorporate feedback to develop skills and professional judgement.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on solutions.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.


• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferences

• Applicants who have experience with CaseWare working paper software


• Higher grade averages in CPA prerequisite accounting courses.

Conditions

• Must be eligible to work in Canada (Permanent Resident, Canadian Citizenship).


• Successful completion of security screening requirements of the B.C. public service, which may include a criminal record check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act check, and/or enhanced screening checks as required.


• Be flexible regarding ongoing changes in responsibilities, assignments, and corporate structures.


• This position requires regular attendance at our office located in Victoria, B.C.


• Must be able to travel occasionally within the province.

Please see the job profile for a full description of the accountabilities and required qualifications.