Chief Audit Officer

Aviva; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company is seeking a Chief Audit Officer to oversee internal audit functions in Canada. The ideal candidate will have 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in the industry and a strong background in risk management and financial controls. This position offers hybrid work flexibility and a compelling rewards package, including career development opportunities and corporate wellness programs.

Benefits

Base compensation

Annual bonus eligibility

Retirement savings

Health benefits

Competitive vacation package

Corporate wellness programs

Qualifications

• 10 to 15 years of experience in internal audit or risk management.
• Experience in leading audit teams in regulated financial services.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Internal Audit team in Canada.
• Provide reporting on risk management and governance frameworks.
• Contribute to the global Audit Leadership Team.
• Drive innovation in the Canadian audit function.

Skills

Strong negotiation skills

Relationship management skills

Analytical capabilities

Commercial acumen

Education

Professional audit or accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, CIMA, CIA)

Degree in relevant field

Job description

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.

At Aviva Canada, we put people first, our employees, our customers, and our communities. We’re proud of a culture built on care, inclusion, and collaboration, where your voice matters and your growth is supported. We’re not just about insurance; we’re about making a real difference by protecting what matters most.

The Opportunity

The Chief Audit Officer –Canada provides independent and objective assurance over the design and effectiveness of controls in place to manage the key risks impacting Aviva Canada's business performance. This role is pivotal in ensuring robust governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks across the Canadian operations.

What you’ll do

• Lead, coach, and empower the Internal Audit team in Canada to deliver high-quality assurance work aligned with Aviva’s Internal Audit Charter and Business Standards.
• Provide clear reporting to relevant governance bodies on the effectiveness of risk management, controls, and governance frameworks—including risk culture and issue tracking—along with insights on emerging trends and their impact on the Group’s financial risk profile.
• Offer strategic analysis of emerging trends and themes that may impact Aviva’s financial risk profile.
• Actively contribute to the global Audit Leadership Team, helping shape the future of Group Internal Audit.
• Drive commercial thinking and innovation within the Canadian audit function to enhance its impact and relevance.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with the Canadian Executive Team and senior leaders across the business.
• Support the development of a risk-aware culture and promote best practices in risk management and internal controls across Aviva Canada and the broader Group.

What you’ll bring

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in internal audit, risk management, or financial control functions, with a significant portion in senior leadership roles within regulated financial services environments.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic oversight, executive-level stakeholder engagement, and leading audit teams across complex business structures.

Education & Professional Qualifications:

• Degree and professional qualification preferred.
• Professional audit or accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, CIMA, CIA or equivalent) or equivalent experience required.
• CII or other insurance/asset management qualification required or equivalent experience.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills.
• Deep understanding of the Financial Services industry, including:
  • Regulatory frameworks
  • Market competitors
  • Canadian business drivers
• A well-established external network at senior levels across the industry.
• Strong analytical, numerical, and organizational capabilities.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to align audit strategies with market dynamics.

What you’ll get

• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
• Hybrid flexible work model
• Outstanding career development opportunities.
• We’ll support your professional development education.
• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year.
• Employee-driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity, and inclusion.
• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health.

Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is a new position which has been posted internally & externally.

Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.