Director, Assurance and Advisory

Mount Royal University Career Services; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 128,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Calgary seeks a Director of Assurance and Advisory to oversee its internal audit function. The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of the audit program to improve governance and risk management across the university. Candidates should possess a CPA designation, significant audit experience, and be skilled in strategic planning and communication.

Benefits

Learning/training paid by employer

Paid vacation

Membership in fully equipped recreation centre

Health and dental benefits

Disability benefits

Qualifications

• Possess a CPA designation and/or equivalent audit-related designations.
• Minimum 7-10 years' experience managing an audit function.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the internal audit function and services for the university.
• Develop and present an annual risk-based plan to the Audit and Risk Committee.
• Investigate disclosures of wrongdoings and ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Judgment

Strategic Planning

Education

CPA (CA, CMA or CGA) designation

Audit-related designations (CISA, CIA, CCSA)

Job description

Job Title

Director, Assurance and Advisory

Job Type

Permanent

Union

Management

Position Classification

MLV2 Management

Salary Grade

FT or PT

Full-time

Hybrid Work

This position is ineligible

Position End Date (if applicable)

Location

MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)

About This Position

About the Department

The Assurance and Advisory department provides independent, objective, and risk-based assurance and advisory services to support Mount Royal University’s governance, risk management, internal audit, and control processes. The department supports both executive leadership and the Board of Governors by evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of key operational and strategic controls.

About The Role

The Director, Assurance and Advisory reports functionally to the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) of Mount Royal University's Board of Governors and administratively to the Vice President, Finance and Administration. The Assurance and Advisory function assists the University in accomplishing its strategic and operational objectives from an internal auditing perspective by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of MRU’s governance, control, and risk management processes.

As the internal audit lead for the institution, this position is responsible for design, development and delivery of an annual audit plan within a broader three-year institutional audit program; reporting updates and outcomes at each meeting of the ARC. The audit program is required to reflect and deploy current technology, data analytics and industry best practices including engagement across operations to mitigate risk and increase both efficiency and efficacy of processes and internal controls across the University. The Director, Assurance and Advisory engages with leadership across the institution in development of specific audit programs and annual plans.

As a co-source model, this position engages with guest auditors from across the institution and may involve collaboration on initiatives with other Alberta based Post-Secondary Institutions, the Alberta Office of the Auditor General as well as external firms where necessary.

Responsibilities

The Director, Assurance and Advisory is responsible for the leadership and coordination of the internal audit function and services, in support of the ARC’s oversight of internal audit. Specifically, the Director, Assurance and Advisory will:

• Lead the practice and function of internal audit requirements for the University as outlined in MRU’s Internal Audit Charter, working collaboratively with leadership and in particular those areas responsible for institutional controls and risk management, to strengthen institutional operations, structures, processes, and culture to facilitate achievement of the University’s mandate, strategic plans, and objectives.
• Develop and present an annual risk-based plan that is connected to a three-year strategy to ARC for review and approval; implementing the approved plan, including, as appropriate, any special tasks or projects requested by management and/or the ARC, and ensuring significant changes to the audit plan are presented to the ARC for review and approval.
• Track and report progress on the implementation of audit recommendations to the ARC, including reporting significant findings related to University processes of risk management, control, and governance.
• As directed by MRU’s Office of General Counsel and University Secretariat, investigate disclosures of wrongdoings made in good faith to the University, and coordinate such investigation within the University, notifying respective executive management and the ARC of the results in accordance with University policies as appropriate.
• Ensuring internal audit work is completed in conformance with the International Professional Practices Framework issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors including the Code of Ethics of the Institute of Internal Auditors. In addition, Internal Audit will adhere to all University policies and procedures.
• Present an Assurance and Advisory annual budget to the ARC on an annual basis for review and approval.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Possess a CPA, (CA, CMA or CGA) designation, and/or equivalent audit-related designations (CISA, CIA, CCSA)
• Minimum 7-10 years' experience managing an audit function in a complex organization.
• Experience working with senior management and audit committees.
• Have and apply appropriate knowledge of the latest trends in audit techniques and directions, particularly those for agencies, boards or commissions and the public sector.
• Understand internal control frameworks, risk management assessments and governance frameworks.
• Be a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
• Employ sound judgment in balancing the needs of the organization with the expectations of the position.
• Employ a strategic approach to the delivery of services.
• Ability to build strong relationships both internally and externally.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Employ effective negotiation skills.
• Be proficient in systems and technology employed in a modern office environment and specifically audit function.
• Knowledge of post-secondary governance structures, controls and risk management processes are a benefit.
  
  

Salary: $128,011.00 - $176,654.00 per annum

Closing Date: August 18, 2025

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify [e-mail] and we will work together on your accommodation request.

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full-time and 4,030 part-time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor's degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's Academic Plan and Strategic Plan.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. At MRU, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. MRU offers a competitive total compensation package including learning/training paid by employer, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. Positions over six months may also be eligible for health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, and disability benefits.

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.