Director of Internal Audit

Randstad Canada; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Canada seeks a Director, Internal Audit to lead the function, delivering risk-based assurance and strategic insights at the board level within a regulated infrastructure environment. You will shape the internal audit program, ensure conformance with standards, and drive value through analytics and advisory perspectives.

The role requires a strong leadership track record, extensive experience in audit across finance, operations and IT, and a proven ability to engage Audit Committees and

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Finance, or related field; graduate degree asset.
• CPA designation required; CIA strongly preferred; CISA or related certifications considered an asset.
• 10+ years internal audit experience across financial, operational, and IT domains; 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in regulated, infrastructure, or capital-intensive environments.
• Proven track record presenting to Audit Committees and Executive Boards.
• Deep knowledge of COSO, COBIT; QAIP programs; ICFR; and data analytics/cybersecurity in an audit context.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a risk-based internal audit strategy and annual plan.
• Provide independent assurance across financial, operational, and IT domains.
• Report to Audit Committee and senior leadership with insights on governance and controls.
• Oversee audit execution and remediation to ensure timely closure.
• Maintain IA Charter and QAIP with external assessments.
• Oversee ICFR program and ESG reporting processes.
• Lead data analytics, automation, and continuous auditing initiatives.
• Coordinate with other assurance providers for integrated assurance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Executive influencing

Analytical thinking

Integrity and ethics

Communication

Education

Undergraduate degree in Business/Finance

Graduate degree asset

Tools

COSO

COBIT

QAIP

ICFR

Data analytics

Cybersecurity concepts

Job description

A premier regulated utility organization is seeking a highly accomplished, strategic leader to serve as Director, Internal Audit. As the organization’s head of Internal Audit, the role is accountable for the function’s overall mandate, performance, and ongoing conformance with the Global Internal Audit Standards. It offers a unique opportunity to further develop a modern internal audit function and deliver meaningful impact at both the executive and Board levels within a complex, regulated infrastructure environment.

Reporting functionally to the Audit Committee of the Board and administratively to the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, the Director, Internal Audit provides independent, objective assurance and insight on governance, risk management, and internal controls, with direct access to the Audit Committee and regular engagement with its members.

You will lead a high-performing function that delivers risk-based assurance, forward-looking insights, and practical advisory perspectives, while maintaining strict independence and objectivity. Operating at the center of organizational governance, you will contribute to enterprise risk perspectives, strengthening oversight, and supporting informed decision-making across the organization.

This is a compelling opportunity to continue evolving the Internal Audit function, with a focus on strengthening risk-based assurance, enhancing insight through data analytics, and improving overall effectiveness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategy & Planning: Develop and execute a risk-based internal audit strategy and annual plan, aligned with enterprise priorities and approved by the Audit Committee.
• Assurance & Reporting: Provide independent, objective assurance on governance, risk management, and internal controls across financial, operational, and IT domains, including fraud risk. Deliver clear, concise, insightful reporting to Executive Leadership and the Audit Committee, highlighting systemic themes, emerging risks, and overall control effectiveness.
• Advisory & Enterprise Risk: Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing perspectives on key business initiatives, transformation programs, and emerging risks while maintaining independence. Contribute to enterprise-wide risk discussions to inform strategy, resilience, and long-term performance.
• Audit Execution & Remediation: Oversee internal audit execution across all phases (planning, risk assessment, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up), ensuring quality, consistency, and impact. Monitor and report on the status of management’s remediation efforts to ensure timely and sustainable resolution.
• Governance & Quality Assurance: Maintain and periodically review the Internal Audit Charter with Audit Committee approval. Implement and oversee a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP), including ongoing monitoring and periodic external assessments.
• Specialized Assurance (ICFR & ESG): Oversee the Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) program, including design oversight, testing strategy, and regulatory alignment. Provide independent assurance over ESG and non-financial reporting processes, data governance, and evolving disclosure requirements.
• Innovation & Coordination: Advance the function through data analytics, automation, and continuous auditing techniques. Coordinate with other assurance providers (e.g., Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, External Audit) to deliver integrated assurance and minimize duplication.
• Leadership & Standards: Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability and professional development. Ensure and demonstrate ongoing conformance with the Global Internal Audit Standards and the IIA Code of Ethics.

COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS

• Education & Certifications: Undergraduate degree in Business, Finance, or a related field (graduate degree considered an asset). Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation required; Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) strongly preferred; CISA or related certifications considered an asset.
• Professional Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive internal audit experience across financial, operational, and IT domains, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing audit functions and complex portfolios.
• Industry & Board Exposure: Experience operating in regulated, infrastructure, or capital-intensive environments strongly preferred. Demonstrated success presenting to and engaging directly with Audit Committees and Executive Boards.
• Technical Frameworks: Deep knowledge of internal audit frameworks (COSO, COBIT) and Global Internal Audit Standards. Strong background establishing QAIP programs, overseeing ICFR, and applying data analytics/cybersecurity concepts within an audit context.
• Leadership & Communication: Exceptional stakeholder management and executive influencing skills, paired with strong analytical capabilities and an uncompromised commitment to integrity, objectivity, and professional ethics.