Director- Operational Risk, Internal Audit & Compliance

North Horizon Holdings Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Eligibility for bonus

Free on-site gym membership

Free parking

RRSP Matching

Job summary

A Canadian family office is seeking an experienced Director to lead their Operational Risk, Internal Audit, and Compliance functions. This role, based in Toronto, requires a minimum of 12 years' experience in financial services, with strong communication and leadership skills. Candidates will oversee risk management processes and ensure regulatory compliance across various departments, contributing to a culture of accountability within the organization. The position offers competitive compensation along with various benefits including professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in operational risk management or compliance.
• Proven track record in designing and managing firm-wide control processes.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in Mandarin is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead Operational Risk, Internal Audit, and Compliance functions.
• Develop and maintain internal control and compliance frameworks.
• Conduct assessments of operational risks and compliance measures.

Skills

Operational risk management

Internal audit

Compliance

Communication skills

Leadership

Investment project approval

Education

Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CFA, CIA)

Job description

Overview

North Horizon is a Canadian family office with a global investment reach. We are value-oriented investors in public equities, fixed incomes, private equities, venture capital and real estate.

Role

We are looking for an experienced Director to lead our Operational Risk, Internal Audit, and Compliance functions. Reporting directly to the Head of Risk, this individual will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing firm-wide processes to ensure effective internal controls, operational risk management, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in financial services, with exceptional communication and leadership skills to drive accountability across front-office, middle-office and back-office.

Responsibilities

• Operational Risk (50%)
• Internal Audit (30–40%)
• Compliance (10–20%)
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive internal control, audit, operational risk and compliance frameworks across all firm departments, including front office, middle office and back office.
• Establish and monitor processes to safeguard the firm’s operations, ensuring alignment with industry’s best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular assessments of operational risks, internal controls, and compliance measures, identifying gaps and recommending actionable improvements.
• Oversee the investment project approval process and fund transfer protocols, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and adherence to anti-fraud standards.
• Collaborate with department heads to embed a culture of accountability and risk awareness throughout the organization.
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and impactful reports and presentations to senior leadership on audit findings, compliance status, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Stay abreast of evolving regulatory landscapes and industry trends to proactively adapt processes as needed.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in operational risk management, internal audit, and/or compliance within financial services firms (e.g., financial investment firms, or financial consulting firms).
• Proven track record of designing and managing firm-wide control and compliance processes in a complex, multi-asset investment environment.
• Strong understanding of investment project approval workflows, fund transfer operations, and anti-fraud measures.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Outstanding presentation skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and driving consensus.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and lead cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Mandarin is considered an asset.

Nice-to-have

• Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CFA, CIA, or equivalent) is a plus but not required.
• Buy side risk management experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of financial operations, including back-office settlement or front-office trading, and/or finance functions.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing risk management team.
• Exposure to a broad range of asset classes and investment strategies.
• Professional development and learning opportunities to enhance your career.

What’s in it for you?

At North Horizon, we are committed to building a great culture that cares, nurtures and values every individual who works here. You will:

• Have a direct line of sight to the high-level workings of all investment decisions
• Work in an entrepreneurial environment that encourages creativity
• Be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best
• Be provided opportunities to learn continuously and develop professionally
• Work with a dynamic high performing team who thrive on the challenge to reach their highest potential
• Be a part of an inclusive culture where your ideas and advice are heard and valued
• Be provided with a total rewards program that includes
• Competitive base pay
• Eligibility for bonus as well as benefits
• Reimbursement of your professional development/training
• Free on-site gym membership
• Free parking
• RRSP Matching

About Our Culture

At North Horizon, we firmly believe that the diversity of our background, experience and point of view drives our growth, innovation, and success. We strive to build an inclusive culture with a global mindset while appreciating and respecting each individual and their differences.