Director, Strategy and Audit Operations

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Société canadienne d'hypothèques et de logement(SCHL); Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 164,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Paid vacation

Performance incentive

Defined benefit pension plan

Comprehensive group insurance

Training and mentorship

Job summary

CMHC is seeking a Director of Strategy and Audit Operations to lead the internal audit function and shape the organization’s governance, risk management, and internal controls. The role provides strategic insight to anticipate emerging risks and align audit activities with CMHC’s priorities.

The incumbent will oversee multi-year audit plans, communicate with senior management and the Board, and lead innovations in data analytics and agile audit techniques to drive efficiency and value.

Qualifications

• 13+ years in public accounting and/or internal audit.
• At least 5 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Proven track record leading an internal audit function.
• Authoritative knowledge of IIA standards and internal audit practices.
• Fluency in English and French for board-level communications.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for internal audit activities in line with IIA standards and regulatory expectations.
• Identify forward-looking risks and opportunities to enhance corporate performance.
• Develop risk-based audit strategies and multi-year plans.
• Oversee internal audit reports, risk assessments and related communications to senior management and committees.
• Strengthen governance including risk management and internal controls.
• Lead innovation in audit through data analytics, AI, and agile techniques.
• Present complex findings clearly and provide actionable recommendations to the Board.
• Build and maintain partnerships with second line functions, OSFI, and external auditors.
• Oversee enterprise risk identification and mitigation improvements.
• Lead a high-performing, inclusive team and promote accountability and continuous learning.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Team building

Education

Undergraduate degree in accounting/finance/risk management

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 12466

Position Status: Permanent Full Time

Position Type: Hybrid

Office Location: Ottawa (ON); Calgary (AB); Halifax (NS); Montreal (QC); Toronto (ON); Vancouver (BC)

Travel Requirement: Occasional

Language Designation: Bilingual

Language Skill Levels (Read/Write/Speak): CBC

Security Requirement: Secret

Salary: Our salaries generally range from $ 164092.90 to $ 205116.13 and are based on qualifications and experience.

About CMHC

The work you do and the work we do together matters. We come to work every day with a common purpose: to contribute to a well-functioning housing system.

At CMHC, we hold ourselves accountable for our results and support our colleagues in their achievements. We thrive on collaboration, connecting across CMHC and involving the right people to get our work done. Our leadership style is guided by trust, where our leaders favour an adaptive approach based on the needs of their teams.

Join us and be part of a team that's committed to making a real difference and be part of something meaningful.

What’s in it for you

Benefits

We’ve got the purpose, the people and the perks you need for a fulfilling career. Here’s the comprehensive and generous benefits you get when you’re a permanent employee:

• Annual Paid vacation.
• Annual individual performance incentive.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Comprehensive group insurance plan to support your well-being from day one.
• Support towards your personal and professional growth with training, mentorship and more.
• An inclusive workplace culture and environment.
• While positions at CMHC require some in-office presence, alternative work arrangements may be considered for Indigenous candidates.

About The Role

Join the Audit and Evaluation team, in the Director, Strategy and Audit Operations position. This role plays a pivotal leadership role and is responsible for shaping and delivering internal audit strategies, plans, and services that strengthen corporate governance, risk management, and internal controls.

The Director provides strategic insight to help the organization anticipate emerging risks and evolving priorities, ensuring the internal audit function remains forward-looking and value-driven. By identifying trends and translating insights into action, this role supports the achievement of CMHC’s corporate objectives and key strategic priorities.

What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic leadership for internal audit activities, ensuring audit plans, methodologies, and engagements align with IIA standards, regulatory expectations, and organizational priorities.
• Serve as a trusted enterprise advisor, identifying forward-looking risks, opportunities, and efficiencies that enhance corporate performance and support CMHC’s risk appetite.
• Shape and deliver risk based audit strategies and multiyear plans, monitoring performance against audit objectives and key indicators.
• Oversee the approval and communication of internal audit reports, risk assessments, and related products to senior management, Executive Committees, and the Audit Committee.
• Strengthen corporate governance by providing assurance and insight on governance frameworks, risk management practices, and internal controls.
• Lead innovation within the audit function, including the use of data analytics, artificial intelligence, and agile audit techniques to drive efficiency and insight.
• Influence decision making at the executive and Board level by clearly presenting complex findings and actionable recommendations.
• Build and maintain strong internal and external partnerships, including with second line functions, OSFI, and external auditors.
• Oversee enterprise level risk identification and analysis, anticipating emerging risks and recommending improvements to mitigate exposure.
• Lead and develop a high performing, inclusive team, promoting accountability, continuous learning, stewardship of resources, and a respectful, diverse workplace.

What You Should Have

• An undergraduate degree in accounting, management, finance, risk management, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• A minimum of 13 years of experience in public accounting and/or internal audit, including at least 5 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• A proven track record of leading a professional internal audit function, with deep expertise in internal auditing and accounting principles and practices.
• Authoritative knowledge of Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards, leading practices, internal audit methodologies, and financial institution control environments.
• Strong understanding of complex organizational mandates, business objectives, programs, and regulatory frameworks within a large, regulated environment.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex issues and influence senior leaders and Board level audiences in both French and English.
• Advanced analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to synthesize information into clear, actionable insights for executive decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under tight timelines.
• Sound judgment, tact, and discretion when dealing with sensitive, confidential, or high impact matters.

Posting closing date: Note, the competition will remain active until filled.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

We’re committed to employment equity and encourage women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, veterans and persons of all races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions to apply. We also welcome applications from non-Canadians who are eligible to work in Canada.

CMHC is an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought – and of people – are recognized, valued, and considered essential to achieving our mission.