Executive Lead Principal, Performance Audit and Related Assurance

Government of British Columbia; Victoria; On-site; CAD 141,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

A Provincial Government Office in Canada seeks a Principal for Performance Audit and Related Assurance. This executive role requires significant experience in performance audits and the ability to lead complex audits. The ideal candidate will ensure quality standards in auditing, manage strategic initiatives, and offer expert advice. The office advocates for a diverse and inclusive workplace. Salary ranges from $141,800 to $173,500, and the role supports a flexible hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Extended health benefits

Public service pension

Life insurance

Gym and wellness support

Professional development reimbursement

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience leading and managing performance audits.
• Progressively responsible experience in planning and conducting audits.

Responsibilities

• Implement strategic direction and policies for performance audit work.
• Manage relationships with audit entities’ senior leadership.
• Oversee execution of PARA’s strategic planning process.

Skills

Agility and adaptability

Knowledge of auditing standards

Strategic communication skills

Collaboration skills

Project management experience

Leadership and mentorship

Education

Post-graduate degree or equivalent credential

CPA designation or CIA designation

Law degree

Job description

Principal, Performance Audit and Related Assurance
Classification: Executive Lead
Salary: $141,800 - $173,500
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Location: Victoria or Vancouver, BC
An eligibility list may be established for future vacancies.

Do you want to be part of a challenging and rewarding work community?

The Office of the Auditor General of B.C. (OAG) is an independent office of the legislature that contributes to excellence in effective and accountable government. We offer opportunities for career growth, an excellent compensation package, and flexible working arrangements. Our office promotes trust, cooperation, and teamwork in a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment. We are committed to creating and reinforcing diversity, equity, inclusion, and psychological safety – creating a safe environment where everyone feels they belong and are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. We support each other, celebrate our successes, and encourage a healthy work-life balance for everyone. Our staff events are socially, physically, and emotionally nourishing – with lots of great food – and fun! Interested in growing your career? We offer support for your professional development and education and reimbursement of your professional dues. Other benefits include:

• Extended health benefits
• Policies and benefits to support your personal and family needs
• Public service pension
• Life insurance, and
• Confidential employee and family assistance program

Our downtown Victoria location supports collaboration and includes a gym, indoor bike storage, and decks with views of the beautiful Inner Harbour.

About the Role

Reporting to the Assistant Auditor General, Performance Audit and Related Assurance (AAG PARA), the Principal, Performance Audit and Related Assurance (PARA) is responsible for implementing strategic direction, policies, and priorities for performance audit work as set by OAG Executive and the Strategic Plan. The Principal, PARA provides senior expertise and advises the AAG PARA on a selection of audit topics, audit strategies, and resource requirements to ensure successful outcomes according to the OAG’s audit commitments.

Accountabilities

• Provides advice and recommendations to the AAG PARA regarding PARA strategic planning and development of the annual Performance Audit Coverage Plan, internal policy development, and organizational change initiatives.
• Responsible for the execution of PARA’s strategic planning process, oversees assigned budgets, utilization and optimization of professional audit staff; oversees completion of professional work requirements to ensure quality standards are met.
• Acts as Engagement Leader for highly complex audits; establishing the audit framework for individual audits; accountable for audit reports, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and for the overall quality of the audit.
• Acts as Engagement Quality Reviewer, providing independent evaluations of significant audit judgments made by the Engagement Leader; responsible for identifying risks impacting the quality of the work and the reputation of the office to the AAG PARA and to the Auditor General. Provides authoritative advice on strategies to address risks.
• Oversees the work of Engagement Leaders on less complex audits; provides expertise, support and direction.
• Manages relationships with audit entities’ senior leadership and executive and; works to promote cooperation, education, and effective communication.
• Manages complex, politically-sensitive issues related to communication of audit findings that have high impact and are subject to public scrutiny.
• Develops strategic workforce plans that include audit staff mentorship, development, and training; ensures appropriate resourcing and qualification levels of staff to deliver on audit timelines and OAG quality standards (OAG Quality Assurance Manual).
• Attends meetings of the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, with the Auditor General, to present and answer questions on performance audit reports, as required by the Assistant Auditor General.
• Contributes to the OAG's policies, plans, and strategies; identifies policy issues and makes recommendations to support ongoing improvements to efficiency, effectiveness and quality of audit products.
• Contributes to the ongoing evaluation and improvement initiatives of the OAG’s operations; leads assigned corporate projects and actively participates on working groups and senior management committees.
• Represents the OAG, as appropriate, with other legislative audit offices and working groups.
• Supervises teams of professional staff including assignment of work, development and evaluation of performance plans, approvals of leave, and disciplinary processes.
• Develops and manages the budget for related performance audit deliverables and resources.
• Responsible for procuring and managing related contracts for contracted resources and services for performance audit work.

Job Requirements – Education and Experience

• A post-graduate degree or equivalent credential in a field related to the mandate of the OAG, and a minimum of 10 years of experience leading and managing performance audits. Equivalent credential includes: CPA designation, CIA designation, law degree. Field related to the mandate of the OAG includes: business, accounting, law, economics, protection, public administration, political science, environmental science, engineering, health, social sciences, information technology/management, transportation.
• Experience leading performance audits includes progressively responsible experience including the following:
  • Planning, managing, conducting, and reporting audits in a public sector setting.
  • Leading and supervising a team of professionals engaged in performance audits.
  • Applying professional standards to guide the quality of audits.
• Three years of progressive experience leading the implementation and continual improvement of significant initiatives, including strategic planning, evaluation, and change management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Agility and adaptability in leading in changing circumstances.
• Knowledge of generally accepted auditing standards.
• In-depth knowledge of CPA quality management and direct audits standards.
• Well-developed understanding of public administration.
• Ability to lead staff toward the achievement of results.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with senior leaders.
• Experience managing projects and overseeing multiple projects.
• Experience in developing strategic communications for executive decision making, the public, and elected officials.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team of professionals, including directing, supervising, coaching, mentoring and motivating staff.
• Ability to lead, develop, and critically review strategic plans and major initiatives.
• Ability to create a positive environment that promotes responsible change management.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear, fair, and objective manner with auditees, team members and supervisors.
• Ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with auditees while upholding the independence of the OAG.
• Knowledge of the role of independent offices of the Legislative Assembly of B.C.
• Knowledge in a field related to the mandate of the OAG.

Preferences

• Preference may be given to candidates who have senior management experience in a legislative audit office.
• Preference may be given to candidates who are located in Victoria, BC or who are willing/able to relocate to Victoria, BC.

Conditions

• Must be eligible to work in Canada (Permanent Resident, Canadian Citizenship).
• Successful completion of security screening requirements of the B.C. public service, which may include a criminal record check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act check, and/or enhanced screening checks as required.
• Be flexible regarding ongoing changes in responsibilities, assignments, and corporate structures.
• We support a flexible hybrid work environment. However, you must be able to work in the office when required by your supervisor.
• Please see the attached job profile for a full description of the accountabilities and required qualifications.

How to Apply

1. Cover letter
2. Resume. Your resume must include whether you are eligible to work in Canada, and whether this is temporary.

Failure to provide the required documents listed above in PDF format will result in your application being unsuccessful.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm on November 27, 2025.

We encourage candidates of all backgrounds and all abilities to apply. We invite candidates to ask for help if they need accommodations for the job application process.

For more information, please contact [e-mail].