Lead Auditor

McGill University; Sherbrooke; Hybrid; CAD 73,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Life Insurance

Defined contribution pension plan (em‑

RRSP & TFSA

Competitive vacation policy

Personal days

Floating holidays

Summer Fridays

Tuition waiver

Remote work up to 2 days/week

Job summary

McGill University’s Internal Audit function seeks a Lead Auditor reporting to the Director, Internal Audit. You will lead complex, high-exposure assurance, advisory and investigation engagements, aligned with ERM, and support the Audit and Risk Committee with independent insights.

The role emphasizes mentoring staff, developing risk-based plans, and leveraging data analytics and emerging technologies. Hybrid work includes remote days and bilingual communication is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must have strong communication skills in English and French (written & spoken).
• Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated client-focused mindset with professional discretion.

Responsibilities

• Independently leads high-exposure and complex internal audit engagements across all phases.
• Oversees and mentors Internal Auditors to ensure quality and professional growth.
• Plans, organizes and executes internal audit projects using risk-based approach.
• Contributes to annual risk assessment and Engagement Plan aligned with Institutional Priorities.
• Develops methodologies and integrates data analytics, Lean Six Sigma, and AI tools.
• Assesses adequacy of controls and designs appropriate testing scope.
• Performs root-cause analyses to identify systemic issues and fraud risk.
• Recommends practical improvements and tracks action plans with management.
• Prepares and finalizes engagement reports for Senior Administration and Audit Committee.

Skills

Communication in English & French

Multi-tasking

Autonomous & teamwork

Client-focused

Education

CPA/CIA/CRMA designation

Job description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Internal Audit, and working closely with the Executive Director, Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk Management, the Lead Auditor is a member of McGill’s Internal Audit function, operating as the third line and reporting functionally to the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of Governors. In conformance with The IIA’s Global Internal Audit Standards™ and the University’s Internal Audit Charter, the function strengthens McGill’s ability to create, protect and sustain value by providing the Audit and Risk Committee and Senior Management with independent, risk-based and objective assurance, advice, insight and foresight. The Lead Auditor independently leads complex, high-exposure assurance, advisory and investigation engagements aligned with the Institutional Priorities, and contributes to the University’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Program, for which Internal Audit is the designated ERM Facilitator under the ERM Policy.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently leads high-exposure and complex internal audit engagements across all phases — planning, execution and reporting — exercising professional judgment on scope, approach and escalation.


• Oversees and reviews the work performed by the Internal Auditors assigned to the engagements to ensure quality standards are met, and coaches and mentors Internal Auditors to build their technical and professional capabilities.


• Prioritizes, plans, organizes and executes internal audit projects in accordance with the engagement approach and risk-based methodology.


• Contributes to the development of the annual risk assessment and Internal Audit Engagement Plan, aligning proposed engagements with the Institutional Risk Register, the Institutional Priorities, and bringing forward emerging trends and risks for consideration.


• Develops and implements methodologies, policies, programs and systems that support the unit’s operations, including the integration of data analytics, Lean Six Sigma and emerging technologies (e.g., AI-assisted audit tools) to enhance audit efficiency and impact.


• Assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control systems by performing risk-based testing procedures and determining the appropriate scope of analysis.


• Performs root‑cause analysis to identify systemic issues beyond individual control gaps, taking fraud risk into account in the design of engagement procedures.


• Recommends practical, forward‑looking process improvements and engages with management as it develops action plans to address internal control deficiencies and strengthen risk management practices, while management retains ownership of the design and implementation of corrective actions.


• Follows up and validates the implementation status of management action plans arising from audit engagements and reports on outstanding items.


• Prepares and finalizes the internal engagement report for distribution to the Senior Administration and the Audit Committee.


• Presents engagement results and recommendations directly to senior management and, as required, to the Audit and Risk Committee, in support of the Director and Executive Director.


• Leads special assignments and examinations, including investigations, exercising independence, objectivity and discretion, and coordinating as appropriate with Legal Services, Human Resources and the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.


• Contributes to the Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP), including engagement quality reviews, periodic self‑assessments, performance metrics and preparation for external quality assessments Maintains up‑to‑date professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing relevant publications, building networks and participating in professional associations, and represents the function externally (e.g., IIA Montreal, IIA Canada) to strengthen McGill’s standing within the profession.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• More than 3 years’ experience in Internal Audit or related field.


• A recognized professional designation (CPA, CIA, CRMA or equivalent), in progress or completed is considered an asset.


• Excellent communication skills in both English and French (written and spoken).


• Demonstrated ability to multi‑task and to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines.


• Must be client‑focused and service‑oriented with a proven ability to deal with people at all levels.


• Proven ability to transmit and receive information accurately when working with clients and deal effectively and diplomatically in delicate situations.


• Proven ability to take initiative and work autonomously and as part of a team.


• Experience working with non‑profit organizations, universities or other higher education institutions.

Benefits and Compensation

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)


• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)


• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)


• Competitive vacation policy


• Two (2) personal days


• Two (2) floating holidays


• Nine (9) \"Summer Fridays\" - paid days off between the St‑Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day Paid time off over the December holiday period


• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents


• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 05) $73,470.00 - $91,840.00 - $110,210.00

Job Profile: MPEX-FIN2C - Audit, Risk, Insurance & Investments - Professional

Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor: Director Internal Audit

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply: 2026-10-27

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community.

We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self‑identify.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research.

For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues.

McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future.

McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer.

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