Chief Internal Auditor

Chief Internal Auditor

McMaster University

Advancing human and societal health and well-being

McMaster University is a leading research-focused, student-centred university, committed to developing a distinctive, personalized, engaging and sustainable student experience, maintaining and further strengthening its capability for outstanding research and scholarship, and enhancing the connections between the University and the communities it serves, locally, provincially, nationally and around the globe. 

Committed to delivering on its promise of Truth and Reconciliation, McMaster University recognizes and acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.  In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The Chief Internal Auditor provides overall leadership and direction to Internal Audit in a manner that is consistent with the strategic direction of the University, and has overall accountability for achieving functional goals and objectives as set by the Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Governors.  This includes developing short-term and long-term strategic plans, monitoring and evaluating the progress in achieving those plans, allocating essential resources, and acquiring, inspiring and evaluating the senior manager-level staff to ensure they possess the professional competence and service-orientation required for the positions. 

The Chief Internal Auditor assists by providing assurance pertaining to the effectiveness of financial reporting and internal control processes and evaluates if the university is maintaining an appropriate level of control with regard to its internal policy framework. The Chief Internal Auditor works closely with both the Assistant Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer and the Assistant Vice President & Chief Technology Officer and their teams in ensuring effective internal control protocols are embedded in core operating systems. The Chief Internal Auditor emphasizes a risk-based approach to internal audits in accordance with the audit universe assessment. They are expected to pursue a partnership approach with auditees by providing both independent and objective assessment and through constructive feedback as well as advisory and consulting services designed to add value and improve the organization’s operations, and to mitigate risk. They will develop and execute an annual audit work plan, integrated with the risk management framework, in consultation with McMaster’s stakeholders for approval by the Audit & Risk Committee.

The successful candidate will have a track record of increasing responsibilities in internal audit, preferably across multiple sectors or industries, including the post-secondary education sector. Ideally, they will possess a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation or a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, along with a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation, or equivalent in training, education, or work experience. The Chief Internal Auditor will be expected to be highly skilled at providing strategic business advice, setting and implementing internal audit priorities, fostering innovation among the audit team, and demonstrating the value of the audit function to a wide spectrum of stakeholders. Preference will be given to candidates with exceptional leadership, planning, advisory, and communication skills. A willingness and ability to uphold the University’s commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion is a must. 

The diversity of the McMaster community and its workforce is at the core of its innovation and creativity and strengthens McMaster’s research, teaching and service excellence, as well as its broader learning environment. To fulfill McMaster’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity, the University invites applications from all qualified candidates who share in this commitment. We welcome applications from self-identified Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women and members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. 

Candidates requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact Kathy Rahme of Boyden at krahme@boyden.com to communicate accommodation needs. 

All applicants are asked to complete a confidential Diversity Survey as part of the application submission process. The Survey questions are voluntary, and the entire Survey will take approximately two minutes to complete. All information collected is confidential and will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the applicant pool and to promote a fair, equitable and inclusive talent acquisition process. The survey link will be provided to you at the time of your application. 

Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

To be considered for the role, please visit: boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/864. For more information, please contact Kathy Rahme at krahme@boyden.com. All materials should be received by mid-May 2021. Once we receive the materials of those who express interest in the position, we will compare them against the Candidate Profile and against the backgrounds of other candidates. We will be in touch directly if you are selected to proceed forward with a description of the steps in the process.