VP, Chief Internal Auditor | West

Position: VP, Chief Internal Auditor | Great West
Permanent Full Time
The Chief Internal Auditor, Canada has responsibility for leading the talented, well-respected Internal Audit community team in Canada.
The primary role of Internal Audit is to assist the Board in discharging its governance responsibilities in monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of systems of internal control, by providing independent reliable assurance that the organization’s governance, risk management and control processes are adequate, effective and sustainable.
The secondary objective is to work in partnership with the leadership team and business executives, developing strong and mutually beneficial relationships, to support and influence continuous improvement in the governance, risk management and control processes and practices through the sharing of best practices. Working as part of a dynamic Global Internal Audit team, the successful candidate will operate as de facto Head of Audit for all of the assigned businesses

What You Will Do   Ensure the function drives a best practice approach and has a strong customer focus.
Work to support stakeholders’ understanding of issues relating to the governance and risk management framework and ensure Internal Audit leverages the work being led by 2nd Line Risk and Compliance, while still providing the level of independent assurance expected by the Board.
Maintain a comprehensive, reliable risk profile across delegated areas that will be derived from high executive visibility/connectivity and a fundamental understanding of the underlying risks.
Have the ability to create a flexible plan from a blank sheet of paper based on collaboration with executives, management, Internal Audit colleagues, written documentation from Management and most importantly, from their knowledge and experience.
Deliver high impact written reports and presentations on pertinent governance, risk management and control issues to the Audit Committee, senior executives, regulators and other key stakeholders.
Instill a professional approach to the manner and methodology through which the Audit staff deliver their work.
Enhance the function’s performance while improving personal performance and career development to provide a professional and reliable audit opinion with the aim of continuous development of the control environment
What You Will Bring   Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline; CPA/CA designation is an asset.
15+ years of executive experience in a complex, highly regulated environment, ideally within financial services or insurance.
Proven success leading a progressive internal audit function, strengthening audit practices, governance frameworks, and enterprise risk management capabilities.
Strong experience managing relationships with regulators, external auditors, and senior stakeholders, with the credibility and judgment to influence across a complex global organization.
Demonstrated ability to balance audit independence and governance rigor with business priorities, contributing meaningfully to strategic and commercial discussions.
Track record of building, developing, and retaining high-performing, diverse teams, while fostering talent and leadership at all levels.
Experience operating in global, matrixed environments, navigating competing priorities and collaborating effectively across geographies and functions.
Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills, with the presence to earn trust and respect from Boards, executives, colleagues, regulators, and external partners.
Strategic yet hands-on leader who combines strong business acumen, sound judgment, and attention to detail with the ability to drive execution and results.
Resilient, adaptable, and culturally agile, with…