Chief Audit Officer

As a Crown corporation, we uphold the highest standards of governance, accountability, and risk management, ensuring financial sustainability while delivering value to stakeholders. We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Chief Audit Officer (CAO) to lead our internal audit function with independence and objectivity while collaborating closely with enterprise risk and compliance functions to strengthen governance, fraud prevention, and regulatory oversight

The Role
As Chief Audit Officer (CAO), you will lead an independent internal audit function, delivering objective assurance and advisory services that add value and drive continuous improvement. This strategic role involves overseeing internal control assessments, fraud prevention strategies, and operational audits to enhance organizational governance, financial integrity, and risk management.

You will collaborate closely with governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) stakeholders to align audit initiatives with corporate strategies while maintaining independence. The CAO will uphold compliance with public sector mandates, regulatory standards, and ethical policies, ensuring transparency and accountability.

In addition, the CAO will lead the Program Compliance & Investigation Department, which is an objective, risk-based function established within AFSC to protect the integrity of AFSC's programs by reviewing the accuracy, reliability and integrity of information provided by AFSC's clients for the purposes of program participation.

Reporting functionally to the Board Finance and Audit Committee and administratively to the Chief Executive Officer, you will advise executive leadership on internal control enhancements and risk mitigation strategies. As a visionary leader, you will foster a culture of integrity, innovation, and excellence, leveraging advanced analytics and emerging technologies to drive audit effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities in this Role

Internal Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Increased involvement in board committees, particularly audit, risk, and governance committees, positions them well for broader senior leadership opportunities.
• Strategic Advisory Role: As financial and insurance solutions evolve, the CAO will contribute independent insights into governance best practices, operational risk controls, and regulatory compliance.

External Career Advancements:

• Senior Leadership: The CAO's expertise in governance, financial controls, and risk management positions them well for broader senior leadership roles.
• Regulatory & Public Sector Roles: Opportunities with government bodies, regulatory agencies, or industry-standard organizations in audit, risk, or compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Audit Leadership & Oversight

• Lead and manage a robust internal audit function that provides value-add, objective assurance and advisory services.
• Deliver audit programs that assess internal controls, operational efficiency, fraud risk and financial integrity.
• Coordinate audit planning to ensure transparency and alignment across functions while preserving audit independence.
• Build and lead a high-performing audit team aligned with AFSC's strategy and values.

Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Collaboration

• Work closely with Risk, Legal & Compliance to align internal audit activities with AFSC's GRC frameworks.
• Share insights from audit findings to support the organization's ongoing enhancement of governance, risk management and compliance.
• Support and inform fraud prevention and detection strategies through the lens of helping to strengthen the overall fraud prevention program, particularly in claims processing and financial transactions.

Public Sector Accountability

• Ensure audit practices meet Institute of Internal Auditors audit standards and Crown corporation expectations for transparency and ethical conduct. Maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies, the Office of the Auditor General, and oversight committees.
• Oversee audits that reinforce compliance with government mandates, financial reporting standards, and conflict of interest policies.

Executive & Board Engagement

• Provide regular, insightful reporting to the Board Finance and Audit Committee.
• Advise the CEO and leadership team on audit-based recommendations, internal control enhancements and risk mitigation.

Collaborate with AFSC's Risk, Compliance, and Legal leadership to ensure coordination of efforts, consistency in application of the enterprise risk framework and risk appetites, and clear delineation of the second and third line of defense responsibilities. Present audit results and managements action plans to Board, executive and senior leadership maintaining independence in audit activities. Contribute to strategic planning and organizational learning by offering a unique, objective perspective.

Leadership & Strategic Influence

• Cultivate a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Stay informed on emerging risks, regulatory changes, and industry best practices in financial services and insurance.
• Drive audit innovation by leveraging data analytics, AI, and automation for more effective risk assessments.

What Are We Looking for in You?

• Independence & Objectivity: Ability to provide impartial and fair assessments while maintaining strong working relationships with business units.
• Professional Expertise: Strong knowledge of internal audit standards, financial controls, risk assessment, and compliance.
• Risk-Based Approach: Ability to focus on the highest risk areas and ensure alignment on risk definitions and prioritization.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Ability to work effectively with enterprise risk and compliance teams while maintaining independence in audit assurance.
• Ethical Standards: Adherence to recognized audit and professional ethics standards (e.g., IIA Standards).
• Governance & Compliance Knowledge: Deep understanding of public sector governance, audit committees, and risk models.

Qualifications & Experience

• CPA, CISA, CIA or equivalent designation required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, risk management, or compliance, preferably within financial services, insurance, or the public sector.
• Proven leadership experience managing internal audit teams and advising senior executives and boards.
• Strong knowledge of government regulations, Crown corporation mandates, and financial risk management.
• Experience implementing audit technology, data analytics, and process automation is an asset.

Why Join Us?
At AFSC, we are dedicated to supporting our clients, the agriculture industry, empowering our team, and driving excellence. This is an opportunity to lead a critical function in a purpose-driven organization, strengthening audit, governance, and risk assurance in the financial and insurance sector for agriculture.

What Else is in It for You?

• Health, dental, and vision benefits on your first day of employment
• Health spending account
• Corporate functions
• Winter closure
• MEPP contributions
• Generous vacation and special leave days
• Health and wellness initiatives

How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter online.

Join us in making a meaningful impact on the agriculture industry while building a dynamic and rewarding career!