Lead Auditor in Montréal

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.

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Language Requirements: Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 on a scale 0-4.

Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree, 3 Years Related Experience with Bachelor’s Degree.

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.