Director of Assurance | Principal-Level Candidates Welcome | Partnership Track

Director of Assurance | Principal-Level Candidates Welcome | Partnership Track

Industry: Public Accounting | Audit & Assurance Position: Director of Assurance | Principal-Level Candidates Considered Career Progression: Opportunity to Become Principal (Partner-Equivalent) Licensing: Active Public Accounting License (PAL) or LPA

(All candidates will need to have their CPA) The Opportunity

We are representing an established and rapidly expanding public accounting firm in Ottawa that is seeking an experienced Director of Assurance to lead its existing assurance department and play an instrumental role in the firm's next phase of growth. The firm is also actively interested in engaging established Principals and Partners who already hold an active PAL or LPA and may be considering a new leadership opportunity.

This is not a traditional Director position focused solely on managing engagements or reviewing files. Our client is looking for an accomplished assurance professional who is ready to take ownership of a department, lead a growing team, strengthen client relationships and contribute to the firm's long-term strategic direction. The opportunity is open to: Experienced Assurance Directors

seeking a pathway to becoming a Principal. Existing Principals or Partners

who hold an active PAL or LPA and are interested in joining a growing practice with greater strategic influence. Senior Assurance Leaders

with strong technical expertise, established client relationships and the ambition to progress into senior practice leadership. For professionals not yet operating at Principal level, this position offers a potential

partnership-track opportunity, with progression to Principal , subject to mutual fit, performance and agreement. For candidates already at Principal or Partner level, the firm is open to discussing an appropriate senior leadership appointment based on their experience, commercial contribution and long-term career objectives. As the firm operates as a professional corporation rather than a traditional partnership,

Principal is its Partner-equivalent leadership title . About the Firm

Our client is an established, entrepreneurial public accounting practice with ambitious expansion plans and a strong commitment to quality, client service and long-term professional relationships. The firm is entering an exciting phase of development, including: Expansion into a significantly larger, modern office in downtown Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood, with convenient highway access and underground parking. Plans to approximately double its team over the next two years. Ongoing business expansion, including potential acquisitions and opportunities to influence the future direction of the practice. An established assurance department with an existing foundation of clients, engagements and professional resources. A strong commitment to professional standards, supported by independent external quality-control reviews and a recent CPA inspection with zero deficiencies. The incoming assurance leader will inherit an established function rather than being expected to build a department from the ground up. Key Responsibilities

Assurance Leadership & Technical Oversight

Assume leadership responsibility for the firm's existing assurance department. Oversee the planning, execution and delivery of audit, review and other applicable assurance engagements. Provide technical direction and maintain high standards of accuracy, compliance and professional quality. Review complex engagement files, financial statements and related reporting. Ensure compliance with applicable Canadian assurance standards, professional regulations and quality-management requirements. Act as a senior technical resource for assurance-related matters. Lead, mentor and develop assurance professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team. Oversee engagement allocation, workflow management, resource planning and departmental priorities. Support the recruitment, training and development of additional assurance professionals as the firm expands. Help establish efficient processes, consistent service standards and a strong culture of accountability. Client Relationship Management

Serve as a trusted senior adviser to the firm's assurance clients. Oversee key client relationships and ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality professional services. Provide strategic financial reporting, assurance and business advice where appropriate. Identify opportunities to strengthen relationships and expand services offered to existing clients. Business Development & Strategic Growth

Work closely with the firm's leadership to identify opportunities for continued expansion. Contribute to client acquisition, relationship development and business growth initiatives. Leverage existing professional networks and established client relationships where applicable. Help shape the future direction and operational structure of the assurance practice. Participate in longer-term strategic discussions as the firm continues to expand. Qualifications & Experience

Active Public Accounting Licence (PAL) or LPA , with the necessary authorisation to practise public accounting in Ontario. Extensive experience in Canadian public accounting, particularly audit and assurance. Demonstrated experience overseeing assurance engagements and providing technical review. Strong knowledge of applicable Canadian assurance and financial reporting standards. Proven ability to manage client relationships and lead professional teams. Excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills. Highly desirable

Current experience at

Director, Principal, Partner or equivalent senior leadership level . Experience within a small-to-medium-sized Canadian public accounting firm, although professionals from larger national and Big Four firms are also welcome. Existing professional networks, established client relationships or demonstrated business development capabilities. An entrepreneurial mindset and an interest in influencing the growth and direction of an expanding practice. Interest in long-term Principal-level leadership and potential commercial participation in the firm's future growth. What Makes This Opportunity Different?

Take responsibility for an existing assurance function with the opportunity to develop its people, processes, service delivery and future direction. Meaningful leadership influence

Work closely with the firm's existing leadership and contribute directly to decisions around departmental growth, client development and future expansion. An exciting phase of expansion

Join a firm making significant investments in its people, office infrastructure and long-term growth. Partnership Track – Opportunity to Become Principal

For experienced Directors and senior assurance professionals, this opportunity provides a potential pathway to becoming a Principal within an expanding public accounting practice. The firm's long-term vision includes dedicated Principal-level leadership across its key service lines, including assurance. A future Principal appointment and potential buy-in arrangement may be explored following a period of mutual assessment and demonstrated success, with the structure and timing subject to further agreement. Already a Principal or Partner?

The firm is equally interested in engaging established Principals and Partners who hold an active PAL or LPA. Candidates already operating at this level are encouraged to explore the opportunity, as the firm is open to discussing senior leadership positioning that appropriately reflects their experience and existing responsibilities. Competitive and negotiable remuneration

An attractive compensation package will be discussed based on the individual's experience, technical expertise, leadership capabilities, established client relationships and potential contribution to the firm's growth.

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