Position Information
Position Title
Director, Internal Audit Services
Department/Unit
Internal Audit Services
Location
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number
S141-25
Employee Group
DPMG
Position Type
Regular, On-Going
Duration of Contract (if applicable)
Employment Type
Full Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE)
1
Salary
Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Classification
ADM-09
Provisional Statement
This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.
About Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.
Job Summary
Internal Audit Services is an independent, objective, assurance function, serving the Administration and the Board of Governors. Reporting to the Chief Assurance and Risk Officer, Assistant Vice President, University Risk Management, and functionally to the FAIR Committee of Dalhousie’s Board of Governors to maintain independence, the Director, Internal Audit Services provides objective, quality assurance to the university’s Board of Governors’ FAIR Committee and Senior Administration on the effectiveness of the university’s risk management, control and governance processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Executes audit activities in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, establishes standards and guidelines for managing and carrying out internal audit services, and manages, advises, and guides auditors and investigators including the assignment of audits and investigations.
- Develops annual, risk-based plans to determine the priorities of the internal audit activity, consistent with Dalhousie’s objectives and goals and provides it to the FAIR Committee for approval.
- Performs risk based internal audits, reviews and investigations for significant operational, financial, compliance, and information management processes. Collaborates with other administrative leaders and/or external auditors and consultants to carry out reviews and investigations.
- Champions and embeds the use of analytics to ensure efficiencies both within Internal Audit and university processes.
- Provides strategic advice and information to senior administration to inform university strategic planning and assesses and reports on operational controls in place to manage risk.
- Provides advice to university leaders in the areas of risk management, internal control and governance processes as requested by them and to work with university leaders to develop a practical and effective solution to any identified issues.
- Reports semi-annually, annually, and as needed on audit matters in summary to the Chair of the FAIR Committee.
Note
The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.
Required Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree with considerable years of progressive audit experience and audit leadership (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Professional auditing designation (CIA, CISA, etc.).
- Proficient at establishing data analytics into audit delivery and strategy.
- Exceptional active listening skills, showing empathy to audited individuals while mentoring direct reports.
- Ability to see risks holistically to ensure risks and process inquiries brought forward are audited appropriately.
- Ability to further align agile auditing principles with Dalhousie’s governance structure.
- Exceptional communication skills and an openness that instills confidence with both the Board of Governors and senior leadership.
Assets
- Professional accounting and fraud designation.
Job Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:
- Thinking and Acting Strategically
- Relationship Building
- Resource & Process Management
- Accountability for Performance & Results
- Change and Innovation
Additional Information
Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application Consideration
Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.
We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.
We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.
Diversity Statement
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Open Date
08/11/2025
Close Date
08/25/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19380