Chief Audit Officer

Posted Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM | Expired Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 7:59 AM At AFSC, we care about each other, about Alberta and about agriculture. PEOPLE ARE OUR FOUNDATION. We want to work with talented people from a wide range of backgrounds. We strive to create a psychologically safe environment where we can all be ourselves and perform to the best of our abilities. CLIENTS ARE OUR FOCUS. The perseverance and hard work we see from our clients inspires us to show that same work ethic in everything that we do. EXCELLENCE IS OUR ASPIRATION. We are innovative, knowledgeable, and diverse and love what Albertan agriculture produces for people around the world. Working together, we grow and sustain the agriculture industry in Alberta. Location is flexible, within Alberta, dependent on the successful applicant. 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 and program compliance functions, fostering an environment that is built on integrity, accountability, and high ethical standards. The Role Reporting directly to the Chair of the Board Finance and Audit Committee with operational management reporting to the Chief Executive Officer role, the CAO will lead the internal audit function, ensuring alignment with our corporate strategy, risk framework, and regulatory requirements. The CAO will act as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors, Finance & Audit Committee, CEO, and senior management, providing objective insights on governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). This role is key in shaping audit strategy, building organizational capabilities, and strengthening our risk-based approach to decision-making. What will your growth opportunities look like in this role? Internal Growth Opportunities Board and Executive Leadership – Increased involvement in board committees, particularly audit, risk, and governance committees, could lead to a future executive role such as CFO or COO. Strategic Advisory Role – As financial and insurance solutions evolve, the CAO can influence policy development, risk mitigation strategies, and operational efficiency improvements. External Career Advancements Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Chief Risk Officer (CRO) – With experience in governance, financial controls, and risk management, a CAO is well-positioned for a C‑suite role. Regulatory & Public Sector Roles – Opportunities with government bodies, regulatory agencies (e.g., financial oversight authorities), or industry‑standard organizations in audit, risk, or compliance. Board Directorships – Many senior audit executives transition into board positions for financial institutions, insurance providers, and industry organizations. What will you be responsible for? Internal Audit Leadership & Oversight Lead and manage the internal audit function, ensuring high-quality assurance and advisory services. Provide objective assessments of internal controls, fraud risks, and operational efficiencies. Risk Management & Governance helps the Enterprise Risk and Compliance area to: Ensure the organization maintains strong governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) frameworks. Collaborate with executive leadership to identify, assess, and mitigate key financial and operational risks. Strengthen the organization’s fraud prevention and detection strategies, particularly in claims processing and financial transactions. Regulatory Compliance & Public Sector Accountability helps the Enterprise Risk and Compliance area to: Ensure compliance with government regulations, financial industry standards, and Crown corporation mandates. Maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies, Office of the Auditor General, and oversight committees. Conduct audits and assessments to ensure transparency and accountability in the corporation’s financial reporting and public disclosures. Oversee adherence to public sector auditing standards, ethics policies, and conflict-of-interest regulations. Executive & Board Engagement Report regularly to the Board Finance and Audit Committee, providing insights on audit findings and risk trends. Advise the CEO and executive team on internal control improvements and risk mitigation strategies. Serve as a key advisor in corporate governance, policy development, and ethical decision-making. Present audit results and risk assessments, updates to senior and executive leadership. Leadership & Strategic Influence Foster 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, leveraging data analytics, AI, and automation for more effective risk assessments. What are we looking for from you? Independence & Objectivity – Ability to provide impartial and fair assessments while fostering trust 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, ensuring alignment on risk definitions and prioritization. Agility & Flexibility – Ability to adapt to evolving organizational needs and tailor audit activities accordingly. Ethical Standards – Adherence to a recognized code ethics, such as the IIA Standards. Governance & Compliance Knowledge – Deep understanding of public sector governance, audit committees, and risk models. Qualifications & Experience 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, shaping the future of audit, risk, and governance 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. About AFSC For over 80 years Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) has provided Alberta's agricultural producers and agribusinesses with loans, crop insurance and farm income disaster assistance. At AFSC, we’re proud of the work we do to help build a strong, growing and diversified agriculture and agri-food industry in Alberta. Many AFSC team members are also producers and know first-hand the challenges and rewards Alberta producers face. #J-18808-Ljbffr