City Auditor

at  City of Saskatoon

Division: Corporate Financial Services
Department: Internal Audit Office
Term: 1 Permanent Full Time position(s) available.
Closing Date: 07/14/2024
Labour Group: Executive Contract
Posting: 3390
Join Our Team!
The City of Saskatoon’s Internal Audit Office is looking for a City Auditor.
Who we are looking for:
The City Auditor is responsible for leading the internal audit function that serves the City of Saskatoon by providing independent , objective assurance and consulting services that add value and improve the City’s operations. As a trusted advisor to City Council and related Committees the City Auditor will be responsible for both strategic and day-to-day operations, including: developing a strategic vision and business plan for the function; crafting policies and practices that align with best practice for internal audit functions; performing all phases of the internal audit process; overseeing the work of contracted service providers; and managing of the Whistleblower policy and procedures.

The work you will be involved in:

• Develops and recommends the strategic framework for internal auditing to mitigate organizational risk.
• Develops, prioritizes, plans and executes the annual internal audit plan based on the standards and practices of the Institute of Internal Auditors’ International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, through a combination of in-house and contracted resources.
• Conducts internal audits as part of the resourcing of the annual internal audit plan including carrying out planning/familiarization activities; establishing audit objectives; conducting fieldwork activities; gathering and assessing audit evidence; and evaluating and concluding on the adequacy of internal control systems and business practices.
• Generates insightful, accurate, balanced and meaningful audit reports that include practical recommendations for improvement. Presents audit reports and key findings to City Council and/or the Standing Policy Committee on Finance.
• Develops and executes the process to track and follow up on open audit recommendations.
• Assists Administration by providing support, problem solving, advice and insight on projects and initiatives; shares information, analysis and recommendations based on control objectives, best practice and professional standards; performs special assignments, business reviews, consulting projects and/or investigations as required.
• Oversees, monitors and evaluates the work of contracted service providers. Provides information to external stakeholders as required.
• Participates in Committee meetings to ensure that the internal audit function is well-informed of key issues and/or business developments that could have an impact on internal audit priorities and risk exposure.
• Maintains the independence necessary for an effective internal audit function while fostering strong, positive, productive and collaborative relationships with organizational leaders and colleagues at all levels, as well as with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Manages the Whistleblower policy and procedures through receiving, assessing, appropriately investigating, and reporting the outcome of all allegations and reports received.
• Negotiates, mediates, supports and encourages the desire for change, facilitates and presents information to an audience with varied levels of familiarity and knowledge of internal control objectives and audit practices.
• Develops an annual business plan and operating budget and ensures that they are implemented in accordance with the City’s budget plan.
• Meets regularly with the Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance to provide an update on internal audit activities, performance, findings and emerging trends.
• Develops policies, procedures, frameworks and methodologies for the internal audit function that align with best practice for small internal audit shops.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

To be successful in this role, a person will have:

• Degree in a related discipline.
• Possession of a professional accounting designation (e.g. Chartered Professional Accountant) and auditing (e.g. Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Government Auditing Professional, etc.) designation(s) from an accredited institution
• Ten years progressively responsible experience providing internal audit services in a large organization.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Advanced knowledge of internal auditing techniques and concepts, and experience in applying them in the evaluation of diverse and complex business processes.
• Demonstrated ability to determine requirements, evaluate options, plan, build and modify (as and when required) an internal audit program and associated services.
• Ability to work independently on audit projects that have little or no precedent; resourceful and able to prioritize (and re-prioritize) in a fast-paced, often changing and dynamic environment to achieve municipal objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, trust-based relationships across multiple areas both within the organization and with external stakeholders/municipal counterparts. Recognized within the organization as a knowledgeable, influential and trusted advisor able to collaborate to help solve complex problems with practical solutions.
• Ability to be a critical, analytical, creative and innovative thinker; able to draw on professional judgement, reasoned analysis and past relevant experience to develop and present new ideas and conceptualize new approaches and solutions in a collaborative and persuasive manner.
• Skilled in communication, including verbal, written, interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to effectively interact with and influence individuals in different disciplines and at different levels.
• Ability to provide leadership and oversight as a project manager for contracted services.
• Ability to uphold professional ethics applicable to the role (i.e. City of Saskatoon Code of Conduct, Institute of Internal Auditors’ Code of Ethics) and exercise due professional care.
• Ability to champion and model the organizational culture demonstrating accountability, transparency, high performance, innovation and speaking responsibly.
• Ability to champion and model the organization’s values demonstrating people matter, trust, integrity, respect, safety and courage.

Competencies:
Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to determine audit program requirements through comprehensive needs analysis and stakeholder consultation.
Prioritization: Skilled in prioritizing and re-prioritizing tasks to meet changing municipal objectives and deadlines.
Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships across various organizational areas.
Critical Thinking: Ability to critically analyze and evaluate complex problems, drawing on professional judgment and reasoned analysis.
Interpersonal Communication: Ability to influence and engage others through effective interpersonal communication.
Oversight: Ability to provide effective oversight and ensure project alignment with organizational goals and standards.
Professional Care: Exercise due professional care in all audit activities and decisions.
Value Demonstration: Exhibit the organization’s values, including people matter, trust, integrity, respect, safety, and courage in all professional activities and interactions.
Apply with us!
If you are interested in City Auditor job, but don’t have all these qualifications – apply anyway. All applicants will be considered with an emphasis on relevant experience, education, and applicable skills.
Weekly Hours: 40

• Degree in a related discipline.
• Possession of a professional accounting designation (e.g. Chartered Professional Accountant) and auditing (e.g. Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Government Auditing Professional, etc.) designation(s) from an accredited institution
• Ten years progressively responsible experience providing internal audit services in a large organization.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Advanced knowledge of internal auditing techniques and concepts, and experience in applying them in the evaluation of diverse and complex business processes.
• Demonstrated ability to determine requirements, evaluate options, plan, build and modify (as and when required) an internal audit program and associated services.
• Ability to work independently on audit projects that have little or no precedent; resourceful and able to prioritize (and re-prioritize) in a fast-paced, often changing and dynamic environment to achieve municipal objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, trust-based relationships across multiple areas both within the organization and with external stakeholders/municipal counterparts. Recognized within the organization as a knowledgeable, influential and trusted advisor able to collaborate to help solve complex problems with practical solutions.
• Ability to be a critical, analytical, creative and innovative thinker; able to draw on professional judgement, reasoned analysis and past relevant experience to develop and present new ideas and conceptualize new approaches and solutions in a collaborative and persuasive manner.
• Skilled in communication, including verbal, written, interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to effectively interact with and influence individuals in different disciplines and at different levels.
• Ability to provide leadership and oversight as a project manager for contracted services.
• Ability to uphold professional ethics applicable to the role (i.e. City of Saskatoon Code of Conduct, Institute of Internal Auditors’ Code of Ethics) and exercise due professional care.
• Ability to champion and model the organizational culture demonstrating accountability, transparency, high performance, innovation and speaking responsibly.
• Ability to champion and model the organization’s values demonstrating people matter, trust, integrity, respect, safety and courage