Head, Internal Audit and Assurance

Who We Are:

Every transaction matters. Every Canadian matters. At Interac, we protect both — driving trust, security, and inclusion, so our digital economy thrives.
 
Founded in 1984, Interac connects Canadians through secure digital payments, advanced identity verification and industry-leading fraud protection. Connecting banks, businesses, and individuals, Interac enables millions to send, receive, and manage money safely and effortlessly every day — across both digital and physical environments.

As the backbone of Canada’s financial ecosystem, Interac facilitates over 20 million transactions daily, supported by trusted partnerships with government and financial institutions. Consistently ranked as Canada’s most reputable financial technology brand, Interac is deeply embedded in the daily lives of Canadians.

Who You Will Work With: 

Reporting directly to the Group Head, General Counsel you will play a critical role in shaping the audit strategy, driving continuous improvement, and providing leadership to the internal audit team. This vacant, Head, Internal Audit and Assurance role, will be the strategic leader responsible for overseeing and enhancing the internal audit function. You will lead a team of nine professionals, driving audit strategy, governance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

What You Will Do:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive internal audit strategy that aligns with organizational goals and industry best practices. Provide visionary leadership to ensure the audit function supports the strategic direction of the organization.

• Process Optimization: oversee the maintenance and enhancement of internal audit processes, documentation, and reporting in alignment with industry standards and organizational needs. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize audit efficiency and effectiveness.

• Team Leadership: Mentor and lead a team of nine internal audit professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Promote professional development and ensure the team is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel.

• Cross-Functional Representation: Represent internal audit in cross-functional meetings, actively contributing to the development and updating of the Internal Audit Plan. Ensure audit perspectives are integrated into broader organizational initiatives.

• Executive Reporting:  Provide high-level strategic insights and recommendations to the Management Risk Committee and the Board through comprehensive briefing notes and reports. Ensure executive leadership is well-informed of audit findings and implications for organizational strategy.

• Audit Assessments: Spearhead the strategic execution of comprehensive internal audit assessments, ensuring operations are systematic, disciplined, and meticulously planned. Provide visionary leadership to the audit team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

• Documentation and Reporting: Oversee the development and meticulous preparation of assessment documentation, including detailed plans, scope, and criteria requirements. Deliver insightful draft and final assessment reports to senior management, offering strategic recommendations and actionable insights.

• GRC Framework: Partnering with the Head of Risk and Head of Compliance to establish a unified and scalable Governance, Risk and Compliance Framework to reinforce our risk and compliance posture to support strategic execution and reinforce stakeholder trust.

• GRC Implementation: Lead the strategic design and implementation of an Audit Module, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of internal audit processes. Collaborate with the selected GRC provider to ensure seamless integration and alignment with internal audit requirements, driving innovation and best practices.

• Training and Collaboration: Champion the launch of internal audit modules, providing comprehensive training programs for internal staff, vendors, stakeholders, and auditors. Foster strong collaborative relationships with the GRC supplier to ensure ongoing tool maintenance, updates, and enhancements, promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.

• Audit Delivery: Ensure the successful delivery of audit engagements, effectively managing activities, communications, and stakeholder expectations. Provide strategic leadership and support to auditees, adapting priorities as necessary to meet organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

• Continuous Improvement: Lead efforts within the internal audit team to continuously improve audit processes, techniques, skills, and knowledge. Conduct research on best practices and present recommendations for process enhancements. Incorporate continuous improvement practices, such as Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA), to drive audit excellence.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with third-party auditors to ensure the completion of final audit reports. Collaborate with auditees to ensure resourceful and efficient completion of audit activities. Foster strong relationships with stakeholders to enhance audit outcomes.

• Business Insight: Invest time in developing a deep understanding of business drivers, critical issues, and anticipating challenges. Leverage this knowledge to enhance the effectiveness of audit activities and provide valuable insights to the organization.

What You Bring:

• CISA, or CIA designation required, demonstrating a high level of expertise and commitment to the audit profession.

• University Degree or equivalent work experience in audit showcasing a strong foundation in audit principles and practices.

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in audit, with at least 8-10 years in a senior leadership role, reflecting a proven track record of managing and guiding audit teams.

• Extensive understanding of advanced audit techniques, best practices, and tools, ensuring the ability to lead complex audit engagements effectively.

• In-depth familiarity with CPA, IIA, and/or ISACA standards and guidelines, ensuring compliance with industry benchmarks and regulatory requirements.

• Strong understanding of IT, security, operations, risk management, and product management, enabling a holistic approach to audit activities.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with current technology platforms and cloud technologies, ensuring the ability to audit modern, technology-driven environments.

• Comprehensive knowledge of PCI DSS, ISO 27001 & 27002, and NIST Standards.

• Experience with Payment Technology/Products and Digital Verification is an asset.

• Eligibility to work for Interac Corp. in Canada in a full-time capacity.

Why Join Us?

At Interac, the impact we make, and the people who drive it, is profound. When you become part of our team, you’re joining a purpose-driven organization that’s shaping the future of digital finance in Canada. Here’s what you can expect:

• Investing in the Future – Help us unlock digital prosperity for all Canadians.

• Innovative Thinking – Collaborate on products, practices, and platforms that redefine what’s possible.

• Inclusive Culture – Be empowered to bring your whole self to work and realize your full potential.

• Inspiring Community – Work in an ecosystem where we lift each other up and rise together.

• Intentional Support – Enjoy flexible, supportive offerings that prioritize your total wellness.

Additional Pre-Employment Requirements:

To ensure the integrity of our organization, successful candidates will be required to complete background checks, which may include, Canadian Criminal Credit Check, Canadian ID Cross-Check, Public Safety Verification, 5-year Employment Verification, Education Verification, Credit Check, and Social Media Check.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Interac is also an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that innovation thrives when people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together. That’s why we are committed to providing fair and equitable employment opportunities for all individuals, without discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, ethnic origin, place of origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital or family status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require accommodation during any stage of the application or recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected]. We will work with you to meet your needs.

Please be aware that certain individuals are misusing Interac Corp.’s name and logo to promote fictitious employment opportunities. Interac Corp. never requests, solicits, or accepts any form of payment in exchange for employment. Any such offers are fraudulent and should be disregarded. Interac Corp. assumes no liability for any claims, losses, damages, expenses, or inconveniences arising from or related to these fraudulent activities. Such communications do not constitute an offer or representation by Interac Corp. or its subsidiaries and affiliates.