Chief Audit Executive

Chief Audit Executive Job Description

The Chief Audit Executive is a senior executive responsible for leading and overseeing the internal audit function of an organization. This pivotal role provides independent and objective assurance to the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and senior management regarding the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls. This role requires exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of business processes, and a commitment to maintaining professional standards. Candidates typically have 15+ years of progressive experience in audit, risk management, or finance, with a significant portion in a senior leadership capacity. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation is required, often complemented by an MBA. A profound understanding of the Canadian regulatory landscape, corporate governance best practices, and industry-specific standards is a critical requirement.

Typical chief audit executive duties:

Develop and execute a comprehensive, risk-based internal audit plan approved by the Audit Committee.

Lead and manage a high-performing internal audit team, providing mentorship and professional development.

Conduct independent audits of operational, financial, and compliance processes, assessing the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management.

Communicate audit findings, risks, and recommendations to the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and senior management.

Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on governance, risk management, and control matters.

Stay current with industry trends, emerging risks, and changes in Canadian laws and regulations that may impact the organization.

Oversee investigations into allegations of fraud, misconduct, or other significant control failures.

Coordinate with external auditors and regulatory bodies to ensure a cohesive and efficient audit process.

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Salary for Chief Audit Executive

154000 - 237000

Low

154000

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

Mid

195500

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferrable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

High

237000

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialized certifications.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

Low

Mid

High

Internal Audit Director

135000

150250

175000

Internal Audit Manager

113000

133750

148000

Senior Internal Auditor

94750

113500

131750

Internal Auditor

85250

99750

112500

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Our starting salary projections come from a rigorous, multistep process so that our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the country and third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary levels.

Starting compensation—pay for someone new to a role—can vary significantly based on a candidate’s skills, experience and certifications, as well as other factors including industry, company size and revenue, and demand for the role. To reflect this variability, we report our salary data in three levels: low, mid and high.