ABOUT THE REGIONAL MUNICPIALITY OF WOOD BUFFALO

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) is a vibrant, dynamic region located within Treaty 8 Territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene and unceded territory of the Métis. Situated in northern Alberta, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo comprises of Fort McMurray, 9 rural communities and 12 Indigenous communities. Covering over 63,000 square kilometres, the RMWB is the largest regional municipality in Canada by area and is home to the Athabasca oil sands, one of the world’s largest deposits of heavy crude bitumen that accounts for 25% of Canada’s gross product. 

Formed in 1995, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is an established municipality, rich in cultural diversity, opportunity and endless natural beauty.  Home to residents from all over the world, the region is well positioned for continued growth employing over 1500 full time employees, who work closely with Council to serve its residents, stakeholders and community partners. The Municipality delivers critical services in the areas of Regional Emergency Services, Environmental Services, Transit, Public Works, Planning and Development, Community Services, Finance and Capital Projects with an annual operating and capital budget of $600M and $1.2B in assets.

ABOUT THE REGIONAL AUDITOR

The Regional Auditor reports administratively to the Chief Administrative Officer and is functionally accountable to the Audit and Compliance Committee. This dual reporting relationship supports independence and unbiased assessment, strengthens governance oversight, and aligns with Council’s authority under the Municipal Act to examine any area of the organization within its lawful jurisdiction. The Regional Auditor provides independent, objective assurance, advisory, and investigative services that enhance public trust and support effective governance, risk management, and internal controls across the Municipality.

As a designated officer, the Regional Auditor operates in full compliance with the Audit and Compliance Committee

Bylaw. The scope of the Regional Auditor includes auditing any area of municipal operations, as well as any

Municipality-owned or partially owned entity, or any entity that receives benefit from the Municipality, where

legal authority exists to conduct an audit.

As a leader, the Regional Auditor is responsible for the effective management and delivery of the Regional Auditor’s

office. The incumbent upholds the Municipality’s organizational values and is accountable for fostering a healthy,

safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Leading by example, the Regional Auditor promotes the Municipality’s

cultural competencies of personal accountability, continuous improvement, effective communication, collaboration,

excellence in customer service, and support for common goals.

KEY LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITIES

Leadership, Planning and Development

• Provides direction and oversight for the delivery of high-quality Regional Auditor services.
• Effectively delivers audit, advisory, and investigative services within the approved annual audit plan and budget.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate protocols, organization structure, and resources to support the authority, accountability, independence, and objectivity of the Regional Auditor’s office.
• Leads a high performing audit team, ensuring a clear vision for success and the necessary resources required to achieve it.
• Ensures the Regional Auditor’s operations and practices align with the Municipality’s Audit and Compliance Committee Bylaw and professional standards (Institute of Internal Auditors’ guidelines and standards and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiner’s Code of Professional Standards).
• Assurance and Investigative Services
• Develops an annual audit plan utilizing a risk-based approach and presents the plan for approval to the Audit and Compliance Committee.
• Conducts a range of audits as per the Audit and Budget Committee Bylaw, including compliance, information technology, operational, and follow-up audits.
• Determines the appropriate methodologies and project scope in consultation with the CAO, including utilization of data analytics and the involvement of other assurance groups.
• Ensures all audits conform to professional standards, through adherence to The Institute of Internal Auditors’ mandatory guidance.
• Reports the outcome of all audits to the Audit and Compliance Committee, including Administration’s response and corrective actions to be taken regarding specific recommendations.

Advisory Services

• Ensures all advisory services conform to professional practices, through adherence to The Institute of Internal Auditors’ mandatory guidance.
• Offers strategic insight on current and emerging risks and opportunities based on best practices in risks, controls, and governance frameworks.
• Prioritizes advisory service requests on an issue or project specific basis as requested by Administration, based on risk assessment, audit plan priorities, resource capacity, and at the discretion of the CAO.
• Advises on financial matters, risk management, IT security and controls, data analytics, governance, and general management advisory services, as required.

Reporting and Oversight

• Attends all Audit and Compliance Committee meetings. Prepares quarterly reports for the Audit and Compliance Committee detailing: the status of the audit plan, progress on recommended actions by Administration, performance measures, and emerging trends.
• Recommends and presents amendments to the annual audit plan, where risk profiles significantly shift.
• Delivers an annual report summarizing key activities, insights, and accomplishments.
• Provides or coordinates education to members of the Audit and Compliance Committee, as requested or required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is required.
• A professional accounting designation (e.g. Chartered Professional Accountant) and an auditing designation (e.g. Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Information Systems Auditor, Certified Government Auditing Professional) are required.
• Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is required.
• Twelve (12) or more years of progressive management experience, including extensive internal audit experience from both operational and corporate perspectives is required. Demonstrated experience within a large complex organization or municipality is preferred.
• Experience working in a public sector environment with unionized and non-unionized employees is an asset.
• In-depth knowledge of internal auditing principles, municipal governance, and risk management.
• Expert knowledge of financial and accounting processes such as municipal funding, financial plans/budgets, and management reporting, as well as integrated risk management and operational systems auditing, and business process reengineering.
• Proven ability to lead investigations, deliver advisory services, and use audit and data analytic tools.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and judgement skills.
• Highest level of professional ethics, with ability to maintain the professional independence of the Regional Auditor’s office.
• Ability to build rapport and credibility with various parties to coordinate activities. Demonstrates a high level of business acumen combined with respect for staff and self.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, politically sensitive environment.

This role will appeal to a senior audit professional who is motivated by independence, integrity, and public service impact. It is well suited to someone who values balanced governance, sound judgment, and the opportunity to influence how a complex municipal organization manages risk, accountability, and transparency. The Regional Auditor offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of Council, senior administration, and an engaged Audit and Compliance Committee, with the mandate and authority to make a meaningful difference. For a leader who is looking to apply their expertise in a role that truly matters to the community, this is a compelling opportunity to shape strong governance and public trust at a regional level.

For the full position profile, please download the PDF: RMWB - Position Profile - Regional Auditor.pdf

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