Portfolio Director, Operations & Strategic Initiatives

The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) is an independent Office of Council that strengthens public trust through objective oversight, transparency, and accountability. The OAG provides Council and the public with assurance on the stewardship of public resources, the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, and opportunities for improvement across municipal programs and services.

At Peel Region, our work is guided by integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and care. We are committed to delivering high‑quality, independent assurance that supports strong governance and meaningful outcomes for the communities we serve.

Position Summary

The Portfolio Director, Operations & Strategic Initiatives is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the operational effectiveness, strategic planning, and organizational performance of the Office of the Auditor General.

Reporting to the Deputy Auditor General, the Director ensures that internal processes, resources, and initiatives are aligned with the OAG’s independent mandate and evolving strategic priorities. The role plays a key leadership function in enabling high‑quality audit delivery, strengthening internal governance, and advancing initiatives that enhance accountability, transparency, and public confidence.

The Portfolio Director is accountable for administering bylaws and policies applicable to the Office of the Auditor General; managing resources within an approved budget; and overseeing the triage, prioritization, and review of allegations of fraud and waste received through the Office’s confidential hotline.

Key Responsibilities

Specialized Audit Oversight & Strategic Initiatives

• Lead and manage strategic initiatives that strengthen the effectiveness, capacity, and maturity of the Office of the Auditor General.
• Establish and oversee project management frameworks to ensure disciplined planning, execution, and delivery of key initiatives.
• Direct the administration of the Confidential Fraud and Waste Hotline, ensuring independent, confidential, and high‑integrity intake and triage of all allegations.
• Oversee the triage and preliminary review of allegations of fraud and waste, ensuring appropriate escalation, documentation, and audit response.
• Serve as the final technical reviewer for audit working papers, confirming compliance with applicable professional standards, including the Canadian Standard for Assurance Engagements (CSAE).

Strategic Communications & Public Reporting

• Develop and oversee the OAG’s communications strategy to ensure audit findings are transparent, accessible, and meaningful for Regional Council and the public.
• Lead the preparation, coordination, and publication of the Auditor General’s Annual Report.
• Manage the Office’s digital presence and public‑facing materials to promote transparency, credibility, and public trust.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with municipal departments, senior leadership, and key external stakeholders—while maintaining the independence of the OAG.

Operational Leadership & People Management

• Provide leadership over the operational management of the Office, including budget oversight and resource planning within approved allocations.
• Coach, mentor, and support Audit Managers, Senior Auditors, and Subject Matter Experts, fostering a culture of integrity, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Lead performance calibration, succession planning, and professional development initiatives across the Office.
• Maintain a formalized, collaborative partnership with the Advisor, Strategic Initiatives to translate the Auditor General’s strategic direction into achievable and measurable operational plans.

Qualifications & Professional Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline is required.
• Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is required.
• Additional credentials are considered strong assets, including:
  • Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience across auditing, financial and budget management, and project or portfolio management.
• Demonstrated experience operating at a senior leadership level in a complex, public‑sector or regulated environment.
• Experience supporting governance, policy administration, and confidential allegation management is highly desirable.
• A satisfactory Level 2 Criminal Record Check obtained directly from a police station (third-party background checks will not be accepted).

Key Competencies

• Deep understanding of audit methodologies, assurance standards, and public‑sector accountability.
• Strong operational leadership and financial stewardship capabilities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences, including Council and the public.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into executable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity, independence, and ethical leadership.
• Proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership practices, continuous learning, and proactive recognition and management of bias in decision‑making and operations.

Why Join Peel Region

Be bold. Think big. Join us.

In this role, you’ll benefit from the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement that prioritizes meaningful in-person connection. The number of days required to attend an onsite regional worksite or community-based worksite may vary from week to week based on activities and/or operational requirements, which can evolve and change over time.  This arrangement allows for a blend of in person and hybrid work that adapts to support both organizational priorities and employee flexibility.

It's important to note that your off-site work location must be within the province of Ontario. This ensures that we're compliant with all regulations and policies.

The Region of Peel offers job based flexible hours of work that allows employees to manage personal and professional responsibilities while at the same time ensures business operational needs and customer service expectations are achieved. 

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Apply now and help us build a better tomorrow with Peel Region.