VP, Internal Audit at First West Credit Union

We are currently seeking a VP, Internal Audit to join our team.

The VP, Internal Audit is a senior leader within the Internal Audit function, reporting directly to the Head of Internal Audit and Chief Auditor (Chief Auditor). The role provides both strategic and operational leadership across a significant portion of the internal audit portfolio and is accountable for translating the internal audit strategy into execution. As a trusted advisor to management, the VP provides independent insight on governance, risk management, and controls, while helping advance the effectiveness and maturity of the function. This role works closely with the Chief Auditor to shape the Annual Internal Audit Plan, evolve methodologies, and ensure delivery of high-quality, risk-based assurance and advisory work. The VP oversees a portfolio of audit activities aligned to the Cooperative Bank’s strategic priorities and risk profile, builds strong relationships with management and stakeholders, and supports the ongoing evolution of the internal audit function in response to regulatory expectations, emerging risks and leading practices.

Here’s what would be included as a part of your typical day

• Leadership: Provides leadership to a team of Internal Audit professionals including recruitment, onboarding, talent strategy, succession planning and building leadership bench strength across the function. Coaches and develops team through ongoing training, knowledge sharing, goal setting and performance management. Drives alignment of team objectives with the broader Internal Audit strategy and enterprise priorities.
• Strategic, Operational & Quality Management: Assists the Chief Auditor in developing and operationalizing the Internal Audit strategy, ensuring alignment to the Cooperative Bank’s strategic plan and evolving risk landscape. Leads key initiatives in collaboration with other internal audit leaders, to enhance audit effectiveness, efficiency and innovation (e.g. data analytics, automation). Brings external perspective by staying current on industry trends, regulatory expectations, and leading practices and in collaboration with the Chief Auditor embeds these into Internal Audit methodology and Audit Plan as appropriate.
• Audit Portfolio Oversight and Delivery: Oversees and successfully delivers a significant portfolio of risk-based audit and advisory engagements aligned with the Annual Audit Plan. Provides end-to-end accountability for engagement quality, including scoping, execution, and reporting, ensuring alignment to IIA standards and internal quality expectations. Oversees the design and continuous improvement of audit programs to address emerging risks, regulatory changes, and evolving business processes. Ensures appropriate resourcing, prioritization, and delivery against audit commitments.
• Stakeholder & Management: Builds and maintains strong relationships with all levels of management and key stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor on risk, controls and governance matters. Proactively provides insights on emerging risks and themes identified through audit work and contributes to enterprise risk discussions. Accountable for the clear, concise communications and engagement reporting. Supports reporting to stakeholders (e.g. Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, management committees) to ensure timely remediation of key risks. Supports the Chief Auditor in engagement with executive leadership and the Audit Committee, including contributing to materials and participating in discussions on complex and sensitive matters., audit findings, and recommendations. Attends and reports to project steering and management committees on internal controls, risk management, and governance issues at the direction of the Chief Auditor. May support presenting audit topics as learning sessions to executive leadership or the Audit Committee, as applicable.
• Risk Management: Plays a key role in providing advice and guidance to management on managing and mitigating risks through effective internal controls and processes. Provides guidance to business on strengthening controls and mitigating risks, while maintaining appropriate independence. Partners closely with the risk and compliance teams to enhance alignment and share insights.
• Regulatory Requirements: In partnership with the Chief Auditor and other IA leaders, ensures audit activities within area of responsibility are conducted in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA) “International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, the Definition of Internal Auditing, and the Code of Ethics” and maintains a professional standard of conduct. Maintains strong understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g. OSFI) and any changes they are appropriately reflected in audit work.

Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• BBA or equivalent required
• MBA or equivalent preferred
• Audit designation (CIA) required
• Accounting designation (CPA) required
• Risk Management designation– preferred
• 10+ years progressively senior auditing experience (3 years leadership experience) required
• Experience covering a range of complex and specialized areas (e.g, financial and regulatory risk management, treasury) required
• Financial services, regulated industry, digital enterprise experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience in leading change and developing a department/team
• Demonstrated experience attending and presenting to Audit Committees preferred
• Transformational leadership skills, with ability to develop a high-performing team, influence and motivate others towards continuous improvement and innovation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build long-term relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including Executive Leadership
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to with the ability to effectively process large volumes of information, complex issues and/or uncertainty, draw meaningful and persuasive conclusions, to develop creative and practical recommendations to improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the organization
• Expert-level knowledge of internal controls, risk management and risk-based auditing techniques, practices, standards and frameworks (e.g. COSO, ISO 31000, etc.), as well as the IIA Standards.
• Advanced knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements (e.g. BCFSA, OSFI regulations, anti-money laundering legislation)
• Excellent business acumen, preferably within a financial services context
• Advanced knowledge of risk management principles, methodologies, practices and techniques within financial services or regulated industry
• Knowledge and experience with audit software and data analytics applications, such as TeamMate and ACL, and MS Office applications (Word and Excel)
• Proven experience with advanced level of professional auditing work in an organization of similar size and complexity
• Proven project and time management skills; ability to manage multiple engagements simultaneously, juggle priorities, work under pressure and meet deadlines while producing high quality work.
• Displays an understanding of risk and risk ownership by being able to demonstrate adherence to policies and procedures.

What’s in it for you

First, we strive to make our team members feel genuinely rewarded. You’ll have:

• Mental health coverage and resources
• Customizable health benefits, as well as topped-up parental leave
• Performance-based compensation, employee banking advantages and group RRSP matching
• Vacation time and flexible work arrangements to support your lifestyle

We are committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive rewards package that reflects the value an individual brings to our organization. The compensation mentioned in this job posting should serve as a guide. The total cash compensation earned may vary based on a variety of factors including bonuses and/or incentives, an individual’s skills and experience, and may correlate with performance in the role.

We also provide and encourage opportunities for our employees to make a meaningful impact. After all, as a credit union we’re powered by giving back—in big ways and through small gestures. That's why we offer employees paid time off to volunteer, partner with thousands of local charities, build long-lasting relationships that help our members get ahead and commit to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

By joining our team, you’ll be able to elevate your potential. Wherever your own purpose leads, we’re here to support you with award-winning in-house training programs, access to LinkedIn Learning, and reimbursement for external courses to help you get ahead.

Take the next step in your career as part of our team. Apply for this opportunity!

Candidates, please note: if you are being considered for this role, you will be required to complete a background check, such as employment verification, credit check and criminal record check.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

At Tru Cooperative Bank, we embrace diversity regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity, age, diverse ability, and any aspect that makes someone unique. Inclusion is woven through our organization, from our employee-led network groups, hiring practices and education programs that address barriers and continually grow our equitable, diverse and inclusive culture.

We encourage people who are from equity-deserving groups to apply for a career with us, including women or non-binary people, persons with diverse abilities, Black, Indigenous Peoples, People of Colour and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If an accommodation would help you during the process of applying or interviewing for a career with us, please let us know how we can assist you, whether it’s preparing materials in an alternate format, booking an accessible meeting room or other arrangement.

Your individuality is welcome here.

We’re a financial cooperative that does things differently. We provide time-tested advice that helps our members feel optimistic about their future, and we offer comprehensive banking solutions that enable people to confidently reach their goals. With the financial strength and extended branch network of a large financial institution, we maintain local connections to our communities and take a unique grassroots approach to service. Our more than 250,000 members and approximately 1,250 employees operate from 45 branches throughout the province of BC, under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings and Enderby & District Financial brands. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information on Tru Cooperative Bank.

Please know we appreciate your interest in us but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.