Director, Internal Audit, Professional Practice

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Job Description:

About the role

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Sun Life is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our Internal Audit team as Director of Professional Practice. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Sun Life's ambition of becoming one of the best insurance and asset management companies in the world by helping shape our best-in-class Internal Audit function.

The Internal Audit Professional Practice group is responsible for leading the development of methodology and facilitating effective use of tools, including quality assurance, reporting, and training for the Audit Department worldwide.

Reporting to the AVP, Internal Audit - Professional Practice & Enterprise Initiatives, the position will lead a team responsible for developing and implementing internal audit methodology, deliver training, and run the global quality assurance and improvement program to help ensure a high level of consistent quality and efficiency in the global internal audit group.

The role will work closely with two other Directors, leading Risk SME and IA Operations, and collaborate closely to help achieve the Mandate. The role provides a unique opportunity to interact with senior level internal audit management and further enhance skills essential in internal audit.

         

Please note that this is a hybrid role requiring at least 2 days in the office per week at our Toronto One York location.

What you’ll be doing

Audit Methodology and Guidance

• Develop and maintain detailed audit guidance, including audit approach for new and emerging risk areas, in alignment with the requirements of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
• Adopt best practices by reviewing thought leadership and maintaining awareness of external trends to elevate the function.  
• Stay current with internal audit standards and best practices in the financial services industry to challenge the status quo.

Quality Assurance Improvement Program (QAIP)

• Manage, implement and expand the global quality assurance program to highlight timely insights and foster continuous improvement mindset.
• Develop innovative techniques to complete reviews on areas of interest to senior management, regulators, and hot topics in industry.
• Collaborate with Professional Practice team to develop approach on corrective actions and support implementation across the department.
• Design and generate periodic and ad-hoc reporting to bring focus on areas requiring improvement.
• Use results to recommend changes to Internal Audit methodology and implement the change.

Training

• Develop and deliver a global training program focused on key and emerging risks.
• Explore and implement innovative ways to deliver training.

Programs

• Support the Business Group Audit Heads in the preparation of material for regulatory reviews.
• Drive ‘change management’ within the audit team, helping to reach higher level of performance.
• Participate in ad-hoc projects, audit transformation, and strategic initiatives including collaboration with teams in North America and Asia.

What you’ll need to succeed

• Technically proficient in Internal Audit concepts, including time spent conducting internal audits.
• 8 – 10 years of progressive audit experience in the financial services industry is required. Experience with Insurance industry would be considered an asset.
• Professional designation related to the role (e.g. CPA, CIA, CISA, CRMA) preferred.
• Proficient in audit techniques and control frameworks (e.g. COSO).
• Ability to understand complex business processes, their risks and identify key controls.
• Flexible, creative thinker.
• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to coach and lead a team.
• Strong change management skills and ability to navigate through areas undergoing ongoing changes.
• Proven staff management and development skills.
• Very strong communicator, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work well with others and influence outcomes.

What's in it for you:

• Being a member of the Sun Life family, a group of people united by our Purpose: to help Clients and Employees achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.
• In 2024, Sun Life ranked among the top 100 most sustainable global corporations by Corporate Knights for the 15th consecutive year, leading Canadian insurers.
• We are proud to be on the 2024 Best Workplaces in Canada list by Great Place to Work.
• We’re also listed as one of the Best Workplaces for Women and Best Workplaces with Most Trusted Executive Teams.
• Our unique Sabbatical Program gives you the opportunity to take up to 6 weeks off, every five years.
• Care Days available for self-care or care of others (i.e., family or others you may support) and Sick Days to support your well-being.

The Base Pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors. In addition to Base Pay, eligible Sun Life employees participate in various incentive plans, payment under which is discretionary and subject to individual and company performance. Certain sales focused roles have sales incentive plans based on individual or group sales results.  

Diversity and inclusion have always been at the core of our values at Sun Life. A diverse workforce with wide perspectives and creative ideas benefits our Clients, the communities where we operate and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in an alternative format, may e-mail a request to thebrightside@sunlife.com.

We are proud to be a hybrid organization that offers our employees the choice and flexibility to work from both the office and virtually based on the needs of the business, our Clients and you! Several work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Salary Range:

110,000/110 000 - 180,000/180 000

Job Category:

Internal Audit

Posting End Date:

04/01/2026