About Alto

Our client, Alto, is a Crown corporation dedicated to developing a fast, frequent, reliable, and environmentally responsible rail network to meet the growing mobility needs of the Quebec City–Toronto corridor. As a federal public entity reporting to Transport Canada, Alto leads the High Frequency Rail Network initiative, overseeing the planning, design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of this transformative rail network.

Alto offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of Canada’s landmark transportation projects. Driven by innovation, the company develops modern transportation solutions that enhance travel experiences through cutting-edge technology addressing safety, efficiency, and comfort. Its goal is to transform traditional transportation networks by offering reliable and environmentally friendly services.

Alto values innovation, teamwork, and excellence. Its mission is to contribute to a greener future by modernizing transportation infrastructure, prioritizing user safety and satisfaction.

Emphasizing integrity, social responsibility, and collaboration, Alto aims to deliver sustainable solutions and make a positive impact on communities and society at large.

You will have the chance to grow within a dynamic company with a strong entrepreneurial culture that is currently optimizing its organizational structure. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact projects through various strategic alliances, partnerships, and investments, helping to shape the future of Canadian intercity rail travel.

Brief Description

The Head of Internal Audit plays a critical role in safeguarding Alto’s integrity, transparency, and accountability in a corporate and fast-paced context where agility must be maintained to advance the project through uncharted territory.

Reporting functionally to the Chair of the Board of Directors’ Audit and Risk Committee, with administrative reporting to the CEO, the Head of Internal Audit provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services to the Board of Directors, Audit and Risk Committee, and executive leadership.

The Head of Internal Audit leads risk-based audit planning, fraud risk oversight, and key audit activities, serving as a trusted partner while ensuring compliance with best practices and regulatory expectations. We are looking for a strong leader to be an advisor and partner to the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a risk-based audit plan in conformity with IIA standards and aligned with organizational priorities, including providing independent assurance on the effectiveness of internal controls and corporate risk management practices
• Prepare and present quarterly reports to the Audit & Risk Committee, providing clear updates on audit progress and results, risk findings, and recommendations
• Lead audits of the co-development partner, Cadence
• Champion fraud awareness at Alto
• Engage regularly with executives, VPs, and Chiefs to champion risk awareness and internal control improvements
• Act as the primary liaison with external auditors (ex., OAG), and a key liaison with other assurance providers, and lead organizational preparation for special examinations and external assurance reviews
• Support senior leadership with special reviews, ad hoc analyses, and audit-related projects

Supervision

• 2 to 3 people

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field
• Advanced degree or MBA (an asset)
• Hold a recognized professional designation (CIA mandatory and CPA an asset)

Professional Experience

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in internal audit, risk management, or assurance.
• Experience working on large-scale projects involving public subsidies
• Work experience within large companies
• Proven experience in risk identification and process mapping while effectively communicating your results
• Experience in applying the COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the Global Internal Audit Standards and leading internal audit practices

Skills

• Demonstrated experience engaging with Boards, Audit Committees, and senior executives
• Strong knowledge of risk-based auditing, fraud risk assessment, and governance frameworks
• Bilingual (written and spoken)

Abilities

• Strategic thinking with the ability to connect risk insights to organizational priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail
• Ability to build trust and credibility with Board members, executives, and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated capacity to act as an active business partner within a changing and dynamic environment.
• Independence and objectivity in judgment and reporting
• Resilience and adaptability in a changing regulatory and organizational environment
• Track record of building and leading a strong internal audit function
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex audit findings into clear, actionable recommendations
• High degree of professional ethics, integrity, and discretion
• Ability to create added value beyond traditional audits

Contact at TALINKO – Executive Search

Lucie Pellerin, CEO | TALINKO – Executive Search | lucie.pellerin@talinko.ca

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Only the people selected for an interview will be contacted. We support the principle of employment equity.

TALINKO is a recruitment firm of middle and senior executives also offering support in the recruitment of members of the board of directors or advisory committee. We operate in different business sectors.

Please note that the masculine is used to lighten the text without prejudice against the feminine form.