As a Director General - Tax, you lead a strategic business unit within the Department of National Defence that manages complex tax-related matters affecting the organization. You provide senior-level advice on tax policy, compliance, and financial implications of departmental operations. This role requires you to balance fiscal responsibility with operational effectiveness while ensuring the department meets all tax obligations and leverages tax planning opportunities to optimize resource allocation.
Your responsibilities include directing tax strategy and planning, overseeing compliance with federal and provincial tax legislation, managing relationships with Canada Revenue Agency and other tax authorities, and leading a team of tax professionals and support staff. You develop policy recommendations, provide guidance on high-risk tax matters, and ensure tax considerations are integrated into major departmental decisions. You also represent DND in tax-related negotiations and serve as the primary tax advisor to senior leadership.
You work in a professional office environment at DND headquarters or regional offices, with regular interactions with other government departments, external tax authorities, and internal stakeholders. The role involves managing budgets, developing departmental tax procedures, and ensuring effective stewardship of public resources through sound tax management practices.
Key Responsibilities
Perform tax functions per GC financial policies, Prepare financial reports, analyses, and forecasts, Process transactions and maintain financial records, Support audit readiness and internal controls
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, law, or a related field. Many candidates hold a professional accounting designation such as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA), or have equivalent professional credentials in taxation. Several years of progressive experience in tax management, financial analysis, or related areas within the public or private sector are essential.
Professional development opportunities within this role include specialized tax law courses, advanced financial management training, and executive leadership programs offered through the Canada School of Public Service. You may pursue additional certifications such as the CPA In-Depth Tax program or engage in professional development through the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. DND also supports continuous learning through departmental training initiatives and participation in professional tax associations.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director General - Tax position typically occurs through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website and through the Public Service Commission. Candidates usually enter the federal public service at lower classification levels (such as Analyst or Advisor positions in the Financial Management group) and advance through internal competitions and career progression.
Experienced professionals from the private sector may apply directly to Director General competitions if they meet the stated qualifications and have relevant senior-level experience. Many candidates also enter through lateral transfers from other government departments where they have built expertise in tax management or financial administration. The Public Service Resourcing Model and centralized executive selection processes may also be used to identify qualified candidates for this senior position.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work arrangements are limited at the Director General level due to the strategic and leadership responsibilities inherent to the role. However, flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational requirements and Treasury Board guidelines. Remote work options have become more available across the federal public service, and DND supports flexible work arrangements where duties permit, particularly for administrative and planning activities.
Given the senior nature of this position, you are expected to be available for leadership commitments, stakeholder engagement, and departmental priorities. Any part-time or flexible arrangement would require approval from your Deputy Minister or equivalent and must not compromise the delivery of critical tax management and advisory services to the department.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
