New director of Internal Audit brings diverse background

Primed with a Concordia diploma, two decades of audit expertise and skilled at lecturing to international audiences of her peers, accounting graduate Kathleen Lizé returns to the university as director of Internal Audit.

Lizé begins her five-year appointment on September 2. She reports functionally to the Audit Committee of the Board of Governors and administratively to the president and vice-chancellor, Alan Shepard.

“We cast our net far and wide in search of a new director of Internal Audit with the expertise and senior leadership abilities to carry out this important role. Kathleen stood out for her ability to thrive in complex organizations, and her skills at clearly articulating and executing a vision and her business sense,” says CFO Patrick L. Kelley.

Her responsibilities include preparing a detailed annual audit plan, overseeing business controls and internal audits, and ensuring compliance with Concordia’s policies and applicable legislation and standards.

Prior to her appointment, Lizé was director of Internal Audit for Cirque du Soleil where she was responsible for financial, operational and efficiency audits as well as fraud investigations.

“I spent 20 years building on the strong educational foundation that I received as a Concordia accounting student. So, when the opportunity arose to return to my alma mater, it was one I couldn’t pass up,” says Lizé.

“I’m very excited to see my life come full circle and look forward to contributing to the institution that helped me get my start in auditing.”

Previously, she worked as chief internal auditor for Gaz Métro, the largest natural gas distribution company in Quebec. Well versed in working for large organizations, she started her career with Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, the largest independent accounting firm in Quebec.

Lizé obtained her diploma in Chartered Professional Accountancy from Concordia University and is a graduate of McGill University.

She is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and The Institute of Internal Auditors and has served as a conference speaker for both international organizations.

“I would like to thank Michael O’Bree for serving as director of Internal Audit for the past three years and wish him a wonderful retirement,” says Kelley.

“Among his many contributions, Michael helped improve accountability of the internal audit function. He also developed and led a three- to five-year internal audit management strategy and roadmap to reduce the university’s exposure to risk, and has always promptly resolved issues to the highest ethical standards.”