Great Concordian: Karen Hogan, Auditor General of Canada

After 14 years of service at the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG) in Ottawa, Karen Hogan, BComm 93, GrDip 95, was appointed to the top job in June 2020.

“Becoming Auditor General was unexpected and not necessarily something I had planned,” admits Hogan. “However, seeing firsthand the tremendous impact the OAG has on the lives of Canadians has been incredibly motivating.”

The Great Concordian’s journey to the 10-year appointment included extensive experience in the private sector. Her career got started as an auditor at the Montreal-based firm Schlesinger Newman Goldman. Hogan later transitioned to the offices of Ernst & Young in Thunder Bay and Ottawa, where she served as a manager.

A commitment to transparency and accountability has been a hallmark of her professional trajectory.

“My role requires that I consider the welfare of all Canadians,” says Hogan. “Whether it’s military spending, health care or education, the significant interest in our audits shows the deep concern taxpayers across the country have for fiscal governance.”

As Auditor General, Hogan has delivered numerous reports to Parliament and Territorial Legislative Assemblies on topics of vital importance. These include the status of safe drinking water in vulnerable communities, cybersecurity and COVID-19 benefits and programs. Her office has about 800 people located across the country with the majority based in Ottawa.

“There are no shortage of relevant matters covered by our audits,” Hogan remarks. “Our job is to communicate our work effectively and to put forward recommendations that focus on improving the lives of Canadians.

“Transparency and accountability are crucial. Canadians deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent.”

When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?

Karen Hogan: My accounting professors were instrumental in fostering my passion for the field. They provided me with knowledge and skills that shape my work today. I also appreciated how students were encouraged to explore and innovate.

Beyond academics, the vibrant atmosphere and cultural diversity of Montreal enriched my experience. Friends that I made at Concordia are still in my life today.

All in all, my university days laid the foundation for my career in public service.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

KH: Many of the things I learned at Concordia I use daily in my job now. What I learned in my graduate program as I prepared to write the CPA exam, I still use today as well.

Encountering different cultures and meeting different people at Concordia has been fundamental, too. As Auditor General, you have to think about all of Canada’s people, and it starts with being open-minded — a value I strongly associate with Concordia.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

KH: Find something that you enjoy doing. School gives you the opportunity to try out different fields. I really enjoy accounting and auditing, and I found that passion at Concordia.

Also, recognize the importance of creating connections, which you start to do in school. Those connections will help you throughout your career. Lastly, if you don’t know both of Canada’s official languages, I encourage you to learn them. Being bilingual has always opened doors for me.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

KH: I feel privileged and very humbled.

I hope to inspire fellow Concordians to pursue the accounting and CPA path, encouraging them to consider a career in auditing where they can make a meaningful difference.