Karen Robertson

Chief Financial Officer and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Chief Financial Officer Branch, Employment and Social Development Canada

Karen joined Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in March 2021 as Senior Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer.  Her portfolio includes Investment, Procurement & Project Management, Integrated Corporate Accounting and Accountability, Regional Services and Real Property, Financial Management Advisory Services and the SAP Centre of Excellence.

Previously Karen was the Deputy Director Administration and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).  Prior to assuming these responsibilities, Karen had her most professionally challenging career assignment as CFO for the New Zealand Intelligence Community.

Prior to joining CSIS in 2009, Karen worked at the Communications Security Establishment, the Department of National Defence, Accreditation Canada (not-for-profit), and several years in investment banking.

Throughout her career, Karen has volunteered her time professionally (Financial Management Institute of Canada and Government of Canada DCFO Council) and in her community.

Karen enjoys camping and many outdoor sports with her husband and two daughters.