Canada Revenue Agency Reviews in Ottawa, ON Area

Pros

Salary is about 1 1/2 times what private sector will pay (29k Private vs. 43k Public), great benefits, management will help you during family emergencies, pension is awesome

Cons

I didn't really have any. If I had to gripe, I'd complain about the parking situation and the fact we have to PAY for parking; but on that salary I can afford it.

Advice to Senior Management

Continue to focus on career advancement with your teams and this will keep monotony due to the work (Collections) from creeping in. Keep being supportive on your team members as it certainly kept me motivated to great call reviews.

Pros

-fair compensation structure
-less bureaucracy than other government departments
-good work life balance - support leave with income averaging
-regular performance reviews

Cons

-lack of communication from senior management
-still too much bureaucracy
-lack of information sharing within CRA
-hiring process too lengthy.

Advice to Senior Management

Difficult - as CRA is often at the whim and whimsy of the political arm of government - ensure that more stable leadership is in place.

Pros

They are very flexible with work/life balance. They are more than willing to develop you professionally. All my education/training is paid for. This year they paid over $7500 in training for me.

Cons

You won't become a manager unless you are bilingual/ Ie. you can speak English and French. Bilingualism is more essential than a professional designation such as a CA, CMA or CGA.

Advice to Senior Management

Drop the bilingualism criteria.

Pros

You are in the government and have lots of opportunities to work in other departments. That means that there are more than 1000 different jobs available for you to apply on and be considered for.

Cons

The senior management is not strong and do not have clear strategies or visions. A lot of HR management has the same beliefs with one another - therefore an influx of new thinking is lacking. With the incorporation of a new HR regime, the implementation has been less than favourable and lots of room for favourtism.

Advice to Senior Management

Hire people with vision!