H&R Block – “Senior Management Weak After Ernst Departure”

Pros

Interesting industry.
Seasonal nature of business makes for high level of energy and excitement Dec through April.
Linkage with IRS provides ability to have broader view of the tax process.

Cons

IT organization works autonomously, not focused on customer.
Blaming culture, lack of personal accountability.
Breeden and Smyth drove away most of the best executive management.

Advice to Senior Management

Make IT a staff function and stop allowing them to drive the business.