Pros
Stable organization with long history of profitability. Benefits and RESSOP (savings and share ownership plan) are okay, but could be more generous. Best-in-class products and services.
Cons
MICROMANAGEMENT AND SALES...SALES...SALES...NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN SALES. Way too many metrics and far too much automated "big brother" monitoring of silly little statistics (how many calculators or agendas you completed). The tracking systems are a mish-mash of antiquated systems where sometimes a small omission mean you don't get credit for your "solution/unit". The branch advisor role has moved away from that of a relationship management specialist to being someone who knows a little bit about everything just so you can refer it to someone else (usually a career sales i.e. commissioned salesperson). The cross-referral culture has de-volved over the last few years. The culture used to be centred totally around doing what is right for the client...it is now focused on ensuring "MY" sales targets are met, forget about just doing what is right and easy for the client. Fear is the leading management style - it would take at least 50+ hours a week to achieve the goals and tracking that are required in a Financial Advisor or Banking Advisor role, but don't even think about asking for overtime pay. Fail to track and comment properly and get brow-beat and told your annual incentive (STI bonus) is at risk. This can be held over your head from a performance management standpoint. A significant part of the STI is based on client surveys receiving a "10". This, despite the fact that many comment that they "never give a 10". So this means that the client acknowledged that our service advice was as expected and because they "never give a perfect score" branch team members are financially impacted.
