Navigating the complexities of Canadian tax law can be challenging. The support of a competent and attentive expert can make all the difference.
Experts derive satisfaction from accompanying individuals and companies to optimize their tax situation or from providing support during the oftentimes complex process of purchasing or selling a company.
Sylvain Gilbert, Tax Specialist and Partner with Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, explains his work.
What is your tax specialty?
I have in-depth expertise in Canadian tax. In many cases, I work to optimize a client’s corporate structure so that it is tax efficient, scalable and allows shareholders to take full advantage of tax laws by reducing their overall tax burden.
Many assignments involve developing strategies to help a business’s shareholders effectively plan their succession, or addressing a request for support and advice in the sale or purchase of a business.
I often represent clients in situations where they have received tax assessments from the Québec and Canadian governments. I analyze the client’s file in order to understand and clarify a situation that may be stressful to them. I identify favourable arguments for the client’s defense and negotiate with the government authorities to reach a settlement agreement.
On occasion, I collaborate with tax litigation lawyers to prepare the defense for a client whose case will go to court.
Can you give us an example of a typical assignment?
We often work with clients who want to sell a business, or who have received a purchase offer, and want to structure the organization to optimize their income. We try to minimize the tax liability in the context of a sale of shares or assets.
We also analyze financial and legal documents, prepare any calculations needed and produce the forms prescribed by tax laws. The objective is to help the client conclude a transaction that is advantageous from both a tax and a financial perspective.
Can you give us an example of an unusual situation?
In a complex case, it took us three years to defend our client with the tax authorities and we ended up winning almost every aspect of the case. One of the company’s shareholders, who was over 60 years old, confessed that he felt a great weight has been lifted from his shoulders. Going bankrupt at his age and starting his career again was unimaginable to him. The outcome of the transaction was a total relief for him, to the point where he gave me a long, very emotional hug.
Were you expecting to work in such an emotional environment?
No! We often have to reassure our clients because they are under stress. In complicated situations, when large sums of money are at stake, the lengthy negotiation and verification process with the governments can make clients quite edgy. In the end, a whole retirement plan, for example, can be at stake. I’d say that our role is as much psychological as it is technical. We must continually build our clients’ confidence and offer our support.
Also, negotiating a transaction can take place at any time of the day or evening, including weekends. It’s demanding, but it’s also motivating. You can spend sleepless nights dealing with a case and managing people’s emotions.
But I’m really on my game and I’m comfortable with the pressure.
What was your career path?
My father was a business owner and he used to invite me to meetings with this tax advisor, someone he thought very highly of. That inspired me.
I’ve always worked at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. I even did my internships here during my co-op program at the Université de Sherbrooke. I started in assurance, as an accountant. When I was 24, I went to do a master’s degree in tax.
For the firm, I was a consultant, senior consultant, manager, and I became a partner in 2009. I rose through the ranks pretty quickly, because I put a lot of time and effort into improving my technical knowledge while getting involved in business development. I did a lot of tax presentations, I taught at the university for about ten years, I gave media interviews to better promote myself. I also took training courses to better communicate. I haven’t finished growing here!
What motivates you?
I want to be able to make a difference for someone, to feel like I’m helping. I understand that I don’t do heart surgery, but even though I work with numbers and laws, it can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
What are your interactions with colleagues like?
I try to make others stand out. There are about 30 tax professionals in the Sherbrooke office and I like it when I can make colleagues shine and allow them to go beyond the limits that they’ve set for themselves.
I always enjoy working in a team. I like to be around people. Even when I go on vacation down south, I go with colleagues. They’re really a part of my family.
What advice would you give to a young candidate?
Show an interest in people, both clients and colleagues. When a client does business with a credible firm, they expect you to be competent, but your interest in the other person is what makes the difference.
You also have to be persistent if you want to be successful in this business. It’s not enough to be smart.
Finally, be aware of current events, invest in your general knowledge. It makes us much more interesting to be around than just dealing with numbers.
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Diversity is a reality. Inclusion is a choice and a management responsibility.
That’s why Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, a Quebec-based firm specializing in assurance, tax, consulting, business recovery and reorganization, is increasingly promoting an inclusive culture in its work environment to recognize all its employees as an important part of a diverse workforce, regardless of gender expression or identity, or sexual orientation.
We spoke with Christine Regimbal and Gautier Péchadre, two members of the LGBTQ community, to see how this is being put into practice at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.
In 2019, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton undertook an important initiative to look at diversity, inclusion and unconscious bias. The exercise resulted in the appointment of Christine Regimbal, a firm partner for 20 years and member of the Partnership Board, as Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In her role, she promotes diversity and inclusion so that all employees can reach their full potential at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.
“We had been discussing this for some time in the Partnership Board. On the one hand, we wanted to move towards greater gender parity among partners and, on the other, to include diversity in its broadest sense and also make room for inclusion in decision-making. This became a standing item that was discussed at each meeting to follow up on the actions to be taken.”
Christine’s first mandate was to set up a cross-disciplinary committee of partners and employees from all regions in Quebec that reflects inclusion and diversity in its ranks (gender, cultural communities, LGBTQ community, people with physical limitations, etc.). “The goal was to set clear, achievable and measurable objectives that would have a positive impact on employees, the future and the firm’s sustainability.”
Christine herself states it in a short YouTube corporate video, where she is seen with her wife on their wedding day. “Over the years, the firm’s mentality, like society’s, has evolved significantly.” The video was part of a “Being Proud Together” series broadcast in 2020-2021 that features employees in the LGBTQ community and its allies.
Gautier Péchadre has been representing RCGT with Pride at Work/Fierté au travail for two years. He is also involved in the GRIS-Montréal campaign committee. He is proud to have been able to raise donations from his colleagues totaling more than $10,000 for the organization.
“Since the firm will be supporting the upcoming 2022-2023 campaign, I’m confident that I’ll be able to exceed that amount next year. I wish there had been an organization like GRIS in my school when I was 12 years old and discovering my sexuality. The work that GRIS does is incredible. Thanks to GRIS, every year, thousands of young people benefit from workshops that demystify sexual and gender diversity. Also, thanks to GRIS, many dozens of young people finally don’t feel so ‘different’ and understand that they can be themselves!”
Until recently, only regular employees with one year of continuous service at the time of going on maternity leave of 15 to 18 weeks were eligible for the Supplementary Parental Insurance Benefit (SPIB). This has changed: the SPIB is now available to all new parents, regardless of who they are. Since June 1, 2022, parents who want to adopt or foster a child, use a surrogate mother or are not biological parents are now included in the SPIB and can take or share a parental leave. Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton offers up to 23 weeks to all employees who become parents, biological or not, regardless of the type of leave they wish to take.
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton’s SPIB sets it apart from the competition and is a source of pride for both Christine and Gautier.
Gautier says, “I believe that the firm is increasingly embracing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that are important to employees.” Christine adds, “At Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, we walk the talk, we’re leading the way. We have enviable working conditions and are among the industry leaders.”
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Life at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton
Choose the most admired management and accounting firm in Québec
Since 1948, we have been empowering our people, clients and communities with sound advice.
Working at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, is choosing to be part of competent teams in Québec’s leading accounting firm as well as the one most admired by Quebeckers and one of the most important enterprises in Québec.
We are part of the Grant Thornton global organization with a presence in over 140 countries.
Experience the enjoyment of working in a motivating team
The connections we make at work are essential to our sense of belonging
- Our CLAIRE values (Collaboration, Leadership, Agility, Integrity, Respect, Excellence) reflect our corporate culture and behaviour.
- We are a human-scale firm with a great work environment and friendly colleagues.
- Every person is called upon to freely express their ideas and creativity.
- There is a close relationship with management and your managers.
- Management is attentive and involved.
- We have access to several efficient and useful technology tools to make work easier.
Pave the way with our clients
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do
- There is a wide variety of assignments.
- You deal with clients of various sizes and in different industries.
- In a way, the clients’ projects, challenges and ambitions become your own.
- You have access to people in the field, to decision-makers and numerous business networks.
- You have the flexibility to make important decisions on a timely basis.
- You can easily build a strong professional network.
Get the opportunity to learn and take action
To satisfy your curiosity and your quest for challenges
- We have access to a wide range of training programs.
- There is a great collaboration with colleagues from various specialties.
- We have a network of specialists that are accessible within the firm.
- Innovation is an important part of our business model.
Gain recognition and progress in your career
Being recognized for your efforts and having access to a multitude of opportunities
- Efforts are recognized and appreciated.
- There are opportunities to specialize in certain areas of expertise.
- There are mobility opportunities:
- Discover new areas of expertise;
- We are part of the Grant Thornton global organization.
Benefits and Well-Being
Choose an organization that truly cares about your well-being
Life at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton is more than just career and development opportunities, team spirit, a great culture and a broad client base. We also offer a wide range of benefits and working conditions that help you grow.
Remuneration, benefits and leaves of absence
- Compensation is competitive for our business sector and, under certain conditions, includes a performance and business development bonus.
- We offer a competitive group retirement savings plan (RRSP, TFSA).
- Our group insurance plan is both competitive and flexible.
- We pay the professional membership dues for one association per person per year.
- We offer a multitude of leaves of absence, including the Supplementary Parental Insurance Benefit (SPIB).
Health and well-being initiatives
- We offer free access to Dialogue, a telemedicine service, an employee and family assistance program and a stress and on the-job well-being program.
- An annual amount of $500 is granted to employees under the Health and Well-being Program.
- Several conferences and video clips are offered to employees at no cost.
Other benefits
- We have generous referral bonuses for new hires and interns of up to $5,000.
- Corporate rebates are available for employees.
Did you know?
The Supplementary Parental Insurance Benefit (SPIB) will provide up to 23 weeks to all employees who become parents, whether biological or not, regardless of the type of leave they wish to take.
Read about life at Raymond through employee stories
“I started my career as an intern and now I’m a senior manager. Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton has given me great opportunities to develop, grow and climb the ranks. Now it’s my turn to help out and train new colleagues. I love it. My colleagues are great and the working atmosphere is pleasant. Management is accessible and attentive. I made the right choice for my career and it’s a privilege to work at the firm.”
Marie-Joel Massicotte
Senior Manager
Assurance
“I work with the best professionals in the industry. The team spirit is the best I’ve ever experienced. My managers give me a free hand in my work. The firm values me for my efforts and my career prospects are excellent. All this is very important to me. Considering working anywhere else but at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton is simply not an option for me.”
Jean-François Djoufak
Senior Manager
Tax
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We are proud to announce that the Supplementary Parental Insurance Benefit (SPIB) has been revamped.
The result of a collaborative effort by members of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and the Talent and Culture team, the enhanced SPIB reflects the values of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) that are important to us by recognizing that parenthood is very diverse in an era of multiple family configurations
What are the main changes in the SPIB?
Previously, only regular female employees who had completed one year of continuous service at the time of going on maternity leave were eligible. Fathers taking paternity leave, shared parental leave, parents wishing to adopt or foster a child or have a child through a surrogate mother, or a parent who is not a biological parent were excluded from the SPIB.
Beginning June 1, 2022, the SPIB will provide up to 23 weeks to all regular employees who have completed at least one year of continuous service who become parents, whether biological or not, regardless of the type of leave they wish to take.
“Having a thriving family is truly a core value at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton: a new era begins today, this new program will make a real difference in the lives of ALL parents-to-be, in ALL their diversity! I am so proud of our accomplishment!” Gautier Péchadre, Senior Manager, Recovery & Reorganization