Technical competencies

Introduction to technical competencies

Technical competencies are a critical component of the CRA's competency-based human resources management. They refer to the technical knowledge, skills and abilities that are relevant to specific jobs, roles or work areas. Like behavioural competencies, technical competencies have two components: a definition and a scale. However, technical competencies share one standardized scale that explains in generic terms each of the five levels of proficiency associated with these competencies.

Proficiency scale for the technical competencies (knowledge/skills/abilities)

Levels

1. Introductory
Demonstrates basic knowledge of the subject matter and where it fits into the business of the CRA. Is able to direct people to the appropriate source for further information.

2. Basic
Demonstrates basic knowledge and capability to apply it in common situations that present limited problems. Requires guidance to deal with the more complex situations.

3. Intermediate
Demonstrates good working knowledge and solid capability to independently undertake a full range of typical challenges.

4. Advanced
Demonstrates in-depth knowledge and sufficient capability to address unusual situations without clear precedents and an ability to develop enhancements to approaches and methods, and integrates with other areas of knowledge/specialty.

5. Expert
Demonstrates expert knowledge and capability to address the most complex challenges, develops new theories/approaches or methods, and is recognized as an internal or external authority.

Technical Competencies and Definitions

Accounting (A)

Understands one or more of the following:

• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as defined by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA);
• Current accounting practices and techniques as outlined in the CICA Handbook;
• The analysis, classification and recording of the business transactions of a business or other corporate entity.

Auditing (AU)

May include:

• Understanding auditing principles, techniques and/or practices;
• Ability to conduct professional audits, including external (for example, Income Tax and GST) and internal audits;
• Ability to evaluate the risks associated with situations and the extent of the audit required.

Writing Skills (WR)

May include one or more of the following:

• Ability to produce clear, concise, logical and grammatically correct written material in English or French;
• Ability to convey information in English or in French accurately and obtain desired results;
• Ability to use a variety of writing styles and approaches in English or in French as appropriate to the circumstances and intended readership.

Note: This competency differs from the behavioural competency Effective Interactive Communication. Writing Skills in English or French refers to the ability to produce written documentation.