What is your education?
I graduated from the University of Westminster (London), with a BA (Hons) Business Degree, specialising in Accountancy and Finance. I am also an IBM Certified Developer for Cognos 8 Controller. After several years I transitioned from traditional Accountancy into the Financial Systems arena.
What is your job at Addedo?
At Addedo I am the UK Consultancy Manager and am responsible for implementation of IBM Cognos Controller projects.
What tasks have you completed in the last year?
I have worked with a range of clients in the last year ranging from Global Consumer Goods Auditors and Testers to City Fund Managers. Projects over the last year have included full project implementations of IBM Cognos Controller v8.3 and v8.4. Ran end-user training courses. Projects to mirror changes made in v2.3 to v8.3 for migration purposes. Advised clients on and implemented automatic elimination of intercompany and investments which were completed manually previously.
What do you see as Addedo’s competitive edge?
Addedo’s competitive edge is that they have consultants who are the best in their field and they have access to a great knowledge base within Addedo. Addedo complete projects on time and on budget and to the clients requirements, no matter how complicated the requirements maybe. They are in a position to better advise the client on setting up the databases and reporting requirements because of the wealth of knowledge within the company. Addedo is very well respected within the Consolidation and BI arena, which bodes well when presenting to prospective and current clients.
Do you have a possibility to develop your assignments and ideas in current work?
My day to day work allows me to develop my assignments and I can always bring my ideas to any project. Clients expect Addedo and its consultants to be able to give their own input as to how a project should be conducted as clients depend on our expertise and that is what they pay for. Addedo encourages their consultants to give their input in assignments and not take a back seat.
How do you perceive your work?
As a consultant the work is very fast paced and we get the chance to work at numerous clients and varying locations, this in turn gives variety to the work. As any other work, the work we do as consultants is stressful and demanding due to the nature of our assignments. But the stress that we are put under is so much more manageable, because of the great backing that is given by the management team. We have to remember as consultants that the assignments we undertake changes the way a client perceives, uses and runs its consolidation and reporting applications and we have to be aware of that at all times and be ready to advise appropriately. The work we do is noticeable by all financial and non-financial members of a particular company. Therefore the consultants have to bear in mind that they are ‘only as good as their last assignment’, so first impressions count.
How do you perceive your personal and professional development at Addedo?
Addedo has a very stable personal and professional development plan for its employees. Addedo ensures that its employees are always equipped with the right training or exams (whichever is required) to better complete their jobs. On a personal basis Addedo treats all its employees equally and ensures that they have a great working environment either at clients (as much as a client permits) or within their own workplace. Any changes that a member of the team puts forward is always taken into consideration and implemented within Addedo, this is the difference with working for a smaller company such as Addedo, rather than a very large company. Your opinion actually counts.
Would you recommend anybody to work for Addedo?
I would definitely recommend anybody to work for Addedo. Addedo offers a working environment that is suited to all. Due to the assignments being carried out at various clients and locations it is very enjoyable and the difference we make as consultants is noticeable at first hand.