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Women in tech: From paper-based accounting to Head of Solution Architecture
Interview by Rose Maher, Senior Account Manager, HSO
Meet Jaqui Hoyle, Head of Solution Architecture at HSO UK.
Jaqui started her career with clerical and transactional levels and worked her way through every type of finance role to encompass FP&A, Financial Controller and Finance Director. It took her 5 years to go from a sales administrator to her first Group FD role and become a Qualified Management Accountant at the same time.
It seemed that every company she worked for had a system implementation or upgrade that she was heavily involved in. Having realised that she enjoyed the problem-solving, leadership and guidance from implementations, she set up her own Company to support small businesses transitioning from paper-based accounting (yes paper!!) to Accounting systems including Audit sign-off.
As is the way of the world, it was a friend who introduced her to “AX”, and “Functional consulting” and she very quickly realised she had found her niche and her passion.
That was back in 2006 and now nearly 20 years later that has naturally evolved from functional consulting, solution architecture and enterprise architecture – all fundamentally geared to help organisations and fix problems.
How did you get into technology?
In 1995 I was part of the implementation team to install Kerridge into a motor dealership, the same Company where I began my accounting career.
How have you seen the Tech industry change over your career?
It moves a lot faster now than it ever has and it is even more important to stay ahead. Everyone has such great expectations, but it still needs the respect any software/technology requires. For example, AI on its own will not fix all your problems.
You first need to understand the problem and what you are trying to achieve or overcome, this enables the right design using the right technology and implemented correctly will deliver the expected business value/benefit.
What opportunities has the Tech industry given you? And what challenges have you faced?
I like fast-paced environments and multi-tasking, I find it exciting that technology evolves and continually improves. A problem today is actually a resolution of the future. Anyone venturing in the Tech Industry really needs to have this mindset and appreciation – things do not stand still.
What have you seen in the Tech industry, that has helped/supported Women specifically?
This is a difficult question as I firmly believe that you make your own path.
However, acknowledgement that there is increased focus on diversity and inclusion, promotion of women in leadership roles and mentoring programmes.
What I think would be beneficial is to improve the marketing of roles within the Tech Industry to appeal to Women, to aid understanding and awareness.
What’s your number 1 piece of advice for the future generations of Women entering Tech?
Even when faced with adversity whether that is redundancy, or not getting the role you thought you deserved, or anything really, see everything as an opportunity. That could be learning or development opportunity, or a chance to try something new. Every cloud really does have a silver lining somewhere – you just have to look for it and use it.
Last comment to leave the reader
Treat everyone with respect and fairness. It is ok to be strong, focused, driven, ambitious but do not step on people to get where you want to be.
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Skyrocket your career with HSO
HSO Success and AmbitionHSO has grown organically to have more than 400 people throughout the UK and we expect to continue to grow significantly in the next five years. We are a leading member of the Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle, founded in 1987, and specialize in sectors such as Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Financial Services and Local Government. We’ve won several prestigious awards over the last few years including being voted in the UK’s top 10 Best Large companies to work for the last 3 years running. This year we are also proud to have been named the D365 Finance Microsoft Partner of the Year Award and Finalist for D365 Sales & Marketing.HSO is the place to work for those in the Microsoft Dynamics channel. People join and stay because we care; about adding value to our customers, about delivering what we say we will, striving to improve ourselves, being inclusive and having fun.The core values that enable us to work so well together, also mean our customers want to work with us. We choose to be different to other Microsoft Partners. Caring about our people, customers and quality of work differentiates us. We always support our people and customers to achieve shared, agreed goals.Reason for vacancyContinued growth of HSO and with the increase in the number and increased complexity of D365 projects, we need to extend our capabilities to have a dedicated Senior Data Architect.Job PurposeThis is a highly visible role, both internally and externally. The Senior Data Architect will work with HSO customers, with regular customer-facing and on-site contact. Good customer awareness is essential to be able to fulfil the breadth of the role. The Senior Data Architect will take a leading role in supporting the design and implementation of solutions for our customers and will be a key contributor throughout the entire project life cycle, and into prospect/customer engagement, the Cloud Services Team, and the Project Team. Alongside the team, you are tasked with finding and delivering the best solution for the prospect/customer utilising the full breadth of the D365 product and the rest of the Microsoft Azure stack. You will provide modelling and analytical direction for all end-to-end elements of the solution design for our customers and will ensure cost-effective, high quality and controlled delivery of the customers requirements.Key Responsibilities• To be a member of the HSO Project Team focussed on implementing D365 at our customers.• To support the architectural definition of a solution which can provide business intelligence and reporting landscape encompassing strategic, analytical, operational and compliance reports throughout the business• To provide architectural modelling and documentation for the solution being implemented, ensuring that the rationale behind decisions is clearly communicated within the project team and customer.• Be able to design smart data systems, using the information to drive forecasts, make predictions and support decision making.• To design and implement data migration paths from legacy systems to D365 Apps.• To design and implement master-data store concepts and distribution strategies.• Be able to design and implement proof of concept solutions• Provide the link between the customer technical team and the internal technical & development teams for queries and issues arising from the D365 architecture proposal and build.• Provide the link between the implementation teams and the technical teams, ensuring the new system architecture provides a solid foundation for the solution being provided.• Provide the link between the customer team, HSO implementation teams, HSO technical teams and Microsoft.• Working closely with the Solution architect and the Technical architect to ensure that proposed data architecture will service all customer requirements and it takes maximum advantage of standard D365 Apps.• Working closely with the Solution architect and the Technical architect to ensure the implementation details of a solution do not deviate from the agreed design.• To produce systems architecture and design documentation to agreed HSO standards.• To understand the HSO project delivery methodology and apply this implementation approach to all HSO Projects.• Involvement in the migration of data between non-production environments and the production environment.• Always represent HSO in a professional and positive manner.• Ensure that all Microsoft certifications and accreditations required to fulfil this role within HSO are met as determined by you and the Team Head.• To ensure that you are up to date with all Microsoft and D365 products through self-learning, and where necessary, through external / Microsoft-led conferences.• To promote new or emerging technologies to the HSO Management Team where you believe HSO can benefit and provide a competitive advantage.Key Competencies• Commercial and budget awareness• Client facing• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills• Planning and organising• Decision-making• Communication skills• Influencing and leading• Delegation• Team work• Negotiation• Flexibility LocationBased where appropriate whether on client site, in the office or working from home. Travel will be extensive to various locations. There is an expectation that this role will be part of the project delivery teams, and a likelihood of at least 3 days per week on customer sites. It will be a requirement to spend some time in the office to develop relationships in-house with the rest of HSO, as well as keeping abreast of the developments of the business and understanding the company’s approach to the market.
About HSO HSO Success and Ambition HSO are a leading member of the Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle, founded in 1987, and specialize in sectors such as Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Financial Services and Local Government. We’ve won several prestigious awards over the last few years including being voted in the UK’s top 10 Best Large companies to work for the last 3 years running. This year we are also proud to have been named the D365 Finance Microsoft Partner of the Year Award and Finalist for D365 Sales & Marketing. HSO is the place to work for those in the Microsoft Dynamics channel. People join and stay because we care; about adding value to our customers, about delivering what we say we will, striving to improve ourselves, being inclusive and having fun. The core values that enable us to work so well together also mean our customers want to work with us. We choose to be different to other Microsoft Partners. Caring about our people, customers and quality of work differentiates us. We always support our people and customers to achieve shared, agreed goals. Job Purpose: The AI Architect will enable the creation of innovative, ethical, and reliable cloud solutions that stand out on a global scale to enhance the lives of people and organisations. This includes, but is not limited to: Supporting the development and implementation of our enterprise AI strategies and roadmaps. Scoping and leading the development of frameworks, reference architecture, tooling, costing, governing standards, and principles. Leading the design, migration, data modelling, implementation, testing, support, deployment, architecture, and maintenance of solutions that use, or will use AI in future. Qualify new customers and assist existing customers to envision new opportunities and map out enhancements to existing solutions that meet business needs. Key Responsibilities: Supporting customers with their AI Implementation across infrastructure, security, licensing, management, and migration. Lead, design and implement data driven AI projects end to end, working both independently and/or leading a team to meet project requirements. Working collaboratively with our other Cloud Services teams to deliver exceptional solutions to our clients across the full range of Microsoft technologies. Reviewing and automating business processes. Work directly with the customer to scope out and deliver maintainable, well tested solutions that leverage cloud technologies where possible. Provide sound technical support to clients for common and complex Data & AI issues, while identifying opportunity for architectural, cultural, and technical improvements. Lead, design, and apply AI architecture patterns to projects and solutions. Develop and improve AI solutions and related development lifecycles, using best practices and a DevOps mindset. Deliver workshops to clients to upskill them and support with the uptake of new technologies, while identifying opportunities for improvements in workshop design and delivery. Understand and implement solutions outside of AI that may interact with developed solutions. Proactively seek out and learn emerging technologies, explore new and innovative use cases, and build collective knowledge across the Aware Team. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the HSO core values and HSO best practices. Act as a Mentor and coach for our Data & AI team to ensure team members are meeting their project and customer goals.
About HSO HSO Success and Ambition HSO are a leading member of the Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle, founded in 1987, and specialize in sectors such as Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Financial Services and Local Government. We’ve won several prestigious awards over the last few years including being voted in the UK’s top 10 Best Large companies to work for the last 3 years running. This year we are also proud to have been named the D365 Finance Microsoft Partner of the Year Award and Finalist for D365 Sales & Marketing. HSO is the place to work for those in the Microsoft Dynamics channel. People join and stay because we care; about adding value to our customers, about delivering what we say we will, striving to improve ourselves, being inclusive and having fun. The core values that enable us to work so well together also mean our customers want to work with us. We choose to be different to other Microsoft Partners. Caring about our people, customers and quality of work differentiates us. We always support our people and customers to achieve shared, agreed goals. Job Purpose: Provide outstanding technical services using low code or pro code technology as a lead consultant to clients and contribute to the success of HSO’s Application Platform. Key Responsibilities As Lead Consultant, you will: Work as part of a team on larger client-facing engagements or as an individual technical leader on smaller engagements (Supporting) designing cloud architectural designs Take responsibility for the delivery of technical capabilities to clients, either at the project, solution, or feature level Facilitate or support client facing consulting services such as cloud assessments, workshops, and co-design sessions Provide expertise in platform management, application lifecycle management, security, and user empowerment. Further develop and maintain your own technical expertise, and share that expertise with junior colleagues as a mentor or producer of best practices and intellectual property Provide technical pre-sales support to HSO sellers and their clients when needed (e.g. technical presentations to clients, development and presentation of demos, preparation of design and proposal documentation, etc.); note this is not the primary job function, and pre-sales assignments will be made based on technical expertise required by the pursuit
About HSOHSO Success and AmbitionHSO has grown organically to have more than 400 people throughout the UK and we expect to continue to grow significantly in the next five years. We are a leading member of the Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle, founded in 1987, and specialize in sectors such as Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Financial Services and Local Government. We’ve won several prestigious awards over the last few years including being voted in the UK’s top 10 Best Large companies to work for the last 3 years running. This year we are also proud to have been named the D365 Finance Microsoft Partner of the Year Award and Finalist for D365 Sales & Marketing.HSO is the place to work for those in the Microsoft Dynamics channel. People join and stay because we care; about adding value to our customers, about delivering what we say we will, striving to improve ourselves, being inclusive and having fun.The core values that enable us to work so well together, also mean our customers want to work with us. We choose to be different to other Microsoft Partners. Caring about our people, customers and quality of work differentiates us. We always support our people and customers to achieve shared, agreed goals.Job PurposeAs the Cloud Solution Architect you will lead all engagements with our customers from presales to discovery, designing and implementation of wider cloud services with a focus on Power platform solutions. This means having overall ownership of the solution, ensuring that the delivered solutions are implemented in a cost-effective, high quality and controlled manner that satisfies customers’ technical and business requirements. Your responsibilities will involve leading customer workshops, documenting requirements, defining deliverables, and estimating projects with the assistance of the delivery team.The role is key in designing new go-to-market propositions working with sales teams to ensure correct customer alignment, and with the AP Delivery Lead to ensure the team has the necessary skills and expertise to implement the solution.The role works closely with the Cloud Strategist and other Cloud Solution Architects to ensure that AP solutions are aligned with the overall cloud strategy for that customer.This role is part of the small senior leadership team for the AP team and will help guide the delivery team to develop the skills required to be the best Power Platform partner in the market.Reports to: Application Platform Practice LeadOverview of Experience and Key ResponsibilitiesEngagement- Promote new or emerging Technologies to the HSO Management Team where you believe HSO can benefit and provide a competitive advantage.- Responsible for developing relationships with the Microsoft team to help with sales and delivery of our projects.- Collaborate closely with the Business App practice within HSO to identify opportunities for the AP and wider Cloud services.- Work in tandem with the Practice and delivery leads to define propositions, solution packages, and implementation accelerators.Managing Risk- Support EA and pre-sales teams to ensure workable solutions are being promoted and to create end-to-end solutions.- Support commercial teams and contribute towards commercial estimates on AP solution designs.- Own technical delivery and architecture design on key AP projects, with the ability to deep dive into the technical inquiries on proposed solutions, while also working within agreed commercial parameters.- Provide the link between the implementation teams and the Cloud Strategist and wider Enterprise Architecture team, ensuring the proposed cloud infrastructure provides a solid foundation for the solution being provided.- Produce systems architecture and design documentation to agreed HSO standards.- Provide the link between the customer team, HSO implementation teams, HSO technical teams and Microsoft.- Ensure that all Microsoft Certifications and Accreditations required to fulfil this Role within HSO are met as determined by you and the Team Lead.- To understand the HSO project delivery methodology and apply this implementation approach to all HSO Projects.- To work closely with project teams and act as a point of reference/escalation during the implementation of a Cloud solution, particularly through go-live advising/improving on the scalability and performance of the solution.- To act as a point of reference/escalation for HSO support teams once a cloud solution has been implemented.- Acts as a Technical lead and mentor colleagues to share knowledge
ABOUT HSOHSO is a business transformation partner with deep industry expertise and global reach. HSO leverages the full power of the Microsoft Cloud to transform the way in which people work and engage customers, ultimately accelerating the impact of cloud transformation and improving overall business performance. By leveraging the power of Dynamics 365, Generative AI, Data, AI, Copilot capabilities and the full Microsoft Cloud; HSO helps companies innovate faster by modernising business operations, adopting data-driven intelligent automation, delivering real-time insights and connecting the enterprise. Founded in 1987, HSO has more than 2,500 professionals throughout Europe, North America, and Asia and is one of the world’s top business solution and implementation partners and a member of Microsoft’s elite Inner Circle, representing the top 1 percent of partners worldwide. HSO specialises in industry sectors such as Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Financial Services and Public Sector. As an award-winning partner, HSO has been recognized as the global winner of the 2023 Partner of the Year Award for D365 Finance and as a Finalist for D365 Sales and Marketing. In addition to Best Tech Company 2021 to Work For and the 6th Best Large Company to Work For in 2022. At HSO we take pride in being large enough to serve, but small enough to care. We are uniquely positioned to empower you to transform your career without compromising your life and we take pride in investing as much in our people as we do in our clients. At HSO we transform the way in which people work and how businesses operate to get results for our clients. This takes exceptional cutting-edge technology, knowledge, talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit. Our culture and values support entrepreneurial mindsets and attitudes where your voice will always be heard.PURPOSE OF THE ROLE This role will be responsible for managing a portfolio of transition concerning the onboarding of new customers or uplift in services into the UK Managed Services department. You will provide planning, resourcing, direction, focus, communication and results on behalf of all new transitions, which will contribute to the excellent onboarding or uplift of services to our clients. This role is one of the first engagements many new customers will have with HSO Managed Service Department. As such, it is seen as a critical role within the department as it sets the tone of our client's relationship with HSO. JOB FUNCTION Play a key role within ‘HSO Managed Services’ to ensure a first-class service is delivered to all Customers. Manage the pipeline of service transitions and ensure that all customer and HSP stakeholders are aware of expected timelines and dates for activities so as to align to overall MS and customer resource planning. Ensure that for all known new transitions that a transition plan is in place and active. Ensure that early involvement in projects are in place (such as a corresponding SDM) at each agreed milestone. Have ownership of a Transition Checklist, knowing for each type of new customer opportunity what tasks need to be completed for the services being contracted to HSO, include when by and by whom. This checklist will include config items (user setup for example) alongside knowledge transfer session set-up, environment management and new contract introductions for client key users. Keep close to the UK Projects team, having regular calls with Project Managers that are introducing new customers to the MS team and sharing updates as required. Use the MSFT DevOps application to capture all ongoing tasks and updates internally, and other systems as required to ensure communication with the customer is regular and accurate. Ensure that any chargeable activities are managed to time and budget, with invoicing completed accurately each month. Ensure that any potential over-runs in budget and any needs for increased budgets from customers are recognised early and communicated to customers. Ensure any changes in plans or delivery are explained to customers to ensure expectations are set and met. Produce and own a resourcing plan to fulfil upcoming tasks in the most cost-efficient manner available. Complete real-time reporting for use with team colleagues, customers and Senior Management. This will include the need to capture hours utilised against ongoing projects and profitability of services. Assist, where possible, in the development and management of DevOps and other MS systems in order to help provide accurate KPI’s regarding time to deliver estimates, work orders and delivery of programmes of work to customers. Carry out additional duties as may occur from time to time as instructed and agreed by the Head of Managed Services Support. In all activities, ensure timely completion of internal process and requirements as per the Company Handbook and operate in such a manner as to conform to the Company’s Quality System. Ensure proper due diligence is completed during each transition. Working closely with HSO support team on any non-standard on exceptions that may need to be taken into a go-live service. Ensure transitions run through an Early Life Support (ELS) stage with support with clear exit points from ELS into on-going live running with Support.
HSO Success and AmbitionHSO has grown organically to have more than 400 people throughout the UK and we expect to continue to grow significantly in the next five years. We are a leading member of the Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle, founded in 1987, and specialize in sectors such as Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Financial Services and Local Government. We’ve won several prestigious awards over the last few years including being voted in the UK’s top 10 Best Large companies to work for the last 3 years running. This year we are also proud to have been named the D365 Finance Microsoft Partner of the Year Award and Finalist for D365 Sales & Marketing.HSO is the place to work for those in the Microsoft Dynamics channel. People join and stay because we care; about adding value to our customers, about delivering what we say we will, striving to improve ourselves, being inclusive and having fun.The core values that enable us to work so well together, also mean our customers want to work with us. We choose to be different to other Microsoft Partners. Caring about our people, customers and quality of work differentiates us. We always support our people and customers to achieve shared, agreed goals.Reason for vacancyAs the digital transformation revolution gathers pace, there is a growing need to provide our customers with capabilities that extend beyond a knowledge of ERP and its traditional implementation approach.Job PurposeResponsible for the successful delivery of projects, ensuring:· A quality delivery across all customer engagements· Achievement of profitable services performance· High customer satisfaction levels on implementation· Achievement of key project objectives· Motivation of individual members of the project delivery teamKey Responsibilities· Lead the planning and implementation of projects· Facilitate the definition of project scope, risks, goals and deliverables· Define project tasks and resource requirements· Develop full scale project plans· Assemble and coordinate project staff· Manage project budget· Manage project resource allocation· Track project deliverables and issues using appropriate tools· Provide direction and support to project team· Quality assurance· Constantly monitor and report on progress of the projects to all stakeholders· Present reports defining project progress, problems and solutions· Implement and manage project changes and interventions to achieve project outputs· Project evaluations and assessment of result· Ensure HSO Project Methodology is full documented, used in all relevant pieces of work and understood and used by all the Consultants on the project.