From Systems Accountant to Solutions Architect

Some encouragement from his peer Lorraine Sinnott was all Dennis Williams needed to transition from a systems accountant to a TechnologyOne consultant at Lánluas.

“I didn’t really know what to expect making the pivot from client-side work to consulting, but the variety of tasks and working for multiple clients simultaneously appealed to me,” Dennis explains.

Though excited about the new challenge, Dennis initially had reservations about working remotely full-time.

“I was worried about missing out on social interactions, but now I can’t see myself working any other way!” he shares. Dennis appreciates the time saved by not commuting, allowing him more time with his wife and daughter and to carry out daily chores, like helping get dinner ready.

Dennis’s previous role as a systems accountant shares some similarities with his current role at Lánluas Consulting. Dealing with clients across different levels and departments requires a solid understanding of each stakeholder’s needs from the system. The same goes for soft skills and the ability to communicate effectively. The main difference is that instead of serving one company, he now enjoys working with multiple clients.

Being a solutions architect gives Dennis the most satisfaction in his role—taking a manual task and using TechnologyOne or other tools to automate it as much as possible. “Building a system within a system to make it better,” as he describes it.

“I am passionate about project work. I like knowing that there’s a change being implemented and contemplating how the TechnologyOne system will handle it. The whole thought process of helping a client solve a problem and assisting them in completing tasks more efficiently and effectively is empowering.”

Positive feedback from clients is a key motivator for Dennis. “It’s a great dopamine hit when the clients are happy,” he says. “When they’re satisfied, then so am I.”

Looking ahead, Dennis predicts significant changes in payables and receivables, particularly in e-invoicing, which remains a largely manual process in New Zealand.

Outside of work, Dennis enjoys music and exercise. He loves playing the guitar, and Xbox, doing high-intensity cardio workouts, and practising Kung Fu with his daughter.

If he could host a dinner party for any three personalities, real or fictional, Dennis would invite Billy Corgan from The Smashing Pumpkins, Dustin Kensrue from Thrice, and wrestler, Bret “The Hitman” Hart.

Lánluas offers a wealth of career opportunities for TechnologyOne consultants seeking a supportive environment where expertise is valued, and work-life balance is prioritised. Learn more about how to advance your career with Lánluas.