My history plus project tips.

1. I have over 30 years experience working as a contractor and consultant. The first 18 years were as an
accountant, the last 14 years or so as an IT contractor/consultant.
I am able to plan how projects will develop from blueprint to roll out and go live support.
I have extensive expertise in the modules OTC/SD, MM /P2P HR from a system implementation
perspective and also how these modules integrate to FI / CO. I have also been involved in contracts for
clients that have already had SAP implemented and hired me to correct mistakes made in the past. Last year
I worked for Wingas UK. There were many issues / mistakes in their processes, systems and accounts. I
collected data from several individuals, analysed the data and found multiple mistakes that had to be
rectified, These mistakes had also got past the auditors, KPMG. My exercise made the company millions of
pounds. This is not just numbers on a balance sheet, but hard cash. My boss said I was amazing and an
inspiration because no matter the hurdles I encountered I did not stop my investigations until I got answers
to complete my work.
In my experience is much better for any company to get the implementation done properly, first time, than
to correct mistakes at a later date. It is essential that the project philosophy and strategy is carefully thought
out and documented before committing to writing the scope of work and committing to signing any
contracts.
I know what needs to be done over the whole project, testing, training, cutover etc. and I know what it takes
to do these tasks properly.
The majority of projects for many have problems. I can help solve current problems and help prevent future
ones.
I have worked on many projects over the years, not only at a managerial level, but also been heavily
involved in actually getting the job done, building, testing, delivering. TNT – Global EUR 90million project
being the most relevant.
I have all the skills required, writing functional specs, testing, training, planning, data migration, gap
analysis, process mapping, procedure writing.
I have an understanding of the requisite skill sets of many of the other consultants that are on the project.
I have managed departments of varying sizes. I have also trained dozens of staff, mainly in finance.
Most managers have expertise in these projects from a top down perspective; I have expertise in bottom up
direction also.
One of the most important elements of this role is to make sure the implementation partner fulfils their
obligations. I have first hand experience of implementations where the partner’s have had to be steered in
the right direction to ensure that objectives are met and that they deliver a professional service on time and
within budget. There are numerous examples where the end client has taken several years to rectify miss-
managed implementations.
I have travelled many tens of thousands of miles from country to country, Denmark, Sweden, Finland,
Norway, Portugal and Turkey, delivering SAP and am well aware of how time consuming and difficult this
part of the job can be. I now take this in my stride.
A good project manager has to be able to listen and communicate, be friendly and amenable, and firm and
forceful when the need arises.
I have been instrumental in putting in new processes and making crucial recommendations in turning round
the fortunes of various businesses.