Implementation Consultant - Johannesburg at Kerridge Commercial Systems South Africa

Role Summary

• To assist in the demonstration, business discovery, installation, training and implementation of KCS systems at customer sites delivering consultancy services.  You will also be involved with working with our in-house Development team to produce detailed, accurate system specifications or undertake system testing.  
• To liaise with other departments and customers during the implementation and to assist in the resolution of problems on behalf of the customer resulting from the practical application of the software.  
• Providing support, knowledge transfer and assisting System Consultants or colleagues as necessary. 
• The role involves travel (your own vehicle is an essential part of the role) to customer sites across UK, Scotland and Ireland and may also include overseas travel and travel to our other offices in the UK, Ireland, Netherlands and South Africa. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• To take a lead within the implementation teams responsible for the installation and setup of systems, and to advise both consultants and customers on the use of accounts specific software modules for their particular business.  The role requires experience of all accounting business practise includings: General Ledger: Chart of Accounts, Groupings, Postings, Journals, Cash Book, Period Ends.  Accounts Payable: Accounts Creation, Enquiries, Expenses, Invoices,Inv Matching, Payments. Account Receivable: Credit Applications, Account Creation, Enquiries, Credit Release,Customer Payments, Credit Chasing. Accounts Ledger: Branch Setup, Assets, Posting Tables, Asset Reports. Auditing, Instrastat, Reports etc.  
• To provide Accounts and associated applications training and demonstration including undertaking 
• demonstrations to support pre-sale consultancy.
• To provide Accounts application training & consultancy for the customer.
• To take responsibility within an implementation to ensure all customer documentation is completed and in particular that a pre live check list is completed and that the customer is ready to go live.
• To resolve, or assist in the resolution, of customer problems and queries arising from the implementation and subsequent live operation of standard or modified software at customer sites.
• To attend project meetings when required, internally or with clients, to gain or impart knowledge on current status of projects and to document details when appropriate.
• To assist the support function at all times on current or previously implemented systems, as and when required, by taking support calls from clients when appropriate.
• To liaise with the customers to define, or help define, requirements, specifications for modifications to the software.
• To assist the development team with understanding of specifications during the development of modifications and subsequently test and document developed changes.
• To train colleagues in the operation of modified software, as and when required, to ensure a smooth hand over of projects to the support function.
• To train the customer’s project team and provide knowledge transfer in the operation of modified software, as and when required.
• To cover for colleagues, as and when required, in all areas where knowledge overlaps, and to undertake other such duties as may reasonably be requested.
• Production and submission of consultancy documentation in line with company procedures and submitted in a timely manner. Timesheet completion in line with company procedures. 

Job Function Competencies 

• Train customers (and others) in the use of the K8 application or other systems after training. 
• Produce accurate specifications suitable for developers. Test modifications and provide good quality documentation for proof of testing.
• Deliver high-quality Accounts Consultancy and support the implementation process pre/post live including, investigate and document project issues.
• Support customers during and after the go live process.
• Record and manage implementation queries and issues following company policies and procedures. 
• Accurate and timely production of customer site visit forms and timesheet submission to enable customer billing to commence. 

Key Requirements:

• Educational/vocational qualifications, technical skills, commercial work experience
• The role requires you to have a valid driving license and a suitable vehicle to travel long distances. 
• Accounting knowledge at a business level is essential to undertake this role. 
• AAT or recognised Accountancy qualification would be advantageous. 
• A minimum of 2 years experience working as a consultant for a software house or senior experience gained in the distribution sector such as a Builders Merchant, Plumbers Merchant, Electrical Wholesaler or other distribution or ERP businesses.
• Sound working knowledge of customer and business account practices, including day to day transactions, month end, year-end and audit activities.
• Demonstrable configuration, installation and implementation experience relating to ERP Go Live’s including working knowledge of Accounting processes.
• Exposure or qualification in PRINCE 2 or other recognised project methodology.
• Excellent customer service and customer facing skills to work alongside customers on and off site.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Project
• Knowledge of Database platforms for ERP solutions e.g. Oracle or similar would be advantageous. 

Personal Skills Required 

• Soft skills such as communication, presentation, personal attributes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate at both board and end user level
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with diverse groups of individuals and maintain effective working relationships within a team environment
• Ability to work under pressure with limited time, direction and guidance to complete tasks in a timely and accurate manner
• The ability to present in a professional and structured manner up to board level
• Be able to investigate issues and generate an effective solution in a systematic and logical manner
• Maintain professional communication at all levels
• Project a professional image at all times
• Be adaptable and work as an effective member of a team
• Be organised and manage workload efficiently in particular submitting consultancy documentation, timesheets, site visits, obtaining customer sign off for consultancy work undertaken
• Work conscientiously and use own initiative
• Be calm under pressure and manage stressful situations
• Adopt a positive, pro-active approach to work.
• Ability to recognise how, when and to whom an issue should be escalated.
• Ability to delegate and supervise activities and tasks.