Business experience: Software implementation specialist

During the crisis and quarantine, many people are forced to explore new careers or expand their range of professional services. Today, in the Business Experience section, we discuss the intricacies of the software implementation specialist profession.

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Professional Nadezhda Sidorovich shares her experience: how to master the profession, how to build a career in this field, the factors that determine a specialist's value, and the prospects for professional development.

– Nadezhda, what is a software implementation specialist? Tell us about your work. What are your responsibilities?

A software implementation specialist is the liaison between the programmer and the software client. Since I work as a software implementation specialist for a 1C franchisee, my work is also directly related to accounting.

At the first stage, I learn the client's requirements and wishes for the program. I clarify the specifics of the company's accounting processes and compare them with the existing capabilities of the 1C program. If any operations required by the accountant cannot be performed in the program, I assign the task to programmers, who modify the program based on the client's needs. At the next stage, I train clients to use the 1C program and take advantage of the modifications made to meet their needs.

My responsibilities include working directly with clients in person, as well as providing consultations and training over the phone and via remote access.

– How did your career in this field begin, and how did you come to choose your profession?

I worked as an accountant for eight years in companies across a variety of industries, from agriculture to services and retail. Each company used its own software. At each new job, I had to learn not only the intricacies of accounting but also the specifics of the software used. This was always the most interesting stage for me. My love for accounting gradually waned, however – I'm very outgoing and enjoy setting and solving new challenges, finding answers to new questions, while accounting requires more perseverance and the ability to work monotonously for long periods of time.

When looking for a new job, I already knew I wanted something related to accounting and lots of communication, but not an accountant's job. I didn't know what kind of profession that would be. I started researching job postings and found an ad for a "Software Implementation Specialist" at a 1C franchisee. During the interview, the manager explained the job in more detail, and it turned out to be exactly what I wanted—lots of communication, constant problem-solving, and the opportunity to continually learn and develop through practical experience.

– What does it take to be a successful software implementation specialist? Education, additional training, professional skills?

"This kind of work requires constant learning, one might even say a thirst for knowledge. The 1C software product offers a huge number of possibilities, but not everyone knows how to use it. Therefore, a software implementation specialist is someone who learns every day."

As far as I know, there's no specialized training for this profession; most specialists come from other professions. Gaining the knowledge for implementation is a matter of personal effort and a completely independent process. To better understand the program, I studied 1C programming video tutorials on YouTube channels. This is very helpful in understanding the program's structure and its algorithms.

An additional bonus in my profession will be obtaining 1C:Specialist and 1C:Professional certificates. They confirm a solid knowledge of the software product. And, of course, knowledge of accounting. The software implementation specialists I know came from accounting backgrounds.

– What personal qualities and character traits help you in your professional activities?

– Communication skills, the ability to find a common language with completely different people – the implementer must always have good relationships with both their clients and programmers.

Stress tolerance – there are issues that require quick decision-making and accountability for the outcome. Clients – like everyone else – aren't always in a good mood, in a positive frame of mind, or ready for dialogue.

The desire to help – in my work you need to want to help, to understand and look for an answer to a question that you yourself don’t yet know.

The ability to think analytically – well, there’s probably no need to explain this.

Attentiveness is a quality that probably every accountant possesses.

Curiosity towards new knowledge – trying things out, figuring out how things work, and proposing new options – will be very useful.

– Why do you love your profession?

– It’s not boring, it’s varied, it gives you a lot of new knowledge and skills, and it allows you to communicate with new people.

– Does your work bring you professional satisfaction? Do you feel useful to your clients and the organization?

"Of course! I love helping people—sharing my knowledge and training them. I know for sure that my profession benefits my clients—I not only teach them how to use the software correctly, but also explain how what they're doing works and how their actions will impact the company's accounting."

– What does a client typically expect when they contact you for a consultation?

– Clients expect prompt assistance, prompt advice, interest and understanding in their problem, advice, and assistance.

– What is the best piece of customer service advice you have ever received?

Not everything a client wants is what they actually need. Sometimes clients have requests that, if implemented, won't produce the desired result. That's why I always ask the client why they need a report, document, or revision, and what they're hoping to achieve as a result.

This year, the world faced a pandemic. How has this situation changed your way of life?

"Since the pandemic began, I've been working from home. My profession allows it. All I need is a computer, phone, calculator, pen, and notepad. And I'm ready to go! Of course, if necessary, we travel to clients' offices to work."

Does your work leave its mark on you? Is it possible to continue doing it until old age?

"I hope my work makes me wiser—the more people you meet, the more you learn how to interact with them. And, of course, it inspires curiosity—my interest in new knowledge never wanes."

I think it would be quite difficult to continue this work into old age, as an implementation specialist is a very flexible and easy-going person. It's well known that flexibility suffers with age, and people become more conservative. But since this profession is relatively new, I don't have any examples yet.

I only know that it’s better to move into this profession earlier – with age, it’s harder to get into a schedule, remain mobile, flexible, and stress-resistant.

– What areas of further professional development do you see for yourself?

– You can develop further and apply for a business analyst position. This is a more responsible and better-paid position.

You can go into the technical field and study 1C programming.

– What would you recommend to those who want to become a specialist in your field?

If you're a lifelong learner, enjoy learning new things, enjoy interacting with people, and have worked as an accountant but are tired of it and want a change, then consider becoming an implementation specialist! You'll succeed!