Insight Associates helps companies transform their finances by implementing award-winning iplicit accounting software. In our latest staff promo feature, we talk to our Implementation Manager Carl Stark about the skills he uses to deliver successful software deployments for clients and why he still gets a buzz from every project even after 20 years!
From wish list to wonder: Helping clients achieve their finance goals
The bright lights of technology tempted Carl away from a career on stage into the world of software implementation. Instead of learning to deliver great lines, he’s learnt how to deliver great projects. In this article, Carl reveals how he helps clients overcome their finance frustrations with successful implementations of accounting software.
How did you end up as an Implementation Manager?
I was set to become an actor, but an interim job with a ticketing company made me realise that I had a genuine curiosity and love of technology. It was an amazing time to be involved in IT. After gaining a range of technical and software development skills, I decided a career in implementation project management would be a great way to harness my experience to directly support the people deploying and using new technology. I’ve been implementing software solutions for more than 20 years now – and I’m still loving it!
What skills have you developed to ensure successful software implementations?
One of the biggest challenges is understanding what people need and making sure new software delivers on their expectations. Thanks to my technical and practical skills, I can translate what clients are asking for into a software solution that works without overcomplicating things. I spend time getting to know how a client’s finance team actually operates; what works, what doesn’t and where the frustrations are. I then help to shape iplicit around them rather than expecting them to fit around the software. It’s like being a technology translator!
How do you add value to software implementation projects?
I’m a certified PRINCE2 Practitioner, which means I bring additional project management expertise to every iplicit deployment. I use these skills to meet project timelines, minimise potential risks and keep everyone aligned on goals. Every client is different, so I adapt the PRINCE2 framework to suit their needs. It helps me stay focused on my ultimate goal: delivering a seamless project that allows clients to quickly realise benefits that will transform their business.
What does a day in the life of an Implementation Manager look like?
It can be incredibly varied. One day I might be planning an iplicit onboarding workshop for a new client, then I might need to deliver enhancements for an existing group of users at another company. There’s more to my role than hands-on work with Insight Associates clients; I also collaborate with my colleagues to look at how we can further improve the implementation experience and answer their queries about iplicit’s features and benefits.
How do you still get a buzz from implementing software?
I love seeing when everything clicks for the client. It’s only natural to feel a bit uncertain when deploying new software. As the project progresses, clients realise how much iplicit will make their lives easier. That’s still a magic moment for me – even after 20 years! From helping government departments deploy payroll software to enabling charities to implement finance systems, every project has been a career highlight, even if there were challenges and sleepless nights! I like taking something that could feel complex and making it simple, practical and genuinely useful.
