Life Behind the Screens: Initial key to success as a consultant is being open to change

Life Behind the Screens: Karen Wong

Doesn’t shy away from a challenge, enjoys problem-solving and is always looking for ways to make things better.

It’s safe to say Karen Wong was destined for a career as a consultant.

Karen always knew it was a career path she wanted to follow. It was simply a question of when the right time would be. Having made the transition in 2021, Karen hasn’t looked back since.

The time was right to make the move. I was starting to feel stagnant in my old role, and the ability to complete bigger pieces of work was no longer an option.

Karen Wong

Starting out as a graduate accountant, it was by chance that Karen took on a role as a systems accountant. The variety of work and broad exposure across core financial applications, from accounts payable, general ledger and accounts receivable to budgeting, reporting, analytics and building integrations are all elements Karen still enjoys today as a financial consultant with Lánluas.

While the scopes of work she finds herself delivering day-to-day haven’t changed extensively, the variety and types of projects she works on definitely have. The opportunity to work with clients across different sectors is something Karen really enjoys.

The variety of clients really works for me. Some weeks I will be working with a different client each day. You aren’t just focused on one industry or sector. I’ve worked with a variety of clients across local government, health care and higher education, just to name a few.

Karen Wong

Karen’s deep expertise and experience in local government and government agencies have enabled her to deliver complex projects for key clients in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

One particular highlight has been working with a higher education client to build an integration connecting student management data with the financial application within TechnologyOne, using T1’s ETL tool.

I found it really interesting working with a higher education client, as I had not previously had the opportunity to work outside of government. It gave me great insight into how that sector worked.

Karen Wong

In the UK, Karen carried out a system review with the finance team of a charity and public cultural institution, identifying opportunities for improvement. She also supported a UK city council with budgeting.

As many organisations grapple with the return to the office in a post-pandemic world, the flexibility to work and deliver remotely is important to Karen, as it is for all Lánluas consultants.

When asked to comment on the culture at Lánluas, Karen described it as “close-knit” and “supportive”.

At Lánluas everyone cares about each other, and you aren’t just a number. Being part of a boutique consultancy means you have regular contact with everyone across the organisation. People are always happy to help and answer any questions you may have. The regular care packages and thank you hampers really say a lot about the culture and show that you are valued.

Karen Wong

Regardless of the type of role you have, you will always have a client. As a consultant, it just means your client is external rather than internal. The key to success is being open to change.

Regardless of the type of role you have, you will always have a client. As a consultant, it just means your client is external rather than internal. The key to success is being open to change.

Karen Wong

For more information about a career at Lánluas, and to check out available opportunities, visit our Careers page.