From curiosity to expertise

Joris Vandaele, Expert Business Application Consultant

With a background in accountancy and taxation, Joris Vandaele found himself in the world of ERP solutions somewhat by chance. What began as an internship project on Optical Character Recognition evolved into an impressive career as an expert in Microsoft Dynamics 365. Today, Joris is a respected point of contact both within Cegeka and at Microsoft itself. We spoke with him about his journey, his role as an expert, and his passion for the field.

You don't need to be an IT specialist to succeed in this job. Understanding what the client needs is just as important.

Joris Vandaele, Expert Business Application Consultant

Growing in Dynamics 365

Can you walk us through your career path?
"I graduated with a degree in Accountancy and Taxation, and during my internship, I was introduced to OCR software. I was immediately fascinated by how technology could drive process optimization. Soon after, I started working as a functional consultant for Microsoft Dynamics AX. Over time, through various projects, training sessions, and hands-on experience, I advanced to become an expert in Dynamics 365 Finance & Supply Chain. Along the way, I also became the main point of contact between Cegeka and Microsoft for finance-related topics."


What made you decide to take on the role of expert?

"To be honest, it happened quite organically. By constantly exploring new features and sharing my knowledge during projects, I naturally grew into the role. It’s something I still find fascinating. Microsoft is always innovating. By staying up to date and taking initiative, you naturally become someone others turn to."


What are the biggest challenges in your role, and how do you deal with them?

"You often deal with complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, while also needing to stay current with new releases, features, and evolving client expectations. On top of that, there are ad-hoc questions from colleagues and tasks related to presales. For me, that variety is actually energizing. It keeps things interesting and offers constant learning opportunities. Traveling and working on-site can also be part of the job, but I see that as a valuable and enriching experience."

What does a typical workday look like?
"That really depends on the projects I’m working on and what stage they’re in. Some days I’m deep into analysis, while others I’m giving demos or supporting presales efforts. Flexibility is key."

 

What advice would you give to people who are unsure about their career path?
"Don’t be intimidated by the IT side of things. If you have knowledge of finance, processes, or specific industries, that’s a huge asset. The most important thing is being able to think along with the client. And don’t shy away from challenges,  that’s where you learn the most."

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