Meet an ACS Member – Karen Keynes
Highlights
- In this edition, we meet Karen Keynes, who joined ACS last year. Read about her tech career journey (starting out in Chartered Accountancy) and her journey establishing a boutique digital transformation agency.
1. Tell us about your tech career journey highlights to date?
Embarking on my career journey in the mid 90s, I was a young Chartered Accountant with a keen interest in business efficiencies and exploring ways to streamline and automate processes.
In 2000, I found myself in the role of Finance Manager at a Hotel & Casino, where I spearheaded a project to integrate the introduction of GST across all front and back of house systems. This role opened up avenues for me to scrutinise integrations, optimise data capture, and eventually led me to establish my own consultancy. My consultancy, dedicated to Business Process Re-engineering, had the privilege of serving some renowned hospitality brands.
My passion for business improvements didn’t stop there. When the opportunity to implement an enterprise performance management system came up, I found my true calling. The thrill (yes thrill!) of enhancing the accuracy of budgets and forecasts by implementing a system that was so effortless was a game-changer. Less time, better output, and enabling businesses to make crucial strategic decisions - it was a win-win situation!
Fast forward to three and a half years ago, I teamed up with a good friend and now business partner, Karen Taylor, to bring Kx2 Management Group into existence. We’ve had the amazing opportunity to support a diverse range of clients, including Dreamworld and Lorna Jane, with a variety of software implementations across ERP’s, HR, Payroll, EPM’s, and more.
As advocates for the client-side, we now assist our clients with a wide range of services, from running RFPs and assessing project resource needs, to project readiness, project and change management. A new service offering this year, which has been well-received by our clients, is the system architecture roadmap. Seeing the value our clients and their staff gain from a dedicated partnership with Kx2 truly energises me. It’s heartwarming to see our collective insights and specialised knowledge lead to successful outcomes.
2. Why did you get involved at ACS and what are you hoping to achieve?
I was looking for a way to grow my network in the tech space as well as find some focussed professional development opportunities when I stumbled across the ACS Tech Summit in Brisbane in 2023 I got so much out of that event that I joined ACS as a member and began attending other events both virtually and in person. I really enjoy the opportunities to meet and talk to the broad range of people on their tech journey, from students coming through university programs through to C suite executives. Down the track, I’d like to nominate for the ACS Queensland Branch Executive Committee, I am driven by several key objectives, particularly representing those transitioning into the tech space from other industries and those in the consultancy sector.
3. What professional advice would you provide your younger self?
I’d provide two pieces of advice, firstly identify and follow your passion. Secondly value soft skills and be open to understanding what drives you, triggers you, and lights you up. If you can do that for yourself, it will allow you to do it for others.
4. What is the ACS member benefit you enjoy the most and why?
Opportunities to attend affordable in person ACS networking/learning opportunities. Coming out of Covid, the number of in person events has reduced with a much higher proportion being held virtually. Other industry events in person can be quite pricey to attend.
5. What is your favourite piece of tech or gadget?
We run a fully remote office, and use a tool called Looking Glass, developed by a local Brisbane business, to stay connected and provide a virtual office experience for our team. It’s a game changer.
6. How can members contact you?
Reach out to me on email at kk@kx2mgtgroup.com, via LinkedIn or through out website www.kx2mgtgroup.com