AX Finance - Solution Architect

The AX Finance - Solution Architect at Smith+Nephew is tasked with designing, implementing, and optimizing Microsoft Dynamics AX solutions with a focus on finance modules. Responsibilities include leading implementations of key modules such as General Ledger and Accounts Payable, developing data migration strategies, and offering technical support and training to finance teams.

Candidates for the AX Finance - Solution Architect role at Smith+Nephew should possess a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, or a related field. Additionally, 7+ years of ERP experience, particularly in Microsoft Dynamics AX, with a strong focus on financial processes is required, along with D365 FO/AX certifications preferred.

Collaboration is crucial for the AX Finance - Solution Architect role at Smith+Nephew. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, translating business needs into system requirements and effectively fostering teamwork across finance, IT, and business leaders to enhance organizational efficiency.

Smith+Nephew offers a hybrid work environment for the AX Finance - Solution Architect position, allowing you to work from the office two days a week while enjoying flexibility in your work schedule. This model supports a balanced work-life integration, promoting both productivity and employee well-being.

At Smith+Nephew, the AX Finance - Solution Architect benefits include major medical coverage, educational assistance, flexible personal and vacation time off, parental leave, employee assistance programs for well-being, as well as hands-on training and mentorship opportunities to foster professional growth.

When answering this question, highlight specific instances where you successfully implemented or optimized AX financial modules, such as General Ledger or Accounts Receivable. Detail the challenges faced and the solutions you provided, demonstrating your in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience.

Discuss your methodology for assessing business needs and translating them into technical requirements. You should outline how you gather input from stakeholders and ensure that the solution aligns with both business goals and industry-standard processes.

Share your processes for developing data migration strategies, including risk assessment and testing protocols. Mention any tools or methodologies you have used to ensure a smooth transition and maintain data integrity during migrations.

Explain how you maintain flexibility and problem-solving skills throughout an AX implementation project. Provide examples of past challenges and your approach to overcoming them while ensuring project timelines and quality standards are met.

Talk about a specific project where you collaborated effectively with diverse teams. Highlight your role, the actions you took to facilitate communication, and how the collaboration contributed to the project’s success and alignment with business objectives.

Discuss the importance of process standardization and continuous improvement. Mention specific techniques or methodologies, such as Lean or Six Sigma, that you've employed to enhance financial operations in your previous roles.

Detail your approach to training and support, including how you assess the training needs of finance teams. Provide examples of training programs you've developed or facilitated, and describe the methods you used to ensure understanding and adoption of AX functionalities.

Highlight your familiarity with various integration techniques related to AX, such as using EDI, APIs, and third-party tools. Provide examples of past projects where you successfully managed integrations and the outcomes achieved.

Demonstrate your strong grasp of accounting principles and how they apply to Microsoft Dynamics AX. Discuss relevant experiences where your accounting knowledge helped you make sound decisions about system configurations and enhancements.

Speak about your commitment to ongoing learning, including following industry blogs, attending webinars, and participating in professional organizations. Mention resources you utilize to remain informed about the latest features and updates from Microsoft Dynamics.