As the worlds of finance and technology become more closely intertwined, we’re evolving how we support our clients: making their lives easier, their data clearer, and their decisions more confident. We caught up with our new Senior Manager and Technology Lead, Joanne Royle, to learn more about her role, how tech is shaping the future of finance, and what’s in store for the months ahead. From smarter cashflow forecasting to app recommendations tailored to each business, she shares how innovation is at the heart of our approach.
Could you tell us a bit about your role and what you’re currently working on?
My role focuses on the technology we use at BHP, both within our Digital Finance team and for our clients. Each day is different, ranging from client calls and year-end account work to researching new software and meeting with external technology partners. I’m currently developing our forecasting and cashflow solutions to help clients plan well ahead of any potential dips in their bank balances. I’m also leading projects to ensure clients get the most out of their existing apps, while exploring new tools tailored to their specific business needs. Over the next year, my priorities include rolling out cashflow forecasting to more clients, enhancing our reporting packs, and expanding services such as digital health checks and bill payment solutions.
What does innovation mean to you in your role?
For me, innovation is about challenging the way things have always been done, starting with a clear focus on the outcome we want for our clients. It’s about using technology to make financial information more up-to-date and accurate, freeing us to spend more time interpreting the data and helping business owners make confident, informed decisions.
Have there been any moments where you’ve felt especially proud of the impact you’ve made?
I’m especially proud when I’ve worked with a client to understand and resolve a bespoke problem, and we’ve started to see the results in the quality of their financial data, which has helped with their planning and decision-making. We have saved hours of clients’ time by bringing their financial processes onto a digital platform and putting the technology in place to do the processing for them.
What advice would you give to other women looking to lead or drive change?
Have confidence in your ability, but be humble enough to seek help from other experts and colleagues when you need it. Ask lots of questions and keep the end goal in mind.
What does being part of a Great Place to Work mean to you?
It means having the support of amazing colleagues who genuinely care about helping our clients and working together as one team across offices and specialisms. That collaborative spirit, combined with the freedom to innovate, makes it possible to deliver real change for our clients.
