With predictive data, you can take action before something has become a fact
Most of Jappie Visser’s (37) time is spent on his tasks as group leader of the Analysis and Reporting group at Witteveen+Bos. He is also a financial adviser to the Infrastructure and Mobility sector.
Information needs
‘Since April 2022 I’ve been group leader Analysis and Reporting. Every week, nine of us produce financial reports for managers in the business lines. We prepare those reports based on information needs but also offer unsolicited advice. In each case, the goal is to provide insight. If a team’s chargeable score drops or expenditures exceed budget, managers want to know about it as soon as possible. The world Witteveen+Bos operates in involves a lot of money and the risk of exceeding budgets is always present, so it’s important to keep a finger on the pulse.’
Robby the Robot
‘In obtaining and processing data, we make use of robotic process automation. Our robot, named Robby, processes 25 large exports every week in addition to its other tasks. In the past, that took one or two employees all Tuesday afternoon. Robby does it flawlessly and is never sick. This leaves more time for analysis – the important work. The next step will involve predicting more. So, instead of noting that a chargeable score has dropped, we’ll be able to see from trends that it’s about to drop. This will allow managers to make adjustments before something has even happened.’
Change of scene
‘After working as a chartered accountant at EY for ten years, I made the switch to Witteveen+Bos in 2019. I noticed right away that the corporate culture is accessible – people are very approachable. This creates opportunities. Witteveen+Bos always has 3,000-4,000 external projects and each one has a financial component. Many internal projects at the company do too. I enjoy being involved in both types of project and supporting colleagues from a financial perspective. As well as a group leader, I’m a financial adviser for the Infrastructure and Mobility sector. I answer financial questions from PMC leaders and others and help set up complex projects. It keeps me connected to Witteveen+Bos’s work. Also, setting up a project properly at the start saves time later.’