A sustainable growth path from bookkeeping to controlling for finance consultant Fraa at Dentius

The start of a surprising adventure

With rapid growth and expansion in the number of dental practices, coupled with a change of the bookkeeping program, Dentius faced a challenge. To ensure a smooth transition and move forward at full speed, they turned to TriFinance for temporary support and bookkeeping expertise. Since a consultant from TriFinance was already working within the finance team, Dentius was already familiar with our working methods. That’s how Fraa came on board. “My initial assignment consisted of reconciling the fixed assets. However, due to the combination of rapid growth and an adjustment to the bookkeeping program, I noticed that there was still room for other optimisations. The duration of my project therefore quickly changed from three weeks to three months,” explains Fraa.

“During the subsequent period, I identified various process improvements and optimisations within the bookkeeping department. Dentius is an environment where you can pitch ideas and also get the chance to implement them if they add value. Although I started in a GL role, I then moved to the AP team for a period of three months to identify optimisation opportunities there as well. Think about, for example, reviewing the approval flow, automating the invoice flow to the ERP system, and setting up Power Queries for analytical invoice postings. Later, I switched back to the GL team in a more operational role, and I also got to know other balance sheet accounts inside out. For example, the monthly closing process was scrutinized and various automations were set up here too using PowerQuery and Power BI,” says Fraa.

As a finance consultant, you often provide temporary support, but in practice you bring so much more to the table than that. You bring structure, clarity, and experience from other projects. “I have also converted the insights I have gained in my various roles at Dentius into a handy manageable manual for other colleagues in the finance team. This ensures that working methods and tips for various processes are properly preserved. In addition, I have also translated the manual into an inspiring training course which is also part of my role as a finance consultant,” adds Fraa.

Fraa’s proactive approach and growth potential were also noticed by Emmanuel Lenaerts and Cathérine De Bruyn, respectively CFO and Business Controlling Manager at Dentius. “The match with Dentius’ finance team and Fraa was there from the start, which enabled her to quickly familiarize herself. Bringing structure is really one of Fraa’s strengths, and that’s exactly what we needed at the start of our journey together. The manuals that Fraa has created are still actively being used today, and we adapt them ourselves regularly to ensure that the information remains up to date,” explains Emmanuel.

Step by step, Fraa continued to grow in her role. “Dentius gave me the chance to grow by regularly adding new tasks. On-the-job training was complemented by frequent feedback and sparring moments with Cathérine (Controlling Manager at Dentius),” starts Fraa. In addition, Fraa could also count on regular follow-up and tailored coaching from TriFinance. This tailored coaching served both as a mirror and a compass: it not only highlighted Fraa’s strengths, but also identified areas for growth through targeted training. “I felt it was important to communicate my training needs in a timely manner. At TriFinance, you are not alone, and individual growth is a key focus. That’s why I spoke to my Career Advisor, someone from the internal team at TriFinance who closely monitors your progress and contributes ideas about your growth trajectory. Based on the steps you want to take, training courses that really match your development needs are offered. For example, I attended the Finance & Administration Academy to expand my expertise in bookkeeping,” says Fraa.

The right person at the right time

Fraa’s story in the finance team at Dentius continues when an opportunity arises to progress from AP and GL bookkeeping to business controlling. “When I was asked to make the switch to business controlling at Dentius, at first I was somewhat hesitant. But I quickly realized that making the connection with the business, reviewing figures, analyzing them, and then providing feedback also means that you can make a greater impact,” Fraa continues.

For Dentius it also felt like a logical step to allow Fraa to grow into a new role. “Fraa was already familiar with our organization and the team, and already acquainted with the systems and tools that we use. In addition, it is simply easier to make the switch from bookkeeping to controlling in an environment you are comfortable and familiar with, and we were confident that Fraa would also be able to quickly add value in controlling,” Cathérine explains.

“My new role within Dentius also brought some challenges with it. It took time and effort to get to grips with the role, but my previous experience in other finance positions within Dentius proved to be a great asset. My responsibilities included monthly and quarterly closings, business support to the regional managers, budget preparations and also creating manuals. Next to that, I also followed TriFinance’s Power BI track that made sure I was able to create dashboards for Dentius, to ensure that the figures are automatically updated for reporting to the management,” narrates Fraa.

The added value of mentoring

At TriFinance, mentoring has a prominent place in our learning culture and plays a crucial role in the growth of our employees. “Mentoring is not about quick fixes, but about daring to search and reflect together. A good mentor does not simply provide the answer, but helps you to ask the right questions yourself. A mentor knows very well that every beginning is difficult, and has been in that position themselves, but can guide you through their own experience. This will enable you to stand firm as a consultant and approach similar situations differently in the future,” explains Evelien Boon (Care Manager at TriFinance).

Fraa has experienced firsthand that you can always rely on a strong network within TriFinance during a project. “Right from the start of my project at Dentius, I have always been able to count on a mentor within TriFinance, regardless of my role. From the beginning of my project at Dentius, I was supported by another TriFinance consultant who happened to already be working on a project at Dentius. That certainly added value in helping me get started. It’s great to have a sparring partner who can help you with a specific challenge or teach you technical skills, but with whom you can also discuss your growth path. In addition, you will be matched with a mentor based on your role in a project and the expertise you need at that moment, which means that you may have different mentors throughout your career, each tailored to your growth and development needs,” explains Fraa.

Mutual trust

The power of this story lies mainly in mutual trust. Finance consultant Fraa seizing growth opportunities, Dentius offering the space to grow and TriFinance as a partner who builds bridges. It is a good example of how temporary support can grow into a long-term impact. “I had a front-row seat to witness how Fraa seized every opportunity to grow with the same customer. What started as a bookkeeping assignment grew into a journey of continuous development, trust and added value within finance and controlling at Dentius,” says Lisa Hannes (Business Manager at TriFinance).

Emmanuel (Dentius): “Commitment, willingness to learn, and taking initiative are important qualities of a consultant and essential for getting started. We have seen these qualities reflected in Fraa’s work.”

“I really got to know myself better during this project, gaining a better understanding of what gives me energy and where my strengths lie. From project management to process optimization, and from AP and GL bookkeeping to controlling: I have had the opportunity to experience it all at Dentius. This is definitely a unique experience! In addition, working on the same project with the same client for a longer period of time can lead to a steep learning curve: you gain better understanding of the organization and team structures, which allows you to make a greater impact and it opens new doors that you might not have expected,” summarizes Fraa.