Natara Beaurem is a Senior HCM Implementation Consultant at HRchitect where she leverages her years of HCM and payroll systems expertise to guide clients through successful system implementation projects. As a proactive and hardworking team player, Natara brings a focused mentality and rigorous approach to her client engagements. She is not only adaptable and driven but also has the highest standard of ethics and an ability to thrive within a team or individual setting. Natara is a strong and experienced implementation leader with a proven track record of success in the HCM software industry. Natara’s expertise spans industries and software platforms including UKG Pro (UltiPro), ADP Payroll, Sales, Securities, and Professional Services. Get to know more about Natara in this month’s consultant spotlight.
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan, but I have been in the Atlanta area since 2010.
Alma mater: University of Phoenix with a B.S. in Finance.
All-time favorite restaurant: Caper’s Restaurant and Bar in Kennesaw, Georgia. They have the best-smoked salmon.
Last book you read: I am currently reading Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim Grover
What do you do when you’re not working? I love spending time with my family, watching movies, traveling, and cooking.
How did you find out about HRchitect, and what made you join the company? I was working for a former HCM vendor on a project with a close colleague and was really thinking about my work-life balance. He suggested I consider working at HRchitect. I reached out to HRchitect and had a call with the EVP of Implementation Services. That person was so genuine, and calm and spoke a lot about the great culture at HRchitect. It was evident to me that HRchitect really cares about the people at the company. I fell in love with the opportunity, particularly because the job opportunity and the quality of life I would have as a result of joining HRchitect would be a perfect fit for me. Then I received a job offer from the CEO, Matt Lafata, and have been a part of the team ever since.
How has your background impacted your experience as a consultant? I really like to understand people and who they are. I am great at developing relationships and that has helped me in my consulting career. I like to understand things from the ground up. My background as a former HCM consultant prepared me for developing client relationships and understanding my client’s needs at HRchitect. In addition, my previous background in the payroll division at a former HCM vendor helped me 1000% with system-specific knowledge. That role helped build a solid foundation for me to understand my client’s needs, frustrations, and expectations.
In your own words, what do you do at HRchitect? I am responsible for assisting clients in bringing their HCM and Payroll data and processes to another platform, and configuring that platform, while also making them happy and calming their nerves. I also serve the role of technical guru for clients, and oftentimes find myself in the role of a listening ear and friend to them as well. Specifically, I handle a lot of meetings, understanding who my client is and what their desires are, what they want to gain from the new platform, taking that information and building it out on the platform, making sure they are happy with the build-out, allowing them to test, understand and get used to the new platform, making necessary adjustments, guiding them to be self-sufficient on the platform so they are confident on the system and finally to the last phase – Go-live in which I assist and guide them through the first two payrolls with their new system.
What’s a typical workday like for you? I start my day early at 4 am to go work out 4-5 days a week. I then come back to my home office and get ready for my day and start working. I check emails, follow up on emails, attend meetings, work through the different requirements of my client projects and work on various configuration needs for my client projects.
Tell me about a project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of. An implementation for Bombay Company comes to mind here. Bombay Company was an incredible client – the epitome of a great client. The project leader of this company did everything he needed to do and learn in order to make this a successful project. He ensured his team was excited about and invested in the success of the project. That led to a truly great working relationship.
What’s been one of your favorite destinations to travel to? Last year I went to San Juan, Puerto Rico on a family trip. We stayed at an Airbnb in Old San Juan. The food was incredible, and we enjoyed ATV rides on a sugar farm.
As part of a team that works 100% virtually, what technology or collaboration tools do you use to make your work life easier? For my personal office setup, I have 3 screens and computer stands, an ergonomic chair, an ergonomic wrist pad, and a space heater. For internal and client communication, I use Slack, Microsoft Teams, Huddle, and Box. l also use and love SnipIt for sharing configuration code blocks.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work every day? My family is what motivates me. I enjoy being able to provide them with a comfortable life.
Which employee perk that HRchitect offers do you enjoy the most? Why? I thoroughly enjoy the unlimited PTO and the monthly home office allowance.
Learn more about Natara on LinkedIn