Meet our partners series: Solaris

In this series, we share insights from candid conversations with our partners who leverage Quadient AR to help transform their customers’ businesses.

Comprised of former Big 4 accounting professionals and driven by cutting-edge technology, Boston-based Solaris has created a radically progressive staffing model to keep pace with an ever-evolving industry. Within that paradigm, Solaris and its consultants recommend and implement key financial software solutions, including Quadient AR.

Meet Jin Situ, CPA, a Senior Manager at Solaris

With a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Ottawa, CPA credentials, and a knack for numbers, Jin Situ was off and running in the world of business in 2014. He started out in public accounting at a top-five Canadian firm, carving out a niche for himself in public company audits and the tech industry. From there, he worked as a controller at a real estate development company, where he expanded his skillset to include budgeting and month-end close procedures.

Jin then moved over to the tech industry, where he was CFO for a company that built and delivered a cloud-based access control solution. After the company was acquired by a private equity firm, he stayed on to manage the integration. Once that mission was accomplished, Jin wondered what he should do next and was intrigued when his colleague from college contacted him about joining him in consulting.

When and why did you join Solaris?

I made the jump to Solaris in 2022 to contribute to a face paced and forward-thinking company with tons of growth potential. Plus, I enjoyed helping clients grow and succeed. I also enjoyed the idea of being a value-add component to an organization rather than a cost center.

What’s your average day like?

As a consultant who works from home, my average day is a combination of various tasks and responsibilities. My day usually begins with reviewing and responding to any urgent emails or messages from clients or team members.

A significant portion of my day may involve reviewing financial statements, reconciling accounts, and ensuring all financial records are accurate and up to date. This could also include reviewing journal entries, preparing accruals, and updating financial reports.

If I am working on software implementations, I may spend time configuring new accounting software, testing, and troubleshooting any issues, and training clients or team members on how to use the software effectively.

When working on technical accounting, I may research and analyze complex accounting transactions, draft accounting policies, and provide guidance to clients or team members on accounting issues.

In addition to these tasks, I also dedicate time to business development. This may involve reaching out to potential clients, preparing proposals, and networking with industry professionals to build relationships and expand my client base.

Throughout the day, I also make sure to take breaks and stay physically active to maintain my productivity and mental well-being. This may involve going for a walk, doing a quick workout, or practicing mindfulness techniques.

How would you describe the culture at Solaris?

I would be happy to share my perspective on the culture at my current job. From my experience, the culture is characterized by friendly, collaborative, and intelligent co-workers who work together to achieve our goals.

Our workplace is very friendly, and everyone is approachable and willing to help when needed. There's a real sense of camaraderie here, and people are always willing to lend a hand or offer support to their colleagues. This creates a positive and welcoming environment, where people feel comfortable to share their ideas and contribute to the team.

We are also very collaborative. There's a real focus on working together to achieve our goals, and everyone is willing to share their expertise and work together to solve problems. This creates a culture of innovation, where new ideas are welcomed, and everyone feels empowered to contribute to the success of the team.

In addition, I've found that my co-workers are intelligent and highly skilled in their respective areas of expertise. There's a real commitment to doing our work to the highest standard, and everyone takes pride in their work. This creates a culture of excellence, where we are constantly pushing ourselves to learn and improve.

Lastly, there's a real sense of equality in our workplace, with no feelings of hierarchy in place. Everyone's contributions are valued equally, and there's a real focus on teamwork and mutual respect. This creates an environment where everyone feels empowered to take ownership of their work and collaborate effectively with others.

Do you have a favorite project?

I led a (Quadient Accounts Receivable powered by) YayPay implementation for one of our clients which really helped them streamline their receivables. It was very satisfying to see how beneficial it was for their business. In fact, the client was so thrilled that they recommended us to another business that also wanted the same implementation done.

What do you like most about your job?

My favorite part about my job is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on my clients' businesses. By analyzing their current processes and systems, I can identify areas where improvements can be made, and then work collaboratively with my clients to implement those changes. Seeing the positive results of our efforts in terms of increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved accuracy is incredibly satisfying and fulfilling.

I also enjoy the challenge of working with different clients who have unique needs and goals. Each engagement presents a new set of challenges and opportunities to learn and grow as a consultant. In addition, the nature of the work requires continuous learning and staying up to date with industry trends and best practices, which keeps me engaged and motivated.

I value the relationships I build with my clients. By working closely with them and understanding their businesses, I can provide tailored solutions that meet their specific needs. It's gratifying to see the trust and respect that develops as a result of these relationships, and to know that I'm contributing to their success.

What are you seeing and hearing from clients?

One of the key areas that we are hearing more about is AI and how it will impact the accounting world. AI can be used to help automate routine tasks such as data entry, reconciliations, and financial reporting. AI-powered tools can process large volumes of data more quickly and accurately than humans, which can free up accountants to focus on higher-level tasks such as analysis and strategic decision-making.

What do you do when you are not working?

While I am not working, I enjoy spending my time playing with my nephew, playing volleyball, or working out.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I have a Gray Tabby. He’s a big, indoor cat. He's very playful—very dog-like. I’ve even taught him to sit. I'm also trying to teach myself how to code. I am taking some Python courses right now, and it's not the easiest but I like a good challenge.

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About Solaris

Backed by Roessel Joy staffing vets, Solaris is on a mission to become the largest accounting advisory firm in Boston. The company’s areas of focus are: