InteGreat Solitions’ Spotlight on Michaelia Li, CPA candidate, who helped bridge the gap between finance and HR.
Welcome to our monthly series where we spotlight professionals who are making an impact in the world of human resources and HR technology. Each month, we’ll dive into the experiences of professional who work with HR systems to help organizations improve their operations, enhance employee experiences, and drive business success. This article is brought to you by InteGreat Solutions, LLC, specialists in HR system implementation, optimization, and data analysis. We partner with organizations to streamline their HR functions by leveraging the right systems and processes to meet their needs. By sharing insights from professionals who work hands-on with HR systems, we aim to highlight the challenges and rewards of using technology to transform the workplace.
InteGreat Solutions had the unique opportunity to meet with Michaelia Li, a Senior Financial Analyst and CPA candidate. Michaelia Li’s career is a perfect example of how combining analytical skills with real-world data can drive meaningful business outcomes. In this spotlight interview, Michaelia reflects on her professional journey, favorite tools, challenges in analytics, and how she balances work with personal passions.
Michaelia's Role
As a Senior Financial Analyst, Michaelia works primarily with financial data and analysis to support business strategy. Her team specializes in providing insights that drive operational improvements and inform key decisions. In her role, Michaelia builds models that help guide the company’s financial strategies and long-term goals, using data to deliver meaningful business insights.
The Best Part of Her Workday
For Michaelia, the most rewarding part of the workday is when a model she’s built from scratch begins to take shape and deliver insights. She finds a great sense of accomplishment when her work, which starts as a set of raw numbers, begins to reflect the bigger picture and contributes to business decisions.
Systems and Tools in Michaelia’s Workflow
One of the primary systems Michaelia uses is UKG, an HRIS that helps her manage and analyze HR and financial data. While she acknowledges that UKG can be a bit tricky to navigate, especially for new users, she appreciates its powerful capabilities once you get the hang of it. UKG’s ability to centralize data and support robust analysis makes it an essential part of her workflow. Additionally, Michaelia is a fan of Bonusly, a platform that fosters peer to peer recognition and promotes engagement within teams.
UKG has pretty astounding analysis functions and is also a good platform where you would have all data stored in one place.
Challenges with Systems
Despite its many strengths, Michaelia finds that UKG has a steep learning curve. While the platform is robust, she notes that new users often need guidance to fully leverage its capabilities. Once familiar with the system; however, Michaelia finds it to be an invaluable tool for analyzing complex data.
Proudest Moment in Analytics
Michaelia’s proudest moment in analytics occurred when one of her business recommendations—derived from her data analysis—was adopted and had a measurable, positive impact on the company. The tangible results of her work were rewarding, as they directly contributed to improving business outcomes.
Michaelia’s Ideal System
If Michaelia could create the perfect system, it would be a user-friendly platform capable of storing all types of data—financial, operational, HR, and sales data—in one place. The ideal system would also integrate seamlessly with APIs for data analysis, visualization, and dashboard creation. This would allow for real-time insights and a more intuitive approach to data analysis.
How Michaelia Entered the Field
Michaelia’s journey into her current field began with a degree in accounting during her undergraduate studies. As she advanced in her career, she developed an interest in data analytics, prompting her to pursue a master’s degree in business analytics. This blend of accounting and analytical expertise has been a key driver of her success in her current role.
Favorite Aspect of Her Field
What Michaelia enjoys most about her field is the ability to work with real data to provide evidence-based insights that guide decision-making. She finds it incredibly satisfying to know that her work is grounded in truth and solid analysis, ultimately helping to drive better business outcomes.
Balancing Work with Personal Passions
Outside of her professional life, Michaelia has a deep passion for both music and sports. She has a special room in her home dedicated to her collection of musical instruments, including a piano, Guzheng (a traditional Chinese instrument), and guitar. Additionally, Michaelia enjoys staying active and loves playing racket sports such as badminton, tennis, pickleball, and table tennis. These activities offer a perfect balance to the analytical demands of her work.
Michaelia enjoying her time outside of data analysis.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Michaelia’s advice to aspiring professionals is clear: be intentional about your career path and set achievable goals. At the same time, she emphasizes the importance of remaining flexible and embracing new challenges. In her field, change is inevitable, and adapting to it is crucial for long-term success. Continuous learning and growth, she believes, are key to staying relevant and achieving career satisfaction.
Connect with Michaelia Li
Email: Lmengxin@bu.edu
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelia-mengxin-li
InteGreat Solutions, LLC offers expert consulting services for HR system implementations, reporting, optimization, and data analysis.
InteGreat Solutions provides comprehensive HCM solutions, from system setup and ongoing maintenance to data management and process improvement. Our services include training, system configurations, data imports, and process optimization—all designed to enhance your HR operations. With extensive experience across a variety of HR platforms, we ensure seamless transitions and deliver a smooth, hassle-free experience for your organization.
