Andrey Levikov: My Work Is My Drive!

Andrey Levikov has been part of CSC-IT since day one. He worked his way up from head of a small department to head of the SAP ERP Competence Centre, while his team rose from 10 to 37 people. Andrey told us how they made it, what projects are most memorable and why people are the core value.
Andrey Levikov: My Work Is My Drive!

Being a Trailblazer

I remember how CSC-IT started. In order to establish a company in 2020, we needed accreditation, work flow set up and many other things. I was part of all these processes. It is incredible to start something new with a strong team of like-minded people to ultimately see that everything was done when and as required.

We built everything from scratch, like a classic start-up firm. Specialists developed support processes and service cards. At that time, there was no sales division just yet, so my team dealt with all these things, including contract accounting and client communications.

Projects to Be Proud Of

There were so many projects like this – SAP stabilisation for Freight One, S4 HANA rollout for Port One and Volga Shipping Company, budgeting project for Volga Shipping Company, CES replication for Freight One Digital on a tight schedule – in less than a month.

The company entrusts me and my team with complex and large-scale tasks, and I enjoy doing them. I understand my role and see my contribution to the development of the company. I'm having so much fun!

For me, CSC-IT is an unrivalled place to work, and this is objectively true. We offer our services so many different industries – freight companies, steel makers, shipping companies, stevedores, SSCs.

Motivation

I am infinitely inspired to launch new products on the market. Understanding what is relevant now and how to move on. When there are interesting tasks, it's as if you get a second wind, you start thinking about them and you come up with ideas how to bring them to life. Tight schedules and unusual projects help me unlock my potential highlighting my strengths.

When I joined the company, I did not expect such development. At first, I was charged with supporting NLMK and Transportation Holding Company over the longer term. It was unexpected and no doubt pleasing when I could harness my skills and expertise across the board. When you are passionate about what you do and have a clear goal in front of you, even the largest and most challenging tasks can be carried out on time and in a quality manner.

About the Team

In four years, our department has evolved into a full-fledged SAP Competence Centre which includes support, development and project management. A strong team is there to handle all lines of work within a company – fixed assets, IFRS, business and tax accounting, VAT and profit, logistics, supply, sales, treasury, banking transactions, controlling, project management and management accounting, and the SAP BPC consolidation system (for IFRS reporting).

I have a very tight-knit team, and our main advantage is mutual understanding which is not a mere coincidence, as I carefully recruit and adapt my employees. I personally interview every applicant. It is important to me that everyone is on the same page. I try to see a person and how they can unlock their potential. As a team, we can quickly adapt to any changes.

For me, personal qualities come first, and knowledge comes second. There are situations when a person seemingly suitable in terms of professional skills happens to be out of place. That is why I assess everything: the applicant's experience, their level of emotional intelligence and communication. It is paramount that a person can forge effective relationships with clients and colleagues.

Things Essential for SAP Professionals

Today, SAP professionals can choose employers and clients. SAP professionals are a valued asset. I would even say that they are often hunted for and offered the best terms. Let me tell you what is really important for job applicants. First, a brand, stability and reliability of the company. Second, a team of like-minded individuals you are comfortable and pleased working with. And third, I think, technological versatility, internal infrastructure employed by the company.

Everyone pictures a dream job. Some value recognition, some – growth, others – projects. My understanding is that our company meets the requirements of potential employees and many will find here what they are looking for.