Q&A with Dave Florey: Understanding Abacus Group’s Professional Services

At Abacus Group, the Professional Services team acts as both strategist and specialist, helping financial firms modernise their tech infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity, and plan for long-term growth. But what does that look like in practice? We sat down with Dave Florey, Director of Professional Services at Abacus Group, one of the key leaders behind the team, to unpack the value, structure, and philosophy behind Professional Services and how it all fits into Abacus’s wider vision.

Q: Dave, can you tell us a bit more about what Professional Services actually means at Abacus?

It’s the specialised arm of Abacus Group that supports financial firms with everything from large-scale IT transformations to targeted, expert consultancy. Whether it’s a full project like a cloud migration or a strategic engagement with one of our subject matter experts, we’re here to meet clients where they are. That flexibility is especially valuable for co-managed environments or firms with internal IT teams who want to collaborate without outsourcing everything. Think of us as the architects, advisers, and builders behind your next big tech evolution.

Q: Who typically uses your services?

We work with a wide range of financial services firms of all sizes. Some already use our managed services, others have in-house IT teams and just need extra muscle for a project. Whether you're launching a new office, modernizing your infrastructure, or need an expert gut-check, we’re here.

Q: Why would a firm choose Abacus’ Professional Services Team over another consultancy?

Unlike standalone firms, we’re integrated into Abacus’s wider IT and cybersecurity ecosystem. That means clients get expert guidance without the handover headaches. Our model ensures consistent service quality with room for tailored solutions.

Q: What kind of projects do you typically run? 

Everything from large-scale infrastructure refreshes and secure cloud migrations to Microsoft 365 rollouts and compliance audits. We also train teams on security best practices and tools like PowerApps.

Q: You mentioned audits. What do those look like?

It starts with structure. We've developed a repeatable framework that covers scoping, kickoff, delivery, and handover—each phase is led by subject matter experts and supported by a dedicated Project Manager. That means every client gets regular updates, structured reporting, and a single point of contact who keeps everything moving. We're intentional about minimising disruption and always make sure the right people are involved from the start.

Q: What happens after a project is wrapped?

We make sure the transition is smooth. That means training the client’s team, moving into managed services if needed, and conducting a debrief to refine our process. It’s not just about delivering a project—it’s about building long-term success.

Q: How do you manage risk during critical projects?

Risk management is a fundamental aspect of our approach. During project kickoff and planning, we define risks, set milestones, and establish success criteria. Every phase is supported by structured change management, quality control, and clear communication, ensuring that potential issues are identified and addressed promptly. Our UK and US teams also enable rapid response and proactive coordination across different time zones.

Q: How does your team scale across time zones and client sizes?

We operate in both the US and UK with fully integrated teams that collaborate in real time. That gives us broad geographic coverage, faster turnaround times, and better support for clients with global operations. And when we're running projects, our team is available 24/7 to ensure continuity and responsiveness, no matter the time zone.

Q: What's one thing you wish more clients knew about your work?

We're not just technical executors. We're strategic partners. Clients bring us in for a migration but often stick with us to roadmap their tech strategy for the next five years. We’re invested in the long game.

In Conclusion

The Professional Services team isn’t just here to run IT projects. They’re here to guide financial firms through complex transitions with clarity, precision, and purpose. With deep expertise, a tightly run process, and a focus on long-term outcomes, Dave and his team continue to raise the bar on what it means to be a true technology partner.

Interested in how Abacus Professional Services can support your next IT initiative? Get in touch with our team to start the conversation.