IT architect at GFT: Bridging business, people and technology

An IT architect combines technical expertise and business insight. It’s a person who speaks the language of both developers and managers, understanding their unique perspectives, needs, and constraints. This role involves direct communication with clients, uncovering their expectations and designing solutions based on those insights.  

An IT architect’s work focuses more on crafting solutions tailored to clients’ unique needs than reusing proven templates. Success hinges on sharp analysis, clear communication, and decision-making, often with incomplete information. 

Architects collaborate closely with developers, analysts, DevOps teams, and managers to refine project details. They select technologies, assess risks, and recommend practical solutions for specific conditions. Often, they join discussions with clients and guide them toward making informed decisions. 

Since an IT architect is responsible for translating a client's needs into specific solutions, there are challenges involved. Especially when the project scope is changing rapidly, and quick decisions need to be made. 

Clients vary in technical knowledge, priorities, work styles, and communication skills. An IT Architect must be able to listen, provide guidance, and find compromises that satisfy all parties. 

What’s it like to work at a global leader setting industry standards? An IT architect’s schedule at GFT is packed with client meetings, team workshops, and conceptual work, such as designing solutions. 

GFT’s projects demand precision, reliability, and innovation, especially in core banking systems that manage the money of millions of people worldwide. It’s a dynamic environment that attracts professionals who thrive on challenges, cross-functional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and diverse perspectives. 

In a typical GFT project, architects work with internal teams and often client-side architects. Beyond creating designs and documentation, they must also excel at making arguments and presenting clear analyses and recommendations. 

How do you become an IT architect?  At GFT, many architects started as developers and gradually became tech leads. Their roles evolved to include overseeing entire solutions, understanding business contexts, and prioritizing user needs. 
 

Key skills for an IT architect 

A professional IT architect needs a strong technical foundation, ideally backed by recognized certifications like: 

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect 

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert 

• Google Professional Cloud Architect 
   

Soft skills that are equally critical for advancing your IT career: 

• Data analysis and drawing insights 

• Abstract thinking 

• Interpersonal skills and empathy 
   

IT architect: A technical Leader with a business mindset 

An IT architect is more than a tech expert. It’s a leader who connects technology with business realities, designing solutions that not only work and scale, but also respond to specific client needs. 

What makes a person stand out in this role? 

• Understanding business goals 

• Proactively seeking optimal solutions 

• Designing MVPs for rapid value 

• Separating what’s essential and what’s redundant 

• Grounding decisions in data and research 

• Thriving in teamwork, delegating tasks and trusting expert advice 

• Openly giving and receiving feedback 

• Managing time to meet deadlines 
  
   

With a technological background and an entrepreneurial mindset, IT architects drive project success at GFT. 

GFT’s work culture thrives on collaboration and openness. Despite its worldwide size, the organization fosters innovation through cross-functional teams of diverse, skilled professionals with open minds. 
 

The company offers an opportunity to work on projects for international banks, such as Mox and IDFC, as well as access to the latest technology, which facilitates fast professional growth. GFT is also the place where learning supervised by mentors is a part of the company culture, and new technical and business skills are applied directly to impactful projects. 

Working as an IT architect at GFT means developing skills far beyond what’s expected from a developer. Contributing to innovative digital banking projects while blending technology and business is for many a career pinnacle.