How to Become a SAP Finance Consultant
The best things in life comes in 3s so they say…being a SAP Finance Consultant is no different.
A good SAP Finance consultant ideally has a qualified accounting background, an excellent grasp of SAP Finance configuration and general business acumen.
The latter is about knowing the specific details of other process areas in the organisation, say joint venture operations in an Oil and Gas sector.
Arguably, the fourth essential element is being a good communicator in both oral and written form.
Accounting Background
An accounting background lays the foundation of being a good SAP Finance Consultant.
Even understanding the basics of double entry, will help ensure that you become a valuable partner to your finance team and extended project team.
An accounting qualification also provides invaluable training in problem solving and quick decision making based on the facts presented.
Every so often, the SAP Finance Consultant may be called upon to resolve time critical period end close issues due to a SAP system limitation.
Keeping abreast of IFRS releases, through CPD training, will ensure that you can provide valuable feedback and analysis to changes affecting your industry.
SAP Certification
Studying for a SAP certification ensures that you understand the SAP Finance module configuration at a detailed level.
In developing a new solution, it is important to have an expert knowledge of SAP configuration to ensure that you are delivering a cost effective solution.
Understanding configuration and table structures, will help you support the technical team, especially where complex support solutions have to be applied.
Attending SAP training courses, especially where new tools are being introduced, will be invaluable to the suite of SAP solutions that are implemented for your organisation.
Business Acumen
The basics of accounting is common across the various industries, however, each industry will have specific solutions that are vital for them to operate in.
Knowing the end to end key process flow of your organisation will help ensure that you can provide the correct accounting and SAP Finance solutions.
Quite often, several reporting requirements have to be considered when implementing a solution either from a regulatory, statutory or group reporting perspective.
Keeping abreast of new developments of strategic change within your industry will help you contribute to the future needs of your organisation.
Finally, having a keen interest in continual learning and an active personal learning development plan is vital in being a valuable member of a SAP Finance consultancy team.
Take the first step and start by reading my Basics of SAP Finance transcript or enrolling in my FREE Basics of SAP Finance course.