Process Functional Consultant and Solution Architect - SAP Central Finance

IBM; Riyadh; Hybrid; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consulting firm in Riyadh seeks a Process Functional Consultant and Solution Architect - SAP Central Finance to lead the implementation of SAP solutions. In this role, you'll design and configure financial processes, engage with stakeholders, and ensure high-quality data and compliance. Suitable candidates should have extensive experience in SAP Finance solutions and strong communication skills, along with a Bachelor's degree, preferably a Master's degree.

Benefits

Flexible working pattern

Career development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Over 12 years of experience in SAP Finance consulting.
• At least 2-3 full lifecycle SAP S/4HANA Central Finance implementations as a Lead Functional Consultant.
• Expert-level configuration experience in SAP FI/CO modules.

Responsibilities

• Lead functional design and configuration of the SAP S/4HANA Central Finance system.
• Conduct workshops with finance teams to gather requirements.
• Manage functional activities in the SAP Activate methodology.

Skills

SAP Finance consulting

Central Finance configuration

Stakeholder communication

Data mapping

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

SLT replication

AIF framework

Job description

A career in IBM Consulting is rooted by long-term relationships and close collaboration with clients across the globe. You'll work with visionaries across multiple industries to improve the hybrid cloud and AI journey for the most innovative and valuable companies in the world. Your ability to accelerate impact and make meaningful change for your clients is enabled by our strategic partner ecosystem and our robust technology platforms across the IBM portfolio.

The Process Functional Consultant and Solution Architect - SAP Central Finance is a seasoned expert responsible for the end-to-end design, configuration, and successful deployment of the Central Finance solution. This role serves as the lead functional authority, translating complex financial and business requirements from multiple source systems into an optimized and compliant Central Finance system built on SAP S/4HANA. The consultant leads functional design, ensures data quality/mapping integrity, and drives the successful adoption of centralized financial processes.

Your role and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

1. Functional Solution Design and Configuration

• Lead the detailed functional design and configuration of the SAP S/4HANA Central Finance system, including key FI/CO components likeUniversal Journal (ACDOCA), New GL, Profit Center Accounting, and integration points with Asset Accounting and GL/AP/AR.
• Design and configure the data mapping solutions critical for CFIN:Key Mapping, Business Mapping, and Cost Object Mappingto harmonize data across disparate source systems (ECC, non-SAP ERPs).
• Define the functional requirements for real-time replication, focusing on financial document posting, follow-on documents, and the underlying technical mechanisms (e.g., SLT/AIF requirements).
• Work closely with business stakeholders to define the scope and design forCentral Payment (CPAY)and its configuration for specific process scenarios (e.g., AP/AR centralization).

2. Requirements Elicitation and Process Alignment

• Conduct in-depth workshops with global and local finance teams (GL, Controlling, Tax, Treasury) to gather detailed business requirements and perform comprehensiveGap Analysisbetween current processes and the target CFIN solution.
• Drive the standardization and harmonization of financial master data and transactional processes across multiple disparate source systems into the single CFIN instance.
• Translate complex regulatory and financial reporting requirements (IFRS, GAAP, local statutory needs) into detailed functional specifications for the CFIN configuration and development teams.

3. Implementation Leadership and Quality Assurance

• Lead the execution of all core functional activities in theSAP Activate methodology, including blueprinting, fit-to-standard analysis, realization, testing (SIT/UAT), and cutover.
• Oversee and manage theCentral Finance Error Handling process, providing expert resolution support for AIF/SLT replication issues.
• Prepare and manage detailed functional specifications for custom developments (RICEF) and work closely with technical teams (ABAP, Integration) to ensure technical solutions meet functional requirements.
• Lead the development of training content and conduct knowledge transfer sessions for business power users and the ongoing support teams.

4. Consulting and Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary functional bridge between the business stakeholders, the Solution Architect, and the technical development teams.
• Provide deep thought leadership and advisory services on the effective utilization of CFIN capabilities, new S/4HANA Finance features (e.g., Embedded Analytics, Group Reporting integration), and recommended best practices.
• Provide expertise during theInitial Loadphase, ensuring all legacy financial data is accurately loaded and validated into the CFIN system.

Required education

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred education

Master's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 12+ yearsof progressive experience in SAP Finance consulting.
  • At least2-3 full lifecycle SAP S/4HANA Central Finance (CFIN) implementationsas a Lead Functional Consultant.
  • Expert-level, hands-on configuration experience in coreSAP FI/COmodules (GL, AR, AP, AA, CCA, PCA, IO).
• Technical/Functional CFIN Expertise:
  • Proven, hands-on experience with Central Finance configuration, includingKey/Business/Cost Object Mapping tables and derivation rules.
  • Strong understanding of theCFIN architecture, including the integration layers (SLT replication, AIF framework) and their functional implications.
  • Knowledge of S/4HANA capabilities like the Universal Journal and real-time reporting.
• Consulting Skills:
  • Exceptional ability to communicate complex Central Finance concepts clearly to both finance executives and technical resources.
  • Proven experience managing high-pressure situations, such as error handling during go-live/cutover.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• SAP Certified Application Associate – SAP S/4HANA for Financial Accounting or SAP Certified Specialist – Central Finance.
• Experience with integration of CFIN to SAP Group Reporting or SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) for reporting/planning.
• Working knowledge of SAP Master Data Governance (MDG) as it relates to financial master data (G/L accounts, cost centers, profit centers).

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

IBM Consulting is IBM’s consulting and global professional services business, with market leading capabilities in business and technology transformation. With deep expertise in many industries, we offer strategy, experience, technology, and operations services to many of the most innovative and valuable companies in the world. Our people are focused on accelerating our clients’ businesses through the power of collaboration. We believe in the power of technology responsibly use to help people, partners and the planet.

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ABOUT IBM

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OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

IBM wants you to bring your whole self to work and for you this might mean the ability to work flexibly. If you are interested in a flexible working pattern, please talk to our recruitment team to find out if this is possible in the current working environment.

Job Title

Process Functional Consultant and Solution Architect - SAP Central Finance

Job ID

77366

City / Township / Village

Riyadh

State / Province

Riyadh

Country

Work arrangement

Hybrid

Area of work

Consulting

Employment type

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Position type

Professional

Up to 80% or 4 days a week (home on weekends - based on project requirements)

Company

Shift

General (daytime)

Is this role a commissionable/sales incentive based position?