SAP PS/CO Solution Architect

IBM; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

IBM is seeking a senior SAP PS/CO Solution Architect to design and govern SAP PS and CO solutions for Aerospace & Defense programs, ensuring alignment with program management, cost control, and government contracting requirements across ECC and S/4HANA.

You will partner with Finance, PMO, Engineering, Manufacturing and Compliance to deliver scalable solutions, lead workshops, and mentor global teams while ensuring auditability and real-time reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
• 10+ years of SAP PS and CO experience with architecture responsibilities.
• Experience delivering SAP solutions in Aerospace & Defense environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end SAP PS/CO solution architecture for A&D programs.
• Design SAP PS/CO to support program lifecycle management.
• Ensure FAR/DFARS & ITAR compliance considerations.
• Guide ECC→S/4HANA transitions for defense programs.
• Mentor global SAP functional teams and lead design reviews.

Skills

SAP PS/CO

A&D Costing

Program Governance

EVM Concepts

S/4HANA

FAR/DFARS

ITAR Considerations

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

ECC

S/4HANA

SAP Activate

Job description

Introduction

At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Introduction

At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Your Role And Responsibilities

The SAP PS/CO Solution Architect (A&D) is a senior functional architect responsible for designing and governing SAP Project Systems (PS) and Controlling (CO) solutions that support complex, regulated Aerospace & Defense programs. This role ensures SAP solutions align with A&D program management, cost control, compliance, and government contracting requirements across the full program lifecycle.

The architect partners with Finance, Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Compliance teams to deliver scalable, compliant SAP solutions supporting cost‑plus, fixed‑price, and long‑term defense programs within ECC and S/4HANA environments.

Key Responsibilities

Solution Architecture & Program Design

Lead end‑to‑end SAP PS/CO solution architecture for A&D program‑driven implementations and transformations.

Design SAP Solutions To Support

Program lifecycle management (R&D, engineering, production, sustainment)

Capital and non‑capital project structures

Multiyear, multi‑contract defense programs

Own global PS/CO design standards aligned to A&D operational and financial controls

Ensure architectural alignment with SAP Activate and enterprise governance models

SAP PS Functional Leadership (A&D Focus)

Design And Configure SAP PS To Support

• Complex WBS structures aligned to A&D program hierarchies
• Network activities tied to engineering and manufacturing execution
• Milestones, progress tracking, and earned value indicators
• Availability control and program budgeting
• Enable integration with Engineering Change Management, Manufacturing, and Asset Accounting
• Support project capitalization, settlement, and asset under construction (AuC) processes

SAP CO Functional Leadership

Architect CO Solutions Supporting A&D Cost Transparency And Control

Cost Center Accounting

Internal Orders

Activity-Based Costing

Product Costing (Make‑to‑Order / Engineer‑to‑Order)

Profitability Analysis (CO‑PA)

Design cost collection and allocation models aligned to:

• Labor, overhead, and burden rates
• Program‑level margin and variance analysis
• Support revenue recognition and financial reporting for long‑running defense programs

Compliance, Controls & Government Contracting

• FAR / DFAR requirements
• DCAA audit standards
• ITAR considerations (process‑aligned, not technical enforcement)
• Government cost accounting and reporting expectations
• Ensure auditability, traceability, and segregation of duties within SAP
• Support compliance-driven reporting and documentation needs

S/4HANA & Digital Transformation

• Lead PS/CO design for ECC → S/4HANA transitions in A&D environments
• Address impacts of Universal Journal (ACDOCA) on project and cost controlling
• Enable real‑time program reporting, margin analysis, and embedded analytics
• Partner with data, security, and testing teams during migration and cutover

Stakeholder & Delivery Leadership

• Serve As The Primary SAP PS/CO Advisor To
  • Program Management Offices (PMO)
  • Finance & Cost Accounting leadership
  • Engineering and Operations stakeholders
• Lead blueprint workshops and executive design reviews
• Mentor global SAP functional teams and peer architects
• Provide functional governance during build, SIT, UAT, and go‑live

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree

Required Qualifications

Required technical and professional expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field
• 10+ years of SAP PS and CO experience, including solution architecture responsibilities
• Demonstrated experience delivering SAP solutions in Aerospace & Defense environments

Strong Functional Knowledge Of

• SAP Project Systems (PS)
• SAP Controlling (CO)
• Proven experience with program‑based costing and financial controls

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on S/4HANA Finance experience
• Experience supporting cleared or government‑regulated A&D programs
• SAP certifications in PS, CO, or S/4HANA Finance

Experience With

• Earned Value Management (EVM) concepts
• R&D and NPI program tracking
• Global defense or aerospace manufacturing environments

Core Competencies

• SAP PS/CO Solution Architecture
• A&D Program Costing & Control
• Government Contracting Compliance (FAR/DFARS)
• Financial & Project Governance
• Executive Stakeholder Engagement
• Cross‑Functional Leadership & Mentorship

Why This Role

• Architect mission‑critical SAP solutions supporting national defense and aerospace programs
• High‑impact, enterprise‑level role with executive visibility
• Influence financial transparency, program governance, and operational efficiency
• Shape SAP standards across complex, regulated A&D environments