Solution Specialist – SAP FI/CO

Job Purpose

To analyse business requirements, design and configure SAP FI/CO solutions, and ensure robust financial process support across the organization. This role focuses on delivering high-quality SAP solutions for core financial processes such as General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Asset Accounting, and Controlling (cost centre, internal orders, profitability analysis).

Job Overview

The Solution Specialist is an Information Technology employee that is responsible for understanding the business process requirements for certain functions in the business and for the design, configuration, deployment and maintenance of system-based solutions that will meet the needs of the business client.

These employees configure new system functionality, but they are also responsible for maintaining, updating and troubleshooting existing system functionality. The main focus for Solution Specialists is the SAP system, and in some instances the Clients global systems and other local systems.

This job forms part of the Information Technology division and job incumbents work across several teams aligned to business functions. The work that these employees perform has an impact on business continuity.

Resource in this team will report to Senior Manager IT: Solutions for a specific area of focus.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

 Business Requirement Analysis

• Engage with finance stakeholders to capture business requirements through interviews and workshops.
  

• Analyse current SAP FI/CO processes and identify areas for improvement.
  

• Review Business Requirement Specifications and ensure alignment to SAP capabilities.
  

Solution Design

• Design end-to-end SAP FI/CO solutions covering all financial processes.
  

• Translate business needs into detailed functional and technical specifications.
  

• Define system integrations with other SAP modules (e.g., MM, SD, HR) and external systems.
  

 Configuration & Development

• Configure SAP FI/CO modules (GL, AR, AP, AA, CO, etc.) to align with business process requirements.
  

• Support data structure setup, master data configuration, and financial transactions.
  

• Collaborate with development teams for custom enhancements and interface development.
  

 Project Implementation

• Plan and manage implementation tasks, resources, and timelines.
  

• Track and report on progress, risks, and deviations.
  

• Conduct quality assurance and system integration testing.
  

4.5 Testing & Deployment

• Develop and execute test plans with key finance users.
  

• Validate data accuracy, process flows, and reporting outputs.
  

• Coordinate go-live activities, user readiness, and post-implementation support.
  

 User Enablement & Training

• Prepare training materials and conduct workshops for end-users.
  

• Provide guidance on best practices and SAP usage to improve productivity.
  

• Support user queries and ensure adoption of new solutions.
  

 System Support & Maintenance

• Monitor system health, transaction accuracy, and integration stability.
  

• Troubleshoot and resolve SAP FI/CO-related issues.
  

• Identify and implement continuous improvements.
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a bridge between Finance and IT teams, ensuring strong collaboration.
  

• Communicate system changes, updates, and their impact clearly to stakeholders.
  

• Build trust and credibility through proactive support and solution delivery.
  

 Compliance & Governance

• Ensure solutions comply with SOX, POPIA, ITGC, and audit standards.
  

• Maintain accurate system documentation and audit trails.
  

 Job Outcomes

• Robust and reliable SAP FI/CO configurations that support business needs.
  

• Timely delivery of system changes with minimal disruption.
  

• Users who are confident and effective in SAP financial processes.
  

• High system uptime, accurate reporting, and process automation.
  

• Complete, up-to-date documentation and compliance with internal controls.
  

Indicators of High Performance

• Delivers accurate, well-tested solutions that exceed expectations.
  

• Recognised as a trusted advisor by finance and IT stakeholders.
  

• Consistently seeks innovation and efficiency in system design.
  

• Provides exceptional support and resolves issues promptly.
  

• Contributes to team knowledge and shares best practices.
  

• Displays clear and professional communication with stakeholders.
  

Requirements

 Education & Certification

• SAP FI/CO certification (mandatory)
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, or equivalent (preferred)
  

Experience

• 8–10 years of total work experience, with at least 8 years in SAP FI/CO
  

• Solid experience in configuration and support of:
  

  • General Ledger (GL)
    

  • Accounts Receivable (AR)
    

  • Accounts Payable (AP)
    

  • Asset Accounting (AA)
    

  • Controlling (Cost Centres, Profit Centres, Internal Orders, CO-PA)
    

• Experience in:
  

  • Automotive or manufacturing industries (advantageous)
    

  • System integration between FI/CO and MM, SD, and HR modules
    

  • Month-end/year-end closing processes and financial reporting
    

  • Working in cross-functional teams with finance and audit functions
    

 Technical Skills

• Strong SAP configuration knowledge in FI/CO
  

• Understanding of SAP S/4HANA Finance (advantageous)
  

• Experience with reporting tools and data reconciliation
  

• ABAP debugging knowledge (a plus)
  

• Familiarity with internal controls, SOX compliance, and audit processes
  

 Behavioural Competencies

• Analytical mindset and strong problem-solving skills
  

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  

• High attention to detail and accountability
  

• Collaborative approach with strong stakeholder management
  

• Passion for finance systems and ongoing learning