Written by Maud on 2009-11-09
• Finance Department representative with a cross functional responsibility and ‘dotted reporting line’ to the Controller – Operations and the Commercial Manager for the development, implementation and enhancement of SAP FI CO modules and related SAP applications. This includes but not limited to FI, CO , SD, COPA, GL, IFRS compliance, AP / AR interface, FAR and inventory (MM) module support.
• Accountable for automating SAP systems or processes required by the finance departments of the business and the interdependence with other departments – including Commercial and Operations
• Ensure that business systems are optimized. In addition, to propose, evaluate and implement improvements, lead the adoption of SAP functionalities. To formally document processes, procedures and policies as they apply. These will be undertaken in conjunction with other business departments as required, including Commercial, IT and Operations and Finance management.
• Drive the Finance department’s SAP requirements through analysis of functionalities vs. business needs, develop specifications and cost for modifications, interface with other groups to ensure buy in and make a recommendation to Management. This will require an understanding of the business as well as individual department Strategic Plans and activities.
• Mange the complete integration of the SAP finance modules into the finance function of Company ensuring understanding and correct adoption of systems. Training and guidance will also be a requirement
• Represent the interests of the finance function in development of required SAP based applications providing advice on best practice
• Review all finance policies and procedures and ensure their relevance to SAP functionality, recommending improvements as required.
• Evaluate system modifications proposed by the IT SAP team, determine impacts on the day to day Finance department activities in terms of cost and efficiency and recommend a path forward
•Establish the integration plan and planned transition / migration of relevant systems and processes to automated SAP based processes wherever possible. To suggest methods for reducing manual transactions and processing and to strengthen internal control procedures. Ensure that business risks are mitigated throughout the process.
• Evaluate proposals from Financial Users for system enhancements or changes, prepare a business case and recommend to Management as to the viability and costs effectiveness of such enhancements.
• Handle the Finance department’s SAP issues on a day to day basis, liaising directly with Company’s IT function and external IT consultants
•Resolve performance issues with IT, and follow up satisfactory and timely completion of tasks.
•Ensure that SAP processes are aligned with company financial policies. Ensure compliance with company policies and Accounting standards, specifically including IFRS and IAS. Monitor and recommend process controls
• Identify new and suitable system implementations (from SAP developments – e.g. ML) specifically valid for application within the organization and to lead the decision making on adoption and where required the new implementations.
•Provide SAP advice to the Finance, Commercial and Operations teams as required.
•Act as change management agent for SAP within and outside the Finance Team to ensure smooth transition to the new process.
• Train Finance staff on SAP modules as required.