If you're passionate about digitisation and digital tools, if you have a background in business, economics, human resources or any other related field, if you have a professional background and want to explore a digitalised sphere in order to build a solid career, then the SAP Consultant path is for you.
In this article, we'll explore in detail the top 5 reasons to choose this exciting and rewarding career.
Build up an international expertise in management standards (best practice)
As an SAP functional consultant, you will be at the heart of ERP solutions from SAP, the world leader in business management software. You'll help customers define their needs, configure SAP modules tailored to their business processes, and set up functionalities for efficient business management. This expertise will enable you to play a crucial role in optimising business operations, which translates into a constant demand for such skills.
Become a multi-skilled or specialised expert, the choice is yours
The job of SAP functional consultant offers remarkable versatility. You can choose to become a general expert capable of managing various aspects of SAP solutions, or specialise in specific areas such as finance, logistics or human resources. This versatility allows you to adapt your career to suit your interests and market opportunities.
If you opt for specialisation, you will become a sought-after expert in a specific field. For example, by becoming an SAP functional consultant specialising in finance, you'll master the intricacies of SAP Finance (SAP FI) and be able to help companies manage their accounts, financial reports and cash flows in the best possible way.
Benefit from an attractive remuneration package
One of the most attractive benefits of working as an SAP functional consultant is the salary. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for an SAP functional consultant in France is €44,263, with opportunities for significant increases depending on your level of experience. Experienced consultants can even earn up to €67,500 a year. In the United States or Canada, basic pay is in the range of $86,000. In Cameroon, you will earn anything around USD 10,944 a year.
Your salary will depend on a number of factors, including your level of experience, your specialisation, the sector of activity in which you work and the geographical area. As you can see below, there is a difference in pay between countries. The cost and higher standard of living in certain latitudes is the main reason for this.
Responding to a growing market demand
The SAP ERP market is constantly expanding, which means a growing demand for SAP functional consultants. Many companies are looking for experts to help them make the most of their SAP investments, ensuring a steady stream of opportunities. SAP SE estimates that more than 300,000 SAP consultants will be needed for migration projects (ECC - SAP S/4HANA) between 2025 and 2030 in the emerging countries of Europe, America and Asia. There is also a strong demand for SAP consultants for third-party application maintenance (TAM) assignments in specific areas such as logistics, finance, distribution and production in African countries like Côte d'Ivoire, Mauritius, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco and many others.
The opportunity to choose between employee and self-employed status
As an SAP functional consultant, you have the flexibility to work either as an employee or as a freelancer. This freedom allows you to decide on your own career path and projects. If you prefer the stability of a salaried job, many companies are looking for SAP functional consultants to join their internal teams.
On the other hand, if you want to be independent and manage your own projects, you can choose to work as an independent SAP functional consultant. This option allows you to set your own rates, choose the projects that interest you most and manage your own schedule.
Bonuses
As bonuses, we'll explore the studies and training you need to excel as an SAP functional consultant, discover the current trends shaping the market, understand how this role differs from others within the SAP ecosystem, and analyse the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the practice of this profession
What education and training are needed to acquire the necessary skills?
To become an SAP functional consultant, it is essential to acquire the right technical and functional skills. You can gain these skills through specific education and training, including degrees in IT, business or finance, as well as recognised SAP certifications. Online training and SAP certification programmes are also available to help you prepare for this role. You can contact the IIPP for SAP certification preparation programmes.
What are the current SAP market trends?
The SAP market is constantly evolving, with increasing adoption of cloud solutions, growing demand for advanced data analysis and a trend towards more agile digital processes. As an SAP functional consultant, keeping abreast of these trends is essential if you are to remain competitive. The ability to understand and anticipate these developments will enable you to offer innovative solutions to your customers and contribute to their long-term success.
How does the role of SAP functional consultant differ from other SAP roles?
It is important to note that the SAP functional consultant role is distinct from other SAP roles such as technical consultants or SAP administrators. Whereas technical consultants focus on the technical configuration of SAP solutions, SAP functional consultants focus on understanding customers' business needs and configuring solutions to meet those needs. This ability to translate customer needs into technical solutions is what makes this role unique and valuable.
What impact has the Covid-19 Pandemic had on the role of SAP functional consultant?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the role of SAP functional consultants. Organisations have had to accelerate their digital transformation to adapt to the new reality of remote working and virtual operations. SAP functional consultants have played a crucial role in helping organisations implement SAP solutions to effectively manage their remote operations, improve resilience and optimise costs.
This period also highlighted the importance of agility in managing SAP solutions. SAP functional consultants had to adapt quickly to the changing needs of their customers and find innovative ways of solving problems remotely.
What advice is there for beginners?
If you are a beginner aspiring to become an SAP functional consultant, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start by acquiring a solid grounding in IT, management or finance through relevant studies.
- Consider taking SAP training courses and certifications to validate your skills.
- Look for internship or junior job opportunities to gain practical experience.
- Develop your understanding of companies' business needs and your ability to communicate with customers.
- Keep up to date with the latest SAP trends and developments by taking part in ongoing training courses and attending forums and webinars.
The job of SAP functional consultant offers a host of exciting opportunities for those looking to combine technical and functional skills, enjoy attractive remuneration, and play a key role in the digital transformation of businesses. Whether you're just starting out or an experienced professional, this career offers a path to success and a place at the heart of innovation in the world of business management. So don't hesitate to explore this path and seize the many opportunities it offers for your professional future.
Feel free to leave us a comment or contact us if you need more information to start your journey towards a career as an SAP functional consultant.