SAP FICO Specialist

The Senior SAP FI/CO Specialist will play a pivotal role in supporting the Finance function by optimizing the use of SAP systems to align with organizational goals. This position requires a strong foundation in SAP FI/CO and related financial modules such as Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP). The specialist will work onsite, providing hands‑on functional support while leading and empowering the finance team to fully leverage SAP’s capabilities. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in both SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA, with a strong understanding of end‑to‑end financial processes. This individual will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure SAP solutions are effectively implemented, maintained, and continuously improved. Responsibilities The role is integral to the delivery of SAP Finance Application Lifecycle Management services and support for financial system users. Responsibilities include: Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of existing financial and controlling processes. Gather, interpret, and document business requirements in alignment with finance and business objectives. Translate business requirements into clear and comprehensive functional specifications for technical teams. Collaborate with developers and business stakeholders in the design, configuration, and testing of SAP solutions. Create and maintain training materials, conduct user training sessions, and provide ongoing functional support. Lead the rollout of new functionalities and ensure smooth post‑implementation support. Identify and implement process enhancements and innovations to improve system functionality and business efficiency. Contribute to the implementation of new functionalities by applying SAPPosition OutputsProvide expert-level functional and technical support for SAP FI/CO issues, including troubleshooting, root cause analysis, problem resolution, and support for SAP S/4HANA implementation and upgrades. Analyse, interpret, and understand client business processes and requirements to ensure SAP solutions are aligned with operational goals. Execute end-to-end SAP project implementations in accordance with Transnet Engineering Methodology, aligned with international project management best practices. Provide expert advisory services to business users and SAP specialists requiring changes or enhancements within the SAP landscape. Ensure adherence to company standards, policies, and procedures throughout project delivery and support activities. Supporting and performing an advisory role to business users and SAP specialists who require changes within SAP. Design, configure, test, and deploy SAP FI/CO solutions that meet business requirements and adhere to SAP best practices. Develop comprehensive training materials, user manuals, and support documentation for end‑users. Apply SAP Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) principles, including planning, configuration, implementation, maintenance, and support of the SAP Finance module. Collaborate closely with business users to define and redesign business processes, identify solution requirements, manage expectations, and control project scope. Interact with business users to define and re‑design business processes and identify inefficiencies within existing financial processes and propose innovative, system‑driven solutions. Manage stakeholder communication, expectations, and priorities effectively to ensure alignment and timely delivery of outcomes. Identify operational inefficiencies and provide innovative solutions Define and document business requirements, producing detailed Functional Specifications (FS) and ensuring accurate translation into technical solutions. Develop User Acceptance Test (UAT) cases, facilitate testing cycles, and guide users through the UAT process. Actively participate in SAP problem‑solving and continuous improvement initiatives. Create presentations, communication materials, and training content to facilitate stakeholder buy‑in and support successful solution rollout. Apply standardized methodologies, processes, and documentation practices across all projects to ensure consistent quality and compliance. Perform Master Data uploads using LSMW, manage data mapping, and ensure appropriate authorization controls. Conduct SAP training sessions and process rollouts for business operations and user centres. Serve as the SAP Finance Subject Matter Expert (SME), ensuring proper training, guidance, and continuous improvement of SAP FI/CO modules. Provide ongoing functional support for daily SAP FI operations, including issue resolution and enhancements. Qualifications and Experience 1. Bachelor’s degree in finance or information technology. 2. An additional Post graduate qualification in IT will be added as advantage. 3. SAP Certification will be as advantage. 4. Minimum Years Relevant Experience: Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Information Technology of which at least 3 years’ experience in a managerial position in Information Technology. 5. Substantial experience in Strategy Development and Implementation. 6. Substantial experience in Project or Programme Management. Competencies Strategy & Sustainability a. Strategic Thinking - Formulates strategies and business plans to achieve the overall organisations direction. b. Commercial awareness - Keeps abreast of internal and external factors that can impact the business. c. Innovating - Generates new ideas or solutions by thinking “outside of the box”; reviews current processes or systems and identifies ways to optimise them. Inspirational Leadership a. Inspiring People - Leads by example. Inspires, motivates and empowers team members to do their best. b. Managing Talent - Provides clear direction and sets performance standards/requirements for the team. c. Leading Change - Leads and directs change initiatives. d. Embracing Diversity - Leads and promotes equal opportunity and has an appreciation for diversity in the workplace. Business Performance and Delivery a. Lead Business Performance - Leads the business to be more efficient and effective. b. Strategic Decision Making - Is decisive and takes full accountability for decisions. c. Business Acumen - Understands and deals with various business situations using obtained knowledge and a broad spectrum. d. Analysing - Thinks in a systemic way but is open to new approaches. Relationship Management a. Communicating Effectively - Communicates the business strategy and objectives in a clear and manner. Effectively communicate TE strategy at a high level and take decisions. b. Collaborating and Networking - Build wide and effective relationships with people inside and outside of the organisation to help achieve the organisations goals and objectives. c. Service Orientated - Leads by example; strives for a customer centric culture where everyone acts with the customer in mind. d. Persuading and Influencing - Is able to persuade and influence those around him/her for the benefit of achieving the organisations/department goals and objectives. Identifies and influences key decision makers using strong persuasive techniques and creates a strong personal impression that leads to buy in from others. Equity Statement Preference will be given to suitably qualified Applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division. #J-18808-Ljbffr