How is SAP Career for Freshers?
SAP Career for Freshers seems challenging initially. If you’ve recently completed SAP training, specifically in SAP finance, and you find yourself applying for various jobs without success. Or perhaps you’re getting interview calls but not making it past the first round. So how to deal with this and what are the correct steps to get into this profession smoothly?
Here I am sharing the pain points, needs and correct solutions to the issues that beginners face while planning their career in SAP.
So we start with a story.
Understanding the Dilemma: Arun’s Story
Let’s consider an example. Meet Arun, a 23-year-old who completed SAP FICO training eight months ago. He holds an MBA in Finance from an average B school. Arun was advised that completing SAP training would land him a good job, especially in an MNC. With high hopes, Arun joined an SAP training institute, ABC Organization. The institute assured him of a successful career after completing the training. However, after eight months of training and job hunting, Arun is yet to receive any interview calls, leaving him and his family worried.
Understanding the Issue
The problem isn’t with the availability of SAP jobs but rather with the suitability of candidates for these roles. SAP consulting jobs require more than just theoretical knowledge; they demand practical experience and expertise in business processes. These roles are not entry-level; they require a solid foundation in domain experience.
Prerequisites for SAP Consulting Roles
Before considering a career in SAP consulting, one must have:
- Domain Experience: Significant experience in accounts and finance, preferably in an MNC environment.
- Understanding of Business Processes: Knowledge of processes like P2P, O2C, cost calculation, and profitability analysis.
- Technical Knowledge: Understanding the technical aspects of SAP systems.
- Client Interaction Skills: Experience in handling clients and strong communication skills.
Starting Point: SAP End User Roles
For freshers or those with limited experience, starting with SAP end-user roles is more practical. These roles offer valuable experience and a better chance for career growth. Some suitable roles include:
- SAP End User: Involves using SAP systems to perform daily tasks.
- Power User: Responsible for advanced SAP functions within a department.
- Tester: Involved in testing SAP systems and processes.
The Importance of Practical Experience
Practical experience is crucial. Completing training is just the first step. Candidates should:
Continue Practice: Even if job opportunities are scarce, you should to do consistent practice.
Project Completion: You should choose project-based training. Adding completed project details to your portfolio adds weight to your resume.
Explore Other Entry-Level Roles: Starting with roles like end-user or tester builds valuable experience.
Job Search Strategy in SAP Career for Freshers
When searching for SAP-related jobs, consider roles in various processes like P2P, O2C, and R2R. This would give you deep knowledge and relevant domain experience.
Here I share the major responsibilities that these key processes involve.
Procure to Pay (P2P)
If you work in P2P, your key responsibilities encompass various tasks aligned for smooth procurement operations. These include the following:-
- Requisition Management:
- Create purchase requisitions detailing materials or services needed.
- Submit requisitions for approval.
- Verify the accuracy and completeness of requisition details.
- Purchase Order Processing:
- Convert approved requisitions into purchase orders.
- Select vendors and negotiate terms.
- Finalize and send purchase orders to suppliers.
- Goods Receipt and Invoice Verification:
- Confirm receipt of goods or services.
- Verify invoices against purchase orders and goods receipts.
- Resolve discrepancies between invoices, orders, and receipts.
- Vendor Management:
- Maintain vendor master data.
- Update vendor information as needed.
- Handle vendor inquiries and issues.
- Reporting and Compliance:
- Generate reports on procurement activities, including spend analysis and vendor performance.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, legal regulations, and ethical standards.
- Integration and Support:
- Coordinate with finance and inventory management departments.
- Provide training and support to colleagues using SAP systems.
In essence, end users in MNCs using SAP software in the P2P process ensure efficient procurement, accurate financial transactions, and compliance with organizational standards.
Order to Cash (O2C)
In the O2C process in SAP, you are mainly responsible for efficient order fulfilment and revenue generation. This includes:-
- Order Management:
- Receive and review customer orders.
- Process orders in the SAP system, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Coordinate with sales and customer service teams for order clarification if needed.
- Billing and Invoicing:
- Generate invoices based on order details.
- Ensure invoices are accurate and reflect the terms of sale.
- Send invoices to customers through appropriate channels.
- Credit Management:
- Assess customer creditworthiness.
- Set credit limits and payment terms.
- Monitor and manage credit limits to prevent overdue accounts.
- Delivery and Shipment:
- Coordinate with logistics and warehouse teams to fulfil orders.
- Generate delivery notes and shipping documents.
- Track shipments and ensure timely delivery to customers.
- Revenue Recognition and Reporting:
- Recognize revenue by accounting standards.
- Generate reports on sales, revenue, and accounts receivable.
- Analyze sales performance and trends to support decision-making.
- Customer Service and Support:
- Address customer inquiries and concerns related to orders, invoices, and deliveries.
- Assist customers in navigating the order process.
In summary, end users in MNCs using SAP software in the O2C process ensure efficient order processing, accurate billing, timely delivery, and excellent customer service, ultimately contributing to the company’s revenue growth and customer satisfaction.
Record to Report (R2R)
In the SAP R2R process, your core tasks aim at ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance. Here are some key jobs:-
- General Ledger Management:
- Record financial transactions in the general ledger.
- Ensure entries comply with accounting principles and company policies.
- Reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies.
- Financial Reporting:
- Prepare financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
- Generate management reports for internal analysis and decision-making.
- Compile regulatory reports for external stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
- Fixed Assets Management:
- Record acquisitions, disposals, and depreciation of fixed assets.
- Maintain accurate records of fixed asset balances.
- Perform asset reconciliation and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
- Intercompany Accounting:
- Record and reconcile transactions between different legal entities within the company.
- Ensure proper elimination of intercompany balances during consolidation.
- Resolve discrepancies and maintain clear documentation.
- Closing and Period-End Activities:
- Execute month-end and year-end closing processes.
- Perform reconciliation of sub-ledgers to the general ledger.
- Generate financial reports for management and stakeholders.
- Compliance and Audit Support:
- Ensure compliance with accounting regulations and standards.
- Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and explanations.
- Implement audit recommendations for process improvement.
In summary, end users in MNCs using SAP software in the R2R process are instrumental in maintaining accurate financial records, preparing reports, ensuring compliance, and supporting audit activities, thereby contributing to the financial health and transparency of the organization.
Transitioning to Consulting Roles
After gaining sufficient experience in end-user roles, Freshers in SAP Career can easily transition to SAP consulting roles.
There is no harm in spending a couple of years gaining some experience as an SAP end user. This will help reduce the pressure. When you join such a job, there will always be pressure. However, with time, you can upgrade your skills, do sufficient practice in a sandbox environment, and gain experience.
Then, you can start applying for different jobs.
Some good companies even absorb their consultants in-house. So, if you’re doing well on-site, they might offer you a position internally.
Many candidates have transitioned from working on the user side to SAP consulting. This option is available. Instead of getting frustrated or worried about not getting interview calls, consider starting with P2P, O2C, or R2R jobs based on your qualifications and experience. This can be a stepping stone to SAP consulting. It’s a tried and tested method, and many people have landed good packages by making this transition.
Conclusion
Starting your SAP career with end-user roles is a proven strategy. It offers valuable experience, reduces job pressure, and opens pathways to higher-paying consulting roles in the future. Remember, there’s no shortcut to success, but with dedication and the right approach, you’ll get there.
Here is a Video on this subject:- Not Getting Job Calls? Know Common Mistakes
