SAP Finance Solution Architect

"The SAP Finance Solution Architect (A&D) is responsible for designing, governing, and delivering enterprise SAP Finance solutions that support complex Aerospace & Defense financial operations, government contracting requirements, and regulatory compliance. This role owns the end-to-end SAP Finance architecture and serves as the functional authority across finance-related modules during SAP implementations, global rollouts, and S/4HANA transformations.

The architect partners closely with Finance, Program Management, Compliance, Procurement, Supply Chain, and IT teams to ensure SAP Finance solutions support compliant cost accounting, program financial control, audit readiness, and executive reporting.

Key Responsibilities

SAP Finance Solution Architecture

Lead end-to-end solution architecture for SAP Finance across A&D programs and operations

Translate business and regulatory requirements into scalable SAP Finance designs

Own global finance templates, design standards, and architectural decisions

Ensure alignment with enterprise financial governance, internal controls, and compliance frameworks

SAP Finance Functional Leadership

Provide expert-level design and oversight across core SAP Finance areas, including:

Financial Accounting (FI):

General Ledger (New GL / Universal Journal)

Accounts Payable & Receivable

Asset Accounting (including Assets Under Construction - AuC)

Bank Accounting and Cash Management

Management Accounting & Integration:

Integration with CO, PS, MM, SD, and Manufacturing

Financial close, reconciliation, and reporting processes

Aerospace & Defense Financial Compliance

Design SAP Finance solutions compliant with:

FAR / DFARS

DCAA audit requirements

Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)

ITAR-aligned process controls (non-technical enforcement)

Support accounting for:

Cost-plus, fixed-price, and long-term government contracts

Program capitalization and project settlements

Revenue recognition for long-running programs

Ensure auditability, traceability, and segregation of duties

S/4HANA & Digital Transformation

Lead SAP Finance design for ECC * S/4HANA Finance transitions

Address Universal Journal (ACDOCA) impacts on legacy finance processes

Enable real-time financial reporting, margin analysis, and embedded analytics

Partner with data migration, testing, and cutover teams to ensure financial accuracy and integrity

Program & Stakeholder Leadership

Serve as primary Finance solution advisor to:

Finance and Accounting leadership

Program Management Offices (PMO)

Compliance and Internal Audit teams

Lead design workshops and blueprint reviews with senior stakeholders

Mentor SAP Finance consultants and delivery teams

Provide governance and quality assurance throughout build, testing, and go-live

Delivery Governance & Best Practices

Own finance-related design documentation, functional specifications, and configuration rationale

Ensure finance solutions align with SAP best practices and enterprise standards

Support SIT, UAT, cutover, and post-go-live stabilization

Drive continuous improvement and finance optimization initiatives, Architect mission-critical SAP Finance solutions supporting national defense and aerospace programs

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or Information Systems

10+ years of SAP Finance experience, including solution architecture roles

Proven delivery experience in Aerospace & Defense environments

Deep functional knowledge of SAP FI and finance integrations

Strong understanding of government contracting and compliance requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Hands-on experience with S/4HANA Finance

SAP Finance or S/4HANA certifications

Experience supporting large-scale A&D programs or global rollouts

Strong understanding of program-based financial management and controls

Prior experience working with internal audit or external auditors

Core Competencies

SAP Finance Solution Architecture

A&D Financial Compliance (FAR, DFARS, DCAA, CAS)

Enterprise Financial Governance

S/4HANA Transformation Leadership

Executive Stakeholder Engagement

Mentorship & Cross-Functional Collaboration

At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.