SAC Planning Specialist / Consultant

Technical/Functional Skills

·       SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) – 6+ years                 

·       Revenue Planning & Driver-based Models        Expert

·       Python (data pipelines, automation, ML forecasting)               

·       Cost Center & Profit Center Planning   Expert

·       Node.js (API integrations, backend services)  

·       Budgeting & Rolling Forecast   Expert

·       JavaScript (SAC scripting, custom widgets, Analytics Designer)                         

·       SAC Data Actions & Allocations              Expert

·       SAP BPC / BW / HANA integration         

·       Snowflake / Data Warehouse connectivity        Advanced

·       REST API / OData / JSON (data connectivity)                 

·       MS Excel Advanced (model validation, Power Query) Advanced

Key Responsibilities:

Finance Planning & FP&A

•              Lead end-to-end implementation of Revenue Planning, Cost Planning, Headcount Planning, Budgeting, and Rolling Forecast processes within SAC.

•              Configure driver-based planning models, allocation rules, distribution & spreading logic, and advanced formula-based calculations.

•              Set up Planning Calendars, workflows, task assignments, and review/approval cycles (Schedule phase).

•              Enable Predict capabilities: configure automated time-series forecasting (predictive scenarios) and planning propositions using SAC built-in ML features.

•              Support ACT vs. BUD variance analysis, asymmetric reporting, and management reporting dashboards.

SAC Architecture & Planning Model Design

•              Design and configure SAC Planning models for Cost Center Planning, Profit Center Planning, Project Planning, and Group Reporting aligned to the architecture shown in the SAC Overview (Prepare → Schedule → Predict → Plan → Visualize → Finalize → Collaborate cycle).

•              Build and maintain multi-dimensional planning models integrating actuals from SAP ECC / SAP HANA and HR data from HR systems, CF Portal exchange rates, and master data.

•              Configure Snowflake connectors and live/import data connections for real-time analytics and planning.

•              Develop and maintain integration pipelines with Microsoft Teams and Excel-based reporting exports.

Finance Planning & FP&A

•              Lead end-to-end implementation of Revenue Planning, Cost Planning, Headcount Planning, Budgeting, and Rolling Forecast processes within SAC.

•              Configure driver-based planning models, allocation rules, distribution & spreading logic, and advanced formula-based calculations.

•              Set up Planning Calendars, workflows, task assignments, and review/approval cycles (Schedule phase).

•              Enable Predict capabilities: configure automated time-series forecasting (predictive scenarios) and planning propositions using SAC built-in ML features.

•              Support ACT vs. BUD variance analysis, asymmetric reporting, and management reporting dashboards.

Development & Technical Implementation

•              Develop custom SAC scripts using JavaScript and Analytics Designer for advanced UI and planning inputs.

•              Build Python-based automation scripts for data transformation, validation, and loading into SAC planning models.

•              Create Node.js APIs for bi-directional data exchange between SAC and downstream systems (Esprit Financial Reporting, Snowflake, etc.).

•              Perform data modeling in SAP BW / HANA to support planning and reporting requirements.

•              Manage security roles, data access controls, and planning model governance.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

•              Partner with Finance, FP&A, and Divisional Admin users to gather requirements, run workshops, and translate business needs into SAC planning solutions.

•              Conduct UAT, training sessions, and knowledge transfer to end-user planners and reviewers.

•              Collaborate with Forecast & Budget owners and Divisional Admin users on planning cycle governance.

Prepare and present solution design documents

Generic Managerial Skills, If any

Competency     Expected Behavior

Communication & Stakeholder Management Ability to translate complex technical solutions into business language; executive presentation skills

Project & Program Management           Experience managing SAP implementation workstreams; Agile / Waterfall delivery; RAID log management

Team Leadership           Mentoring junior consultants; conducting code / design reviews; cross-functional collaboration

Analytical & Problem-Solving  Root-cause analysis, financial modelling validation, proactive issue escalation

Change Management   Drive adoption of new planning tools and processes across finance teams

Continuous Improvement         Stay current on SAC releases, SAP roadmap, and AI/ML planning capabilities