SAP SAC Planning Principal Consultant (S/4HANA) - 00068949571

Description - External

About the role
We are seeking a highly motivated SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) Planning Consultant / Lead to design, implement, and support enterprise-wide planning, forecasting, and financial analytics solutions. This role will play a key part in driving digital transformation by enabling real-time, data-driven planning integrated with SAP S/4HANA and BW/4HANA.

In this role you will

• Lead the design and implementation of SAP SAC Planning solutions for budgeting, forecasting, and operational planning
• Define end-to-end solution architecture integrating SAC with SAP S/4HANA, BW/4HANA, and other data sources
• Configure SAC planning models including dimensions, measures, hierarchies, and business rules
• Develop planning applications, input forms, and story reports
• Work with Finance (FP&A), Controlling, and business stakeholders to gather and translate requirements into technical designs
• Facilitate workshops, blueprint sessions, and solution demonstrations
• Design and optimize data models using SAC, BW/4HANA, and Datasphere
• Develop data integration strategies (import/live models) ensuring data consistency and validation
• Implement driver-based planning, scenario modeling, allocations, and forecasting capabilities
• Build dashboards, stories, and executive-level reporting using SAC
• Lead SIT, UAT, deployment, and provide hypercare and ongoing support
• Troubleshoot performance issues and optimize configurations
• Establish governance, security, and best practices for planning and analytics

Work Model: Hybrid - from New Jersey

What you need to have to be considered

• Strong hands-on experience in SAP Analytics Cloud (Planning)
• Expertise in planning models, data actions, advanced formulas, allocations, version management, and calendar tasks
• Integration experience with SAP S/4HANA Finance (FI/CO) and SAP BW/4HANA
• Experience with SAP Datasphere preferred
• Strong knowledge of data modeling, ETL concepts, and cloud integrations
• Solid understanding of FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, and financial processes
• Experience with SAP FI/CO modules
• Consultant level: 5–8 years SAP experience with 2–3 SAC planning implementations
• Lead level: 8–15+ years with multiple global implementations and solution ownership

These will help you stand out

• Experience in Life Sciences or Pharma domain
• SAP Analytics Cloud Planning certification
• SAP S/4HANA Finance or BW/4HANA certification
• Strong stakeholder communication and presentation skills
• Proven analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $121,126 - $180,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.