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What does a functional consultant do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

A functional consultant is responsible for supporting a team of business analysts and software engineers in designing and creating a software system and related computer applications, following the specifications of a client on their software needs. Functional consultants analyze different technological approaches, evaluate technical solutions, and utilize the best system method to meet the requirements of a client efficiently. A functional consultant performs multiple diagnostic tests to ensure the optimal performance of the system. They should also have excellent communication skills, especially in coordinating with the clients on updates and adjustments as needed.

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Functional consultant responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real functional consultant resumes:

  • Lead project to enhance batch and on-line system, using DB2, VSAM and DYL280.
  • Used TcpTrace to track and analyze the status of leads in SalesForce.
  • Analyze impacts and work with SME's, business partners to gather detail requirements and manage risks/ issues.
  • Design and maintain numerous data warehousing tools to automate the ETL process, data retrieval, integration and reporting functions.
  • Lead architecture, develop of predictive models & application develop of radiology-oncology executive dashboard and alerting services base on statistical calculations.
  • Act as back up for FI analyst, assisting and providing support for issues relate to GL, AP and AR.
  • Analyze company business process and process requirements, identify data conversion requirements, conduct integration testing and go-live preparation.
  • Write the XML file under gentran ftp outbound location, which would be pick by GISHI.
  • Design a UI for users to setup Inbound/outbound transfers.
  • Involve in modification of queries for reporting using PS/Query etc.
  • Enable EPRI customers to register events at http: //www.cvent.com.
  • Implement development process, deployment standards and involve in designing SOA solutions.
  • Used AJAX calls and JSON responses to populate values on various UI components.
  • Create EIB inbound integration for the mass upload of data into workday tenant.
  • Develop front-end HTML WebFocus application to allow users to print shipping invoice / mailing labels.

Functional consultant skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Functional Consultants are proficient in Business Process, Prototyping, and ERP. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Functional Consultants that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Business Process, 9%

    Facilitated business process change by troubleshooting problems, documenting new improvements and procedures, and training business users on process improvements.

  • Prototyping, 8%

    Lead new initiatives and enhancements for SAP Plant Maintenance through design, prototyping, implementation, testing and post go-live support.

  • ERP, 8%

    Develop solutions to leverage Oracle ERP application functionality and suggest process improvements.

  • CRM, 4%

    Developed several Custom Application Messages using Integration Broker for updating data from accounting software into PeopleSoft CRM.

  • Test Cases, 4%

    Involved in full length Life-Cycle implementation of Workday modules and documentation of technical specifications and developing test cases.

  • Payroll, 3%

    Configured Workday Payroll Interface Core connector and successfully implemented the outbound employee and deduction interface files.

Most functional consultants use their skills in "business process," "prototyping," and "erp" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential functional consultant responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a functional consultant to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what functional consultants do because "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." Additionally, a functional consultant resume shows how functional consultants use analytical skills: "performed full business analysis for the current business processes to re implement the erp system2. "

Communication skills. Many functional consultant duties rely on communication skills. "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand.," so a functional consultant will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways functional consultant responsibilities rely on communication skills: "developed batch data communication programs to upload data from legacy systems to sap r/3. "

Creativity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of functional consultants is creativity. This skill is critical to many everyday functional consultant duties, as "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "conduct erp training in oracle university (basic navigation, ap, inventory, hr, purchasing and gl)"

See the full list of functional consultant skills

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Compare different functional consultants

Functional consultant vs. Consultant/team lead

Consultant team leads analyze background documentation, project documents, financial reports, etc., to prepare an initial report about the projects they are working on. They gather data through interviews, research, and surveys to design proposals meant to create an inclusive environment for everyone. These leaders work with clients to improve their organization's performance by coordinating their teams and identifying their needs. They also lead a team of consultants and discuss the techniques that help their clients improve their quality of living.

We looked at the average functional consultant salary and compared it with the wages of a consultant/team lead. Generally speaking, consultants/team lead are paid $11,734 higher than functional consultants per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between functional consultants and consultants/team lead are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like business process, erp, and test cases.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between functional consultants and consultant/team lead. For instance, functional consultant responsibilities require skills such as "prototyping," "crm," "custom reports," and "test scenarios." Whereas a consultant/team lead is skilled in "customer service," "product knowledge," "project management," and "hr." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Consultants/team lead tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $112,433. In contrast, functional consultants make the biggest average salary, $90,851, in the manufacturing industry.The education levels that consultants/team lead earn slightly differ from functional consultants. In particular, consultants/team lead are 10.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a functional consultant. Additionally, they're 1.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Functional consultant vs. Customer relationship management consultant

A customer relationship management consultant is responsible for providing management solutions for clients to develop successful customer relationships. Customer relationship management consultants evaluate business requirements and plans and identify potential risks that may affect the reputation and stability of an organization in the market. They also review the company's services, find strengths and weaknesses, and recommend solutions to enhance customer satisfaction. A customer relationship management consultant must be highly organizational and communicative, especially in finding opportunities to boost the company's brand image and maximize operational productivity to support the customers' needs and concerns.

Customer relationship management consultant positions earn higher pay than functional consultant roles. They earn a $12,478 higher salary than functional consultants per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both functional consultants and customer relationship management consultants have skills such as "business process," "erp," and "test cases. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, functional consultant responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "prototyping," "crm," "payroll," and "test scenarios." Meanwhile, a customer relationship management consultant has duties that require skills in areas such as "power bi," "azure," "salesforce," and "customer service." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Customer relationship management consultants earn a higher average salary than functional consultants. But customer relationship management consultants earn the highest pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $105,565. Additionally, functional consultants earn the highest salaries in the manufacturing with average pay of $90,851 annually.customer relationship management consultants earn lower levels of education than functional consultants in general. They're 7.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Functional consultant vs. Sap mm consultant

An SAP MM consultant specializes in helping clients attain their short and long-term goals when it comes to SAP systems and software. They primarily coordinate with clients to identify their needs, gather and analyze data to determine the strengths and weaknesses of existing systems, conduct research to identify the best practices to meet the clients' needs, and develop strategies to optimize overall operations. Above all, an SAP MM consultant must adhere to the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.

On average, sap mm consultants earn higher salaries than functional consultants, with a $7,251 difference per year.functional consultants and sap mm consultants both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "business process," "prototyping," and "test cases," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, functional consultants are more likely to have skills like "erp," "crm," "payroll," and "custom reports." But a sap mm consultant is more likely to have skills like "purchase requisitions," "inventory management," "logistics," and "virtualization."

Sap mm consultants earn the highest salary when working in the retail industry, where they receive an average salary of $107,868. Comparatively, functional consultants have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $90,851.Most sap mm consultants achieve a similar degree level compared to functional consultants. For example, they're 2.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Functional consultant vs. Systems consultant

A systems consultant is responsible for advising on the design, plan, and installation of information technology systems for clients. You will analyze data of an organization, determine the requirements of an information system, and define project objectives. Other duties include providing recommendations on the appropriate software, hardware, and systems, designing and installing new software, and organizing and conducting training for end-users. You will also be responsible for preparing test plans and test scripts needed for system testing.

Systems consultants typically earn higher pay than functional consultants. On average, systems consultants earn a $14,342 higher salary per year.According to resumes from functional consultants and systems consultants, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "business process," "erp," and "test cases. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A functional consultant uses "prototyping," "crm," "custom reports," and "master data." Systems consultants are more likely to have duties that require skills in "infrastructure," "project management," "c++," and "c #. "The internet industry tends to pay the highest salaries for systems consultants, with average annual pay of $108,853. Comparatively, the highest functional consultant annual salary comes from the manufacturing industry.In general, systems consultants hold lower degree levels compared to functional consultants. Systems consultants are 15.4% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of functional consultant

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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