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How to hire a senior functional consultant

Senior functional consultant hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring senior functional consultants in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a senior functional consultant is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per senior functional consultant on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 26,298 senior functional consultants in the US and 67,112 job openings.
  • Atlanta, GA, has the highest demand for senior functional consultants, with 11 job openings.
  • Virginia, MN has the highest concentration of senior functional consultants.

How to hire a senior functional consultant, step by step

To hire a senior functional consultant, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a senior functional consultant:

Here's a step-by-step senior functional consultant hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a senior functional consultant job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new senior functional consultant
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a senior functional consultant do?

As a senior functional consultant, your main aim is to provide solutions to problematic systems in the machinery. You need to make sure that the functional implementation is well-executed. You will be involved in the planning and designing process of software systems. You need to have your technical skill handy so that it'll not be difficult for you to understand the various methods and solutions of the system. Then you can make the structure according to the client's desire.


You will also be responsible for drafting strategies for the functional development of the company. So, you need to have well-drafted solutions with an established process. For you, your client is the most important. This is because your client is the one who will provide you with all requirements.

Learn more about the specifics of what a senior functional consultant does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a senior functional consultant, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A senior functional consultant's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, senior functional consultants from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list shows salaries for various types of senior functional consultants.

    Type of Senior Functional ConsultantDescriptionHourly rate
    Senior Functional ConsultantComputer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design information systems solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.$39-59
    Consultant/Team LeadConsultant 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... Show more$34-62
    ConsultantConsultants are individuals who were tapped by a company or an organization to work on a specific activity, depending on their field of expertise. They act as guides for the organization in undertaking projects that are related to their field... Show more$27-51
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Prototyping
    • ERP
    • Business Process
    • Solution Design
    • Shared Services
    • Payroll
    • CRM
    • Java
    • Fi
    • Test Cases
    • User Acceptance
    • Enterprise Resource Planning
    • Gl
    • MM
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Design and maintain numerous data warehousing tools to automate the ETL process, data retrieval, integration and reporting functions.
    • Design the strategy for ERP implementation and roll out approach across all the manufacturing sites.
    • Determine FI/CO configuration changes to meet business requirements ;.
    • Coordinate with the end-users and help them run UAT tests.
    • Involve in development and testing of objects across FI/CO modules.
    • Assist and coordinate with the users with the UAT test plan.
    More senior functional consultant duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your senior functional consultant job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A senior functional consultant salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a senior functional consultant in Kansas may be lower than in California, and an entry-level senior functional consultant usually earns less than a senior-level senior functional consultant. Additionally, a senior functional consultant with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average senior functional consultant salary

    $101,774yearly

    $48.93 hourly rate

    Entry-level senior functional consultant salary
    $83,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 16, 2025

    Average senior functional consultant salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$133,738$64
    2Washington$122,576$59
    3New York$106,148$51
    4Massachusetts$103,791$50
    5Texas$103,339$50
    6New Jersey$102,183$49
    7Pennsylvania$101,690$49
    8Arizona$101,684$49
    9Delaware$99,421$48
    10Colorado$96,268$46
    11North Carolina$95,122$46
    12District of Columbia$94,686$46
    13Minnesota$94,111$45
    14Ohio$92,987$45
    15Georgia$92,417$44
    16Oklahoma$91,796$44
    17Wisconsin$91,358$44
    18Michigan$91,222$44
    19Illinois$90,667$44
    20Missouri$88,144$42

    Average senior functional consultant salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Oculus$137,215$65.97
    2Amazon$132,713$63.80280
    3Edgewater Technology$120,562$57.96
    4Ernst & Young$120,330$57.852,457
    5Avanade$117,247$56.374
    6Guidewire Software$116,271$55.90
    7ION$116,183$55.8622
    8The Home Depot$114,438$55.0211
    9Salesforce$113,283$54.469
    10Workday$113,228$54.447
    11HD Supply$112,782$54.22
    12Wells Fargo$110,368$53.0627
    13White Cap Construction Supply Inc$109,625$52.70
    14Microsoft$109,308$52.5516
    15Waystar$108,808$52.31
    16MCA$108,490$52.16
    17Global Brands Group$106,387$51.152
    18HighRadius$105,369$50.66
    19CSS$103,508$49.76
    20Ramco$103,357$49.69
  4. Writing a senior functional consultant job description

    A senior functional consultant job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a senior functional consultant job description:

    Senior functional consultant job description example

    Our story At Alight, we believe a company's success starts with its people. It's why we're so driven to connect passion with purpose. Our team's expertise in human insights and cloud technology, allows companies and employees around the world to transform and thrive.
    The role
    The lead functional consultant is responsible for the configuration of a SuccessFactors module within a project. This role covers both the internal and client-facing activities required for successful implementation. Applying best practices, country specific knowledge, and technical know-how they will ensure that the solution fits the client's requirements and specifications.
    The Compensation lead will join our strong global SuccessFactors practice as the functional lead for one or more Compensation projects in the UK and Ireland.

    The role ensures that the functional workstream delivers the right quality of deliverables into a customer's Production environment such that Alight meets the client's expectations for go live and provides a platform for a long and mutually beneficial client relationship. The role has responsibility for delivery according to the appropriate implementation methodology (FastTrack or SAP Activate) and for ensuring it is used and applied consistently within the programme.
    The role also supports the Sales function with scoping, solution design and estimating for projects and change requests to ensure the full scope of an implementation is known and documented and supporting the sales team with

    The Responsibilities
    Solution Design
    Lead/Support the required workshops as laid out by the methodology, ensuring all decisions are accurately captured and recorded in relevant workbooks.Define and document the overall configuration of the SuccessFactors module(s), making the correct balance between business, technical and functional requirements and constraints, as well as the compatibility with different solution components.At the end of the project, ensure successful transition to maintenance teams, either Alight or other Support project resources in defining solutions in the event that a challenge arises during delivery to ensure that delivery is on time and within budget

    Data Migration
    Organize and support the data mapping with client and implementation teams (Alight or Third Party Providers) Ensure the client fulfil their responsibilities in term of data management, in particular with their data cleansing and data transformation Be familiar with data security procedures and requirements of both Alight and the client and ensure these are respected as part of the process IntegrationsSupport the Technical resources in the definition of integration requirements Support in the delivery of integration solution workshops to clients and the completion of required documentation.

    Test Activities
    Carry out agreed Alight Testing and ensure all agreed issues are corrected prior to customer testing.

    The Requirements
    Excellent experience in HR services delivery Demonstrable experience in the implementation of SuccessFactors and/or SAP HCM Payroll products Experience of multiple end to end global (more than 5 countries) deployment projects Demonstrable communication and presentation skills In-depth knowledge of SuccessFactors Compensation module SuccessFactors Associate Level Certification in Employee Central and ideally one or more additional modules Advanced HRIS certification and experience Ability to run clear and engaging customer meetings and workshops

    What we offer
    Are you ready to build your career in a vibrant, AGILE and growing organization, yet one with truly global client relationships and a World of Opportunities?At Alight, we're dedicated to our clients, and we operate as ONE, global TEAM striving for EXCELLENCE and INNOVATION in everything we do. We make HR work better.We offer flexible working hours and home office solutions. Work-Life-Balance, Wellbeing and Development Opportunities are more than keywords for us

    With a competitive total rewards package, continuing education and training and tremendous potential with a growing global organization, Alight is the perfect place to put your passion to work.

    Join our team. Because transformation takes a workforce. Learn more at careers.alight.com.
    #LI-Remote
    Our commitment to Diversity and InclusionAlight believes diversity should be visible, valued, and sustained throughout the organization. And we're committed to enabling an inclusive culture of belonging that engages all colleagues and grows the diversity of our talent to proudly represent the clients and communities we serve. As an affirmative action employer, we adhere to the principles of equal employment opportunity in the workplace as defined in our diversity policy statement.

    Diversity Policy StatementAlight does not discriminate against anyone based on sex, gender, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics or conduct covered by federal, state or local law. In addition, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, disabled persons, disabled veterans and other covered veterans.
    Alight provides reasonable accommodations to the known limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants for employment with disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs, practices and observances, unless doing so would result in undue hardship. Applicants for employment may request a reasonable accommodation/modification by contacting his/her recruiter.

    Authorization to work in the Employing CountryApplicants for employment in the country in which they are applying (Employing Country) must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the Employing Country and with Alight.
    We offer you a competitive total rewards package, continuing education & training, and tremendous potential with a growing worldwide organization.
    DISCLAIMER:
    Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job to other entities; including but not limited to subsidiaries, partners, or purchasers of Alight business units.
    .
  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find senior functional consultants for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your senior functional consultant job on Zippia to find and recruit senior functional consultant candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit senior functional consultants, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    Sometimes, it's not enough to interview senior functional consultant candidates, so you can ask them to do a test project. If you are not a technical person and don't know what a test project should be, you can use these websites:

    • TestDome
    • CodeSignal
    • Testlify
    • BarRaiser
    • Coderbyte

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new senior functional consultant

    Once you've decided on a perfect senior functional consultant candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new senior functional consultant. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a senior functional consultant?

Recruiting senior functional consultants involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $101,774 per year for a senior functional consultant, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for senior functional consultants in the US typically range between $39 and $59 an hour.

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