Associate Director, Controls Lead – S/4HANA – RTX Careers

The Future of SAP S/4HANA controls: A Raytheon perspective

Ever wondered how a global aerospace and defense giant like Raytheon ensures its massive operations run smoothly and securely? The answer lies, in part, with robust SAP S/4HANA systems and the critical controls that govern them. Raytheon’s recent job posting for an Associate director, Controls Lead – S/4HANA PST, based remotely in California, offers a engaging glimpse into the future of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and the increasing importance of controls in a complex digital landscape.

Why This Job Posting Matters: A sign of the Times

This isn’t just another job listing. It’s a signal. A signal that companies are doubling down on their SAP S/4HANA investments and recognizing the need for specialized expertise to manage the inherent risks and complexities. The fact that the position is remote also speaks volumes about the evolving work landscape and the talent pool companies are now able to access.

The Shift to S/4HANA: A Necessary Evolution

SAP S/4HANA represents a notable leap forward from previous SAP ERP systems. It’s built on the HANA in-memory platform, offering real-time data processing and advanced analytics capabilities. This allows companies to make faster, more informed decisions. But with great power comes great responsibility – and a greater need for robust controls.

Did you know? SAP estimates that a significant percentage of its existing ERP customers will migrate to S/4HANA in the coming years. This mass migration is driving demand for skilled professionals in S/4HANA implementation and controls.

The Role of Controls: Protecting the Enterprise

What exactly are “controls” in the context of SAP S/4HANA? They are the policies, procedures, and technologies designed to safeguard assets, ensure data integrity, and comply with regulations. Think of them as the guardrails that keep the ERP system – and the business – on track.

Key Areas of focus for S/4HANA Controls

the Associate Director, Controls Lead role at Raytheon likely encompasses several critical areas:

• Security Controls: Protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
• Access Controls: Ensuring that users only have access to the data and functions they need to perform their jobs.
• Change Management Controls: Managing changes to the system in a controlled and auditable manner.
• Data Integrity Controls: Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of data.
• Compliance Controls: Meeting regulatory requirements, such as sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and GDPR.

Expert Tip: “Effective S/4HANA controls are not just about technology; they’re about people and processes,” says Sarah Miller, a leading SAP security consultant. “Companies need to invest in training and awareness programs to ensure that employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a secure and compliant environment.”

The California Connection: Innovation and Talent

Why is this role based in California, even if it’s remote? California remains a hub of innovation and technology, attracting top talent in areas like cybersecurity, data analytics, and cloud computing. Raytheon likely recognizes the value of tapping into this talent pool to build a world-class S/4HANA controls team.

Remote Work: A New Paradigm for ERP Management

The remote nature of the position reflects a broader trend towards remote work and distributed teams. This offers companies greater flexibility in hiring and allows them to access talent from anywhere in the country. Though, it also presents new challenges for managing and controlling ERP systems.

Future Trends in S/4HANA Controls

The landscape of S/4HANA controls is constantly evolving. Here are some key trends to watch:

Automation and AI: The Rise of Bright Controls

Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are playing an increasingly vital role in S/4HANA controls. AI-powered tools can automate tasks like security monitoring, anomaly detection, and risk assessment, freeing up human resources to focus on more strategic activities.

Cybersecurity: A Growing Threat

Cybersecurity threats are becoming more complex and frequent, making it essential for companies to invest in robust security controls for their S/4HANA systems. This includes implementing multi-factor authentication, intrusion detection systems, and data encryption.

Compliance: Navigating a Complex Regulatory Landscape

Companies are facing an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, with new regulations emerging all the time. S/4HANA controls must be designed to help companies comply with these regulations and avoid costly penalties.

Quick Fact: The average cost of a data breach in the United States is over $9 million, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report. This highlights the importance of investing in robust security controls to protect sensitive data.

The Bottom Line: investing in the Future

Raytheon’s search for an Associate Director, Controls Lead – S/4HANA PST, is a clear indication that companies are taking S/4HANA controls seriously. As more and more organizations migrate to S/4HANA,the demand for skilled professionals in this area will only continue to grow. Investing in robust controls is not just about compliance; it’s about protecting the enterprise and ensuring its long-term success in an increasingly complex and competitive world.

Want to learn more about SAP S/4HANA security best practices? Share this article and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

SAP S/4HANA Controls: A Raytheon perspective & Expert Insights

Keywords: SAP S/4HANA, ERP Controls, Cybersecurity, Data Integrity, Compliance, Raytheon, Remote Work, Automation, AI, Data Breach

Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re diving deep into the crucial topic of SAP S/4HANA controls. A recent job posting from Raytheon for an Associate Director, Controls Lead – S/4HANA PST, caught our eye and sparked considerable interest. To help us understand the implications of this posting and the broader trends in SAP S/4HANA security, we’re joined by Elias vance, a seasoned ERP security consultant with over 15 years of experience. Elias, welcome!

Elias Vance: Thank you for having me. I’m happy to be here.

Time.news Editor: Elias, let’s start with the basics. Why is a job posting like this relevant beyond just Raytheon’s internal needs?

Elias Vance: It’s a bellwether. Raytheon is a large, complex organization, and their move to heavily resource SAP S/4HANA controls signals a wider industry trend. They, and many other large enterprises, are acutely aware that their success with S/4HANA hinges not just on its implementation, but also on effectively managing the associated risks and ensuring data integrity. They are doubling down on ERP controls.

Time.news Editor: The article highlights the shift to S/4HANA as a “necessary evolution.” Could you elaborate on why this migration is so important and what makes S/4HANA different from previous SAP ERP systems?

Elias Vance: Absolutely. S/4HANA is a complete reimagining of SAP ERP. It’s built on the HANA in-memory platform, which provides real-time data processing and advanced analytics capabilities. This speed and enhanced analytical power allows for vastly improved decision-making, but it also means access to much more sensitive data, making SAP S/4HANA security a critical concern. Previous versions simply didn’t operate at this speed or with this data density.

Time.news Editor: The role of “controls” is central to this discussion. For our readers who may not be familiar, can you clearly define what SAP S/4HANA controls are?

Elias Vance: In essence, SAP S/4HANA controls are the policies, procedures, and technologies put in place to protect the S/4HANA system, the data it holds, and the business processes it supports. They’re designed to safeguard assets, ensure data integrity, and comply with regulations like SOX and GDPR. Think of them as the defenses that prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and compliance violations.

Time.news Editor: The article outlines key areas of focus for S/4HANA controls, including security, access, change management, data integrity, and compliance. Which of these do you consider to be the most pressing challenges for organizations implementing S/4HANA?

Elias Vance: That’s a multifaceted question. I’d say they are all equally critically important and interdependent. Failure in one area frequently impacts all others. However, given the increase in refined cyberattacks; Cybersecurity and Data Integrity have probably risen slightly above the rest as a primary focus. You can have the best policies and procedures, but if a sophisticated intruder accesses your system and compromises your sensitive financial or customer data, it severely impacts your brand and bottom line.

Time.news Editor: The article mentions that the Raytheon position is based remotely in California, highlighting the shift towards remote work and access to a wider talent pool. what are the implications of managing ERP systems remotely from a security perspective?

Elias Vance: Remote work presents both opportunities and challenges. It allows companies to tap into a global talent pool,but it also expands the attack surface. Securing remote access, ensuring endpoint security, and implementing robust multi-factor authentication are crucial. companies need to adapt their ERP controls to account for the unique risks associated with remote work environments. They should also ensure they are up to date on new compliance aspects surrounding remote work and data management.

Time.news Editor: What emerging trends in S/4HANA controls should organizations be paying attention to?

Elias Vance: Two key trends stand out: Automation and AI in security and navigating the ever-changing compliance landscape. Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security monitoring, anomaly detection, and risk assessment. They can help identify threats faster and more accurately than manual processes. Secondly, The regulatory landscape is constantly evolving. companies need to stay informed about new regulations and ensure their S/4HANA controls are designed to support compliance efforts.

Time.news Editor: Implementing effective S/4HANA controls is not just about technology, is it?

Elias Vance: Exactly. As Sarah Miller said in the article, it’s about people and processes.Technology is essential, but it’s only as effective as the people who use it and the policies that govern its use. Investing in training and awareness programs is crucial to ensure that employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a secure and compliant surroundings.

Time.news Editor: Based on the article and your experience, what practical advice would you give to companies that are planning or currently undergoing an SAP S/4HANA implementation?

Elias Vance: I would recommend the following:

Start Early: Security should be a focus from the beginning of the implementation, not an afterthought.

Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify the key threats and vulnerabilities to your S/4HANA system.

Layered Security: Implement a layered security approach, combining technical, administrative, and physical controls.

Continuous Monitoring: Monitor your systems continuously for security threats and compliance violations.

Employee Training: Invest in ongoing training and awareness programs for all users.

Stay Updated: Keep up to date with the latest security threats and best practices for S/4HANA controls.

time.news Editor: Elias, thank you for sharing your valuable insights with us. This has been an informative discussion.

Elias Vance: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.