SAP S/4 FICO/Tax Integration Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: SAP S/4 FICO/Tax Integration Product Designer

Company: Ford

Location: Dearborn, Michigan, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Enterprise Technology / Finance & Accounting Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-14T19:06:59

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4+ days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design, configuration, and support of SAP S/4 Tax product functionalities, ensuring seamless integration with Vertex tax solutions for global tax determination and reporting.

• Act as a key liaison between business stakeholders, the Office of Tax Council (OTC), and technical teams to translate complex tax requirements into robust functional specifications and optimized end-to-end system designs.

• Manage and support the full lifecycle of SAP S/4 Tax product changes, including major releases, enhancements, technical upgrades, and production support, with a focus on Accounts Payable modules.

• Ensure adherence to Sarbanes-Oxley (S-Ox) compliance and robust application security protocols within the SAP tax landscape, maintaining a high standard for development, deployment, and testing.

• Proactively identify and address system updates required by new legislative changes, understanding the intricate data lineage from source transactions to final tax returns within the SAP and Vertex ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Ford's Enterprise Technology division, focusing on the critical intersection of financial systems (SAP S/4 FICO) and specialized tax software (Vertex). The "Product Designer" title, combined with responsibilities for configuration, integration, and documentation, suggests a blend of functional expertise and solution architecture. This is not a pure developer role, but one that requires deep understanding of business processes and the ability to design system solutions. The emphasis on S-Ox compliance and data lineage indicates a need for meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of financial controls.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and customize SAP S/4 Tax products across the IERP and non-IERP landscapes, with a specific focus on the Accounts Payables module.

• Maintain and support the S/4-Vertex product integration for new release rollouts, major enhancements, and technical upgrades, ensuring system stability and functionality.

• Collaborate with Business/Product Managers to document and manage product requirements, developing detailed Business Requirements Documents (BRDs) and Functional Specification Documents (FSDs).

• Partner with Enterprise Architecture and end-users to design optimized, end-to-end cloud-based solutions that meet both business needs and stringent technical standards.

• Proactively identify needs for updates to current tax systems to comply with new legislative requirements and evolving business needs.

• Analyze and understand the complete data lineage from source transactions (e.g., invoices) to final tax returns, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.

• Interpret and implement system "rules" or logic tables within SAP S/4 and its integration with tax engines like Vertex.

• Develop and support test cases to validate complex tax scenarios (e.g., edge cases in tax jurisdictions, exemption certificates) and maintain robust regression testing processes.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for support tickets related to SAP S/4, Vertex, and other interfaces from a tax perspective.

• Maintain and enforce Sarbanes-Oxley (S-Ox) compliance and application security protocols across the entire tax landscape.

• Implement, control, and innovatively improve application development, deployment, and testing standards for the IERP Tax function.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, trusting business relationships with global and local stakeholders through proactive engagement and clear communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep engagement with the SAP S/4 Tax module and its integration layer. The emphasis on BRD/FSD creation and collaboration with Enterprise Architecture points to a solution design and business analysis focus. The requirement to understand "rules" and "logic tables" within SAP and Vertex indicates a need for detailed configuration and functional design skills, rather than pure coding.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Finance, or a related field.

• Master’s Degree in a similar field is preferred, demonstrating advanced academic achievement. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in the design, implementation, and support of SAP S/4HANA or SAP ECC, specifically within the MM (Materials Management) or FICO (Finance and Controlling) modules.

• Proven experience in developing and aligning BRDs and FSDs with business stakeholders, effectively guiding technical teams on functional requirements.

• Demonstrable experience working on integration projects and collaborating with interface teams to ensure seamless data flow between systems.

• A strong passion for understanding and optimizing the underlying business processes managed by the Office of Tax Council (OTC).

• Experience with technology integration roles across multiple systems is a significant advantage. Required Skills:

• SAP S/4HANA / ECC Expertise: Deep functional knowledge and hands-on configuration/customization experience in SAP MM or FICO modules.

• Tax Systems Integration: Understanding and experience with integrating SAP with tax engines, specifically Vertex On-Demand (VoD) or Vertex Tax Performance Enhancer (TPE).

• Requirements Documentation: Proficiency in creating and managing Business Requirements Documents (BRDs) and Functional Specification Documents (FSDs).

• Process Analysis & Design: Ability to analyze complex business processes, understand data lineage, and design efficient system solutions, particularly within Accounts Payable and Tax determination.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong capability for root cause analysis, identifying business motivators, and developing solution-oriented approaches.

Preferred Skills:

• SAP Tax Module Experience: Direct experience with SAP Tax configuration or specific SAP tax solutions.

• Vertex Tax Engine Expertise: In-depth experience with Vertex On-Demand (VoD) or Vertex Tax Performance Enhancer (TPE) configurations and integration.

• Cloud-Based Solutions: Familiarity with designing and implementing cloud-based solutions and understanding enterprise architecture principles.

• Sarbanes-Oxley (S-Ox) Compliance: Knowledge of S-Ox compliance requirements and their impact on system design and controls.

• Global Implementation Experience: Experience supporting or implementing financial systems in a global enterprise environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between "5+ years" and "7+ years" for minimum and preferred qualifications, respectively, suggests that candidates with more extensive experience, particularly in direct SAP Tax/Vertex integration, will be highly competitive. The emphasis on BRD/FSD and collaboration indicates a need for strong communication and documentation skills beyond technical SAP configuration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• System Design Case Studies: Examples showcasing the design and implementation of SAP S/4HANA or ECC module configurations (MM/FICO), detailing the business problem, solution approach, and outcomes.

• Integration Project Documentation: Evidence of work on integration projects, demonstrating understanding of data flow, interface design, and successful system connectivity, particularly with tax engines.

• Requirements Gathering Artifacts: Samples of BRDs and FSDs created for SAP-related projects, highlighting the ability to translate business needs into clear technical requirements.

• Process Optimization Examples: Documentation or case studies illustrating how you've identified inefficiencies in Accounts Payable or Tax processes and designed system-based solutions to improve them.

• Compliance & Security Documentation: Examples of contributions to maintaining S-Ox compliance or application security protocols within an ERP environment.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in documenting existing SAP and tax-related workflows and proposing optimized, automated alternatives.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Showcase understanding of deployment processes for SAP configurations and integrations, including testing and change management.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Present examples of how you've tracked the performance of implemented solutions, using metrics to demonstrate efficiency gains or problem resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to present concrete examples of their work. For a "Product Designer" role focused on integration, showcasing how they've bridged business needs with technical solutions, particularly in complex areas like tax determination and compliance, will be crucial. The portfolio should emphasize design thinking and problem-solving within the SAP ecosystem.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The stated salary range for this position is $99,600 to $192,900 annually. This range reflects a base salary determination based on job scope, responsibilities, competitive market value, and the candidate's specific skills and experience. The position is assigned to salary grades 7-8. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

• Family Support: Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up childcare.

• Family Building Assistance: Reimbursement for adoption and surrogacy expenses, and coverage for fertility treatments.

• Vehicle Benefits: Employee vehicle discount program and management lease options.

• Professional Development: Tuition assistance programs to support continuous learning.

• Employee Engagement: Access to established and active employee resource groups.

• Community Involvement: Paid time off for individual and team community service initiatives.

• Time Off: A generous schedule of paid holidays (including the week between Christmas and New Year’s), and paid time off with the option to purchase additional vacation time.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for this role are approximately 40 hours per week. This is a hybrid position, requiring the candidate to be onsite at the Dearborn, MI office four or more days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a specialized SAP and tax integration role in the US automotive industry. The extensive benefits package underscores Ford's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which can be a significant factor for operations professionals. The hybrid requirement with a significant office presence is typical for roles requiring deep collaboration and system access.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Mobility Solutions. Ford is a global leader in the automotive industry, continuously innovating in vehicle technology, connectivity, and sustainable mobility. The company's long history provides a stable foundation, while its focus on future mobility solutions indicates a dynamic and forward-looking environment.

Company Size: Ford is a large, established global corporation, employing tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. This scale offers significant opportunities for career development and exposure to diverse, complex projects.

Founded: 1903. With over a century of history, Ford possesses a deep legacy of innovation and resilience, providing a stable yet evolving corporate structure.

Team Structure:

• ERP Tax Product Team: This specialized team operates within the larger Enterprise Technology division. It focuses on managing and supporting tax-related changes and integrations within SAP S/4HANA and external tax engines like Vertex.

• Reporting Hierarchy: The role likely reports to a Product Manager or IT Manager within the Enterprise Technology or Finance Systems group, with potential dotted-line reporting to tax subject matter experts in the Office of Tax Council (OTC).

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role demands close collaboration with various departments, including the Office of Tax Council (OTC), Enterprise Architecture, IT Infrastructure, business process owners in Accounts Payable, and potentially external tax consultants.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on understanding data lineage and using data to validate complex tax scenarios and ensure system stability.

• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, large organizations often employ agile or iterative methodologies for system updates, enhancements, and new project implementations.

• Process Optimization Focus: A core function involves identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy in tax determination and reporting through system configuration and integration.

Company Website: https://www.ford.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford's scale means that operational roles often involve managing complex, global systems and processes. The Enterprise Technology division is central to Ford's transformation into a mobility company, suggesting a blend of legacy system management and innovation. The specific mention of the "Office of Tax Council" indicates a very close working relationship with tax subject matter experts, crucial for a role dealing with tax compliance and configuration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, indicated by the 5-10 years of experience requirement and salary grade range (7-8). It is a specialized "Product Designer" role, focusing on the functional design and integration of critical financial and tax systems. This level suggests responsibility for significant system components and cross-functional influence.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports into a Product Management or IT Operations leadership structure within Enterprise Technology. Direct interaction with business stakeholders (OTC, Accounts Payable) is expected, highlighting the need for strong communication and collaboration skills.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts Ford's financial operations by ensuring accurate and compliant tax determination and reporting across its global operations. Efficient integration between SAP S/4 and Vertex is critical for minimizing financial risk, avoiding penalties, and ensuring data integrity for tax filings and financial statements. A well-designed tax integration contributes directly to operational efficiency and financial control.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in SAP S/4HANA tax functionalities, Vertex integrations, and specific modules like Accounts Payable.

• Solution Architecture Path: Progress into roles with broader system design responsibilities, potentially leading complex SAP or tax-related transformation projects.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop leadership skills by managing projects, mentoring junior team members, and influencing cross-departmental initiatives.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications in SAP, tax technology, or project management to enhance professional credentials.

• Broader ERP Scope: Expand knowledge to other SAP modules or enterprise systems beyond finance and tax.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Product Designer" title implies a strategic component, moving beyond pure support to shaping how systems function. This offers a clear path toward solution architecture or lead functional consultant roles within Ford's extensive IT landscape. The company's focus on future mobility also suggests opportunities to integrate new technologies into financial and tax processes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is designated as Hybrid. Ford operates multiple hub locations, and employees in commuting distance are expected to be onsite a minimum of four days per week. This indicates a collaborative office environment designed for team interaction and in-person problem-solving.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Dearborn, Michigan. This is a major hub for Ford's operations, likely offering a comprehensive campus environment with extensive facilities and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The hybrid model and emphasis on collaboration suggest an office layout that includes shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and areas conducive to team discussions and brainstorming sessions.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to Ford's internal IT infrastructure, including necessary hardware, software licenses for SAP and related tools, and network connectivity required for their roles.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid setup facilitates regular face-to-face interaction with team members, business stakeholders, and potentially IT leadership, fostering stronger working relationships and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, aligned with typical business operations. The hybrid nature provides a structured approach to balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid requirement with a strong onsite presence is a key detail for candidates. It signifies that while some flexibility exists, the role is fundamentally integrated into the physical office environment for collaboration, which is often preferred for complex system design and integration roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications, focusing on alignment with minimum qualifications (education, years of SAP/FICO experience, integration project exposure).

• Technical/Functional Interview: Expect in-depth questions about SAP S/4HANA FICO configuration, tax integration concepts, BRD/FSD creation, and problem-solving scenarios related to tax determination and compliance. This stage will likely involve discussing past projects and system designs.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: Candidates may be presented with a hypothetical tax integration scenario or a process improvement challenge. They will be expected to outline their approach to designing a solution, considering SAP S/4, Vertex, and compliance requirements.

• Stakeholder/Manager Interview: This stage assesses cultural fit, communication skills, collaboration style, and alignment with Ford's values. Discussions may focus on how you manage stakeholder relationships and drive consensus.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, long-term vision for the role, and overall fit within the Enterprise Technology organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase your SAP S/4 FICO and tax integration experience. Use distinct sections for "System Design," "Integration Projects," and "Requirements Documentation."

• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your specific role and contributions, the solution implemented (including system configurations and integration points), and quantifiable results (e.g., improved accuracy, reduced processing time, compliance achieved).

• Showcase Design Thinking: Emphasize your process of translating business needs into functional specifications and system designs. Include examples of logic tables or rule configurations if possible.

• Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Include examples of how you've worked effectively with business stakeholders (like OTC) and technical teams.

• Focus on Tax Specifics: Prioritize examples that directly relate to tax determination, reporting, compliance (S-Ox), and integration with tax engines like Vertex.

Challenge Preparation:

• SAP Configuration Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss common FICO configurations and how they might impact tax calculations.

• Integration Logic: Understand typical data flow and error handling for SAP-to-Vertex integrations.

• Tax Compliance: Review key principles of global tax determination and S-Ox compliance relevant to financial systems.

• Problem-Solving Framework: Practice breaking down complex problems into manageable parts, identifying root causes, and proposing structured solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Product Designer" title, expect interviewers to probe deeply into your design process, your ability to translate business needs into technical solutions, and your understanding of the implications of your designs on compliance and efficiency. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates these skills will be a significant asset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP S/4HANA: The core ERP system. Expertise in FICO modules and specific tax configuration is essential.

• SAP ECC: Experience with the previous generation of SAP is highly valuable and often a prerequisite for S/4HANA roles.

• Vertex Tax Solutions: Vertex On-Demand (VoD) and Vertex Tax Performance Enhancer (TPE) are critical for tax determination and reporting integration. Proficiency here is a strong advantage.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SAP Reporting Tools: Standard SAP reporting functionalities, potentially including Fiori apps or BI tools integrated with SAP.

• Data Analysis Tools: General data analysis skills applicable to troubleshooting and validating data flow between SAP and Vertex.

CRM & Automation:

• Integration Platforms: Understanding of how SAP and Vertex integrate, potentially involving middleware or specific API frameworks.

• Workflow Automation Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with workflow concepts within SAP or for managing processes is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of the technology stack revolves around SAP S/4HANA and Vertex. Candidates should be ready to discuss their specific experience with configuring these systems and integrating them. Understanding the data flow and logic between these two critical systems is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Compliance: A strong emphasis on maintaining S-Ox compliance and ensuring accurate, ethical financial and tax reporting.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working closely with business partners (OTC) and cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Proactively seeking ways to enhance system designs, optimize processes, and adopt best practices in tax technology.

• Problem-Solving & Solution Orientation: A proactive, "can-do" attitude focused on identifying issues and developing effective, implementable solutions.

• Customer Focus: While the "customer" is internal (business units, tax department), understanding their needs and delivering reliable system solutions is key.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where close partnerships with tax experts, enterprise architects, and other IT teams are essential for success.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages open discussion and feedback on system designs and proposed changes to ensure optimal outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share expertise on SAP FICO and tax integration, potentially through team meetings, documentation, or informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ford's culture, like many large automotive manufacturers, likely values a blend of historical stability and forward-looking innovation. For this role, a strong sense of responsibility for financial accuracy and compliance, coupled with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams, will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Global Tax Regulations: Navigating and implementing systems that comply with diverse and frequently changing international tax laws.

• Integration Complexity: Ensuring seamless and accurate data flow between SAP S/4HANA and Vertex, especially with custom configurations or complex business logic.

• Balancing Business Needs with Technical Constraints: Designing solutions that satisfy business requirements while adhering to enterprise architecture standards and technical limitations.

• Legacy System Evolution: Managing the transition and integration from older SAP ECC systems to S/4HANA while maintaining ongoing operations.

• Data Integrity & Auditability: Guaranteeing the accuracy, consistency, and auditability of tax-related data across integrated systems, especially for S-Ox compliance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• SAP S/4HANA Specialization: Deep dive into advanced S/4HANA functionalities relevant to finance and tax.

• Tax Technology Advancements: Stay abreast of new features and capabilities in Vertex and other tax compliance software.

• Enterprise Architecture Exposure: Gain insights into broader IT strategy and how different systems interconnect within a large enterprise.

• Project Management Skills: Opportunity to lead or contribute to significant system implementation or upgrade projects.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a comprehensive understanding of global tax processes and financial operations beyond just system configuration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for complex ERP and tax integration roles in large global enterprises. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering paths toward specialized expertise, broader system ownership, and leadership within Ford's extensive IT organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex tax scenario you encountered in SAP FICO or with tax integration, and how you designed or configured a solution to handle it." (Focus on your design process, problem-solving, and understanding of rules/logic.)

• "How would you approach documenting a new tax requirement for integration between SAP S/4HANA and Vertex, ensuring all edge cases and compliance needs are addressed?" (Highlight your BRD/FSD creation process and stakeholder engagement.)

• "Walk me through the data lineage of an invoice from initial entry in SAP to its final impact on tax reporting via Vertex. What are the critical checkpoints for data integrity and S-Ox compliance?" (Demonstrate your understanding of data flow and controls.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you ensure collaboration and clear communication with business stakeholders, particularly those with specialized knowledge like tax experts?" (Focus on your communication strategies and relationship-building.)

• "What are your thoughts on maintaining S-Ox compliance within a global ERP system, and what is the role of a Product Designer in this process?" (Show your understanding of compliance importance and your proactive role.)

• "Ford is transforming its mobility solutions. How do you see technology, specifically SAP and tax integration, supporting these future business initiatives?" (Think about scalability, efficiency, and data needs for new mobility services.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, frame it as a narrative: the business challenge, your solution design (emphasizing configuration and integration logic), and the positive outcome (quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight Design Choices: Clearly explain why you made certain design or configuration decisions, referencing business requirements, technical standards, or compliance needs.

• Showcase Integration Expertise: For integration examples, visually or verbally map out the data flow and integration points between SAP and Vertex.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your work contributed to operational efficiency, risk reduction, or compliance for Ford.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your design philosophy and demonstrate how you translate complex business and regulatory requirements into functional SAP S/4HANA and Vertex configurations. Be ready to discuss the "why" behind your solutions, not just the "what."

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ford Careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific experience with SAP S/4HANA FICO, SAP ECC MM/FICO, SAP tax configurations, and Vertex integrations. Use keywords from the job description such as "BRD," "FSD," "S-Ox compliance," "Accounts Payable," and "product design."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that includes case studies of SAP FICO implementations, tax integration projects, and examples of BRDs/FSDs. Focus on showcasing your design process and problem-solving abilities, especially related to tax determination and compliance.

• Research Ford's Enterprise Technology: Understand Ford's current initiatives in mobility, digital transformation, and their stated technology goals to align your responses with their strategic direction.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to potential technical, behavioral, and situational interview questions, focusing on providing specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your qualifications.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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