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IIBA.org The Role of a Functional Consultant

The Role of a Functional Consultant

 



Ever wondered what a functional consultant does? Well, you're in luck!

For our latest episode of Business Analysis Live, I had the pleasure of chatting with AJ Hawley, a principal consultant at Transparency LLC, about the mysterious role and how it intersects with business analysis.

Spoiler alert: it's more exciting than it sounds!

Turns out, functional consultants are like the Swiss Army knives of the business world—versatile, indispensable, and always ready to save the day (a lot like business analysts, actually). Be it unravelling intricate business workflows or setting up state-of-the-art technology, these experts are the behind-the-scenes champions ensuring everything operates seamlessly.

Curious to know how they do it? Stick around, because AJ's insights won’t just enlighten you—they might even inspire your next career move!

What Exactly Does a Functional Consultant Do?

Think of a functional consultant as the ultimate matchmaker. Instead of pairing people, though, they connect business needs with technical solutions. AJ describes his job as a mix of configuration, coding, and a hefty dose of business analysis.

It's a bit like being a tech-savvy detective who not only uncovers the business's needs but also delivers the solutions.

AJ's Journey: From Developer to Functional Consultant

AJ's path to becoming a functional consultant wasn't exactly a straight line. He started as a developer, dipped his toes into business analysis, and eventually found his sweet spot in functional consulting.

In fact, it's a common story in this field. Many professionals "fall into" the role from various backgrounds, whether it's development, business teams, or even as subject matter experts. AJ sampled a bit of everything before finding his niche.

The Skill Set: A Blend of Tech and Talk

So, what skills do you need to be a functional consultant? AJ breaks it down:

  • Business analysis skills: Understanding processes, eliciting requirements, and communicating with stakeholders are crucial. Even though AJ spends less time on traditional business analysis tasks, he still maps processes and ensures requirements are traceable.
  • Technical proficiency: Knowing the tech inside out is essential. AJ works extensively with the Microsoft Power Platform, which means he's well-versed in tools like Power Automate and Power BI. But simply knowing the tools isn’t enough. You have to be able to wield them like a pro.
  • Soft skills: Communication and relationship-building are key. AJ emphasizes that engaging with clients and understanding their needs is just as important as technical know-how. Think of functional consultants as the tech whisperers of the business world.

The Low-Code/No-Code Revolution

Low-code and no-code platforms are shaking things up. Such platforms let consultants prototype solutions quickly, getting faster feedback from clients, according to AJ. This means functional consultants can take on roles traditionally held by developers, making them even more valuable.

Career Path and Opportunities

AJ highlights that being a functional consultant is a rewarding career for those who love both business and technology. The demand for professionals who can navigate both realms is growing, especially as organizations look to streamline processes and implement tech solutions effectively.

And the best part? You don't need a strictly technical background. A mix of business savvy and a willingness to learn about technology can set you on the path to success.

A Multifaceted Role With Endless Possibilities

The role of a functional consultant is multifaceted and incredibly useful. It requires a blend of business analysis skills, technical knowledge, and strong interpersonal abilities.

As organizations continue to evolve and adopt new technologies, the demand for skilled functional consultants will only increase. So, if you're interested in connecting business needs and technical solutions, this might just be the calling you’ve been waiting for.

Explore fresh and candid conversations on a wide array of business analysis topics with the Business Analysis Live podcast.



About the Author
Susan Moore

Susan hosts Business Analysis Live to discuss business analysis topics and answer questions from the live audience. There's a backlog of upcoming topics and she's happy to take suggestions. Add a comment to one of our videos to suggest a topic you would like Susan to cover in an upcoming episode or connect with her via email at live@iiba.org.

 

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