What Is an ERP Analyst, and How Do I Become One?

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) analyst helps companies manage various business processes through a centralized software system called an ERP program. These business processes include human resources, manufacturing, finance, services, and others. Essentially, the analyst helps develop, set up, and monitor the program to be effective and efficient. In this article, you can explore the responsibilities of an ERP analyst, salary, and job growth projections in this field to evaluate whether they match your goals.

Read more: What Is Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)?

What is an ERP analyst?

An ERP analyst has expertise in information technology and some business knowledge, which helps set up and maintain an effective ERP program. An ERP analyst custom-designs ERP programs for companies to make them more operational and efficient. For instance, ERP can help track inventory and improve product delivery for one company, store financial data, or generate instant financial reports for another. 

ERP also offers these benefits:

• It allows for data-sharing across companies

• It increases accuracy by removing redundancy 

• It reduces costs by streamlining financial systems

• It makes sales processes more straightforward and efficient

What does an ERP analyst do?

An ERP analyst meets with company heads to gather information and set up and integrate an ERP program. The analyst decides which applications best suit the business to ensure the program meets company needs. Once running, the analyst tests and monitors the program and makes changes as needed.

ERP analyst duties and responsibilities

Knowing an ERP analyst's daily duties and responsibilities can help you decide whether this career suits you. Depending on the type of company or industry, your work duties and responsibilities might include:

• Obtaining and analyzing customer data

• Analyzing operational processes and procedures

• Developing and testing the ERP program

• Troubleshooting the ERP program and making changes as needed

• Coordinating testing with employees and department heads

• Attending relevant company meetings

• Creating regular ERP performance reports

• Making presentations to employees and stakeholders

Skills ERP analysts need

As an ERP analyst, you can benefit from two categories of skills: technical and workplace. Technical skills help you complete work tasks, and workplace skills help you interact with others on the job. Unlike technical skills that pertain to a specific job, workplace skills transfer to almost any position you might hold because they are relevant to nearly every workplace. 

Technical skills that can help you in an ERP analyst position include:

• Coding

• Experience with big data and data management

• Knowledge of HR management techniques

• Knowledge of predictive analytics

• Project management skills

• Industry-specific skills like accounting and finance, supply chain management, or product purchase and procurement

Workplace skills that benefit you in this and other jobs include:

• Ability to stay organized

• Analytical skills

• Communication

• Problem-solving

• Team building skills

ERP analyst salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor, an ERP analyst in the US earns an average of $99,111 per year [1]. With pay bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities, earnings could rise even higher.

In addition to solid earning potential, the job outlook for ERP analysts also appears bright based on information from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which projects employment for computer systems analysts to grow by 10 percent in the decade from 2022 to 2032. This growth is higher than average compared to other occupations [2].  

Career advancement options

As an ERP analyst, you can pursue multiple career advancement options. To give you an idea of where you could go, your career path might look like this:

• ERP Analyst→Senior ERP Analyst→ERP Director

According to Glassdoor, a senior ERP analyst earns an average base salary of $128,896 per year [3], and an ERP director earns an average of $110,723 per year [4].

3 steps for becoming an ERP analyst

When pursuing a career as an ERP analyst, it helps to have a strategy. Consider following these three steps:

1. Earn a bachelor's degree.

As mentioned, an ERP analyst position requires specific technical skills. To learn these skills and more, consider earning a bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:

• Computer science

• Computer engineering

• Computer programming

• Information systems

Because ERP analysts also benefit from business knowledge, you may want to minor in business administration or management.  

2. Get experience.

Gaining professional experience can help you prepare for a career as an ERP analyst. To gain valuable knowledge and experience, read books, watch how-to videos, and practice using ERP software like Oracle NetSuite or SAP Business One. You can also gain experience working in an entry-level job in computer science or business.

For hands-on work experience, consider applying for an internship. An internship allows you to learn ERP-specific skills, and it looks good on a resume. To find an internship, contact local companies directly or check job boards in your area or the career center at your college or university. 

Read more: Computer Science Internships: Your Guide

3. Consider earning a certification. 

Earning an ERP certification can help build your knowledge and give you the technical skills needed to do the job. It can also raise your confidence and set you apart from other ERP analyst candidates. This certification verifies your knowledge of ERP software and competency in using it. Many ERP software brands offer various certifications, or you can take a more general ERP course in your community or online. For example, Oracle offers ERP certifications in several areas, including financials, project management, and risk management and compliance.

How to get started on Coursera

As an enterprise research analyst, you’ll help companies implement new programs and conduct research to support an ERP program. To meet your goal of becoming an ERP analyst, consider taking the Information Systems Specialization offered by the University of Minnesota on Coursera. Throughout the four-course series, you'll become familiar with the software used for enterprise resource planning, and you'll gain skills and knowledge to help with the development and implementation of an ERP program.