What is a NetSuite administrator? In my experience, a NetSuite admin wears many hats.

A NetSuite Administrator manages, maintains, and customises the NetSuite ERP system. They play a crucial role in ensuring optimal business efficiency and user support, blending technical and soft skills to excel in a fast-paced environment. 

Let’s get a quick overview of NetSuite administrators—who they are, what they do, and why you would need them.

Who are NetSuite administrators?

NetSuite administrators manage many different tasks on NetSuite, ranging from technical to financial. They are what keep the gears in your NetSuite account turning so your business can proceed smoothly.

NetSuite administrators’ job descriptions include configuring, maintaining, and optimising the software to streamline workflow. They should also be capable of designing and customising concise and user-friendly dashboards.

At their core, NetSuite administrators understand and support a company’s NetSuite system. The NetSuite administrator role requires complete access to every part of the company’s NetSuite instance. They must have a working knowledge of NetSuite and familiarity with the company’s business processes.

For the ideal educational background, a degree in business, especially with strong exposure to business financial processes, benefits NetSuite admins. A solid understanding of best business practices helps administrators configure NetSuite to effectively meet the company’s needs.

Whilst many enterprises employ a full-time NetSuite administrator, startups and smaller businesses may not require one. It would be better to obtain some independent NetSuite consulting and development firms can fulfil the administrator role when needed.

To best fulfil their role, NetSuite administrators must have a keen eye for detail and organisation and strong communication skills.

What does a NetSuite administrator role do?

As you build a business, only some things will go as planned, and some will go wrong. What matters most is how you address those issues. It would help if you had support from an enthusiast who knows the software and understands your business needs. When a NetSuite Admin does the job correctly, you shouldn’t encounter problems with the software.

Being an administrator isn’t easy. It requires many skills and knowledge to perform the role effectively.

When a company starts using NetSuite, the NetSuite administrator plays a crucial role in the NetSuite implementation process. If you’re seeking a NetSuite Administrator job, you must understand the responsibilities and qualifications for the role. Administrators ensure that all NetSuite users are prepared for the initial implementation and future system updates.

NetSuite admins typically handle the day-to-day tasks of keeping NetSuite operational for a company. Whether a record needs customisation, a saved search needs creation, or a user’s permissions require updating, the NetSuite administrator usually manages it.

The administrator is the go-to problem-solver for users facing challenges in the NetSuite system. Their strong problem-solving skills ensure issues are swiftly and effectively resolved, offering users a sense of reassurance.

Why would you use a NetSuite administrator?

Anyone using NetSuite would benefit from having an administrator. Companies without in-house NetSuite expertise should seek out independent NetSuite consulting and development firms to provide the necessary administrator services.

You would use a NetSuite administrator to help you with the following:

Giving Admin Technical Support

They provide technical support to team members. Should problems arise with the software, they should know what to do. A NetSuite admin can troubleshoot software issues in person. The admin might be part of the company’s IT staff, but many businesses rely on outside contractors regarding IT issues. This support system ensures that the team members feel supported and can depend on the expertise of the NetSuite administrator.

Reporting And Consolidating Reports

In addition, they help consolidate reports and searches about the business. This allows the other team members to understand how the company is performing, which can guide the team to revamp their strategies for better performance in the future.

Customising user roles (Including Other NetSuite Administrators)

A NetSuite Network admin must create and modify custom user roles to control access to information within the software. Since NetSuite contains sensitive business data, enforcing security protocols is essential. NetSuite administrators ensure users feel confident about data security and access.

Creating Dashboards

NetSuite administrators design dashboards for user groups within the company, featuring essential Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performance data. A NetSuite network admin leverages NetSuite’s powerful customisation tools to develop new functionalities tailored to the company’s needs.

NetSuite admins must be knowledgeable about NetSuite changes

NetSuite administrators must stay informed about the software’s new functionalities to ensure the business keeps pace with the evolving NetSuite landscape. As NetSuite and businesses constantly change, staying updated on innovations and updates is crucial for maintaining a seamless and efficient workflow.

NetSuite Network admins coordinate with other departments

A NetSuite Network admin collaborates with the financial department to manage account records and with the marketing team to maintain the company website and other platforms. This offers a brief overview of the roles and responsibilities of a NetSuite admin, though the tasks may vary based on the company’s needs.

A NetSuite Network admin is a versatile expert dedicated to ensuring smooth business operations. In the next section, we will explore the key traits all administrators should possess to help you select the right candidate for the job.

How to choose the right NetSuite administrators for your company

Choosing the right person for your administrator role can be difficult. You’re entrusting them with essential operations and granting them access to sensitive company information. Certifications, particularly the NetSuite Administrator Certification, can significantly enhance an administrator’s technical skills, making them a valuable asset.

As mentioned, an administrator’s responsibilities may vary based on the task. However, anyone stepping into the role of NetSuite administrator must possess specific fundamental skills. Let’s explore the skills and experience businesses seek in a NetSuite Administrator.

Background and experience

A NetSuite Administrator typically has a robust background in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Most often, they hold a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification and have accumulated relevant experience in NetSuite administration through previous employment or extensive training and certification programs.

In terms of hands-on experience, a NetSuite Administrator usually boasts a minimum of 2-3 years working with NetSuite. This experience gives them a deep understanding of NetSuite’s features, functionality, and best practices. They may also have gained exposure to various industries such as finance, retail, or manufacturing and have experience with other ERP systems.

Essential skills and qualifications for a NetSuite Administrator include:

• A firm grasp of NetSuite’s data model, software, and system architecture.
• Experience with NetSuite certifications, such as SuiteFoundation, ERP Consultant, or SuiteCloud Developer.
• Knowledge of business processes, including financials, inventory, and order management.
• Proficiency with NetSuite’s reporting and analytics tools, such as SuiteAnalytics.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with various stakeholders, including end-users, developers, and executives.

NetSuite certifications

NetSuite certification is a highly valued credential in the industry, showcasing an individual’s expertise and knowledge of NetSuite’s software and system. There are several types of NetSuite certifications available, each catering to different aspects of NetSuite administration:

• SuiteFoundation Certification: This certification covers NetSuite’s fundamental concepts and features, including data management, business processes, and reporting.
• ERP Consultant Certification: Designed for individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in implementing and configuring NetSuite for medium to large-scale businesses.
• SuiteCloud Developer Certification: Aimed at developers who want to showcase their skills in developing custom applications and integrations using NetSuite’s SuiteCloud platform.

To become NetSuite certified, individuals typically need to meet specific prerequisites, such as completing a training program or having a particular amount of experience working with NetSuite. They must also pass a certification exam, which tests their knowledge and skills in a specific area of NetSuite.

NetSuite administrators must be versatile

Managing NetSuite involves handling numerous responsibilities. As previously mentioned, an administrator must understand the basics of running NetSuite software.

Rather than hiring multiple people for different roles, it’s more efficient to hire a team member who can handle various tasks. Versatility and inter-functionality are essential traits for managing NetSuite. Employing one person to manage multiple responsibilities is more cost-effective than hiring several people for separate tasks.

NetSuite administrators must demonstrate discretion 

NetSuite administrators access sensitive information and must handle it with discretion, as a business’s data is its lifeblood. You need to hire a NetSuite administrator you can trust with critical information.

NetSuite administrators must be able to work under pressure

NetSuite administrators often work in fast-paced environments. Handling a multitude of software functionalities can be tiring. Not only are NetSuite administrators tasked with handling high-level duties, but they are also expected to be available when other team members have concerns.

Having someone who thrives under pressure would be best because handling NetSuite software is no walk in the park. Setting expectations during the applicant’s interview is an excellent way to gauge their bandwidth. You don’t want to expect too much from someone who can’t deliver.

NetSuite administrators must be capable of multitasking

A NetSuite administrator doesn’t spend a typical shift focused on a single task. Instead, they handle multiple tasks simultaneously. The person you hire must know how to multitask to perform their duties effectively.

Multitasking also demands solid problem-solving skills. Since issues often arise, a NetSuite administrator must stay calm and composed while managing various tasks and solving problems.

NetSuite administrators must be capable of providing NetSuite admin training to users

NetSuite administrators are also trainers. They are expected to teach other users to navigate NetSuite. Completing NetSuite training can prepare administrators by ensuring a solid understanding of core NetSuite knowledge, although it does not guarantee passing the exams.

In addition, they are expected to be the go-to person when other team members have questions about the software. Knowing how to explain things concisely is an excellent quality for administrators.

If your administrator can’t do so, it would be an excellent investment to train them in explaining and training. This would make your business processes related to NetSuite smoother and easier to handle, and many of your team members would benefit from an expert on the software.

Those are just a few qualities that NetSuite administrators should possess. NetSuite administrators should continuously enhance their skills, stay updated on the latest trends, and pass on these traits to your business.

Why Jacopo for your NetSuite administration?

Handling NetSuite software is only a job for some people. It’s challenging in many ways, so finding the right person to do the job is an accomplishment.

You’ll almost certainly need to be a NetSuite Administrator to get the most out of your NetSuite software. You’ll need a robust and experienced individual to be the operation’s heart and soul if you’re using the world’s #1 Cloud software.

Take time to get to know your applicants to make sure you make the right choice. NetSuite is an excellent addition to business processes, so finding someone to handle the software should be done well.

So, where does Jacopo come in?

At Jacopo, we have skilled Oracle NetSuite administrators, consultants, and developers who can assist your company on demand or through a membership agreement. If your business needs internal NetSuite expertise, you must run NetSuite smoothly and efficiently. 

With Jacopo, you can rest assured you are in good hands with a NetSuite Certified Provider who understands Oracle NetSuite, values quality work and prioritises meeting your needs.

We look forward to seeing how we can best serve you!