Data fluency has become the new competitive edge for NetSuite professionals.
As AI and analytics tools expand inside NetSuite, the most valuable people are those who can use data to make faster, clearer business decisions. These hybrid professionals combine system knowledge with analytical thinking, and their mix of skills is now reshaping how companies hire across finance, operations, and systems management.
The shift toward data-driven NetSuite roles
NetSuite has always been a platform that connects departments. But now, automation, predictive analytics, and embedded intelligence mean that the platform itself is producing a constant stream of data. This shift changes what employers need from their teams.
A finance systems manager, for example, no longer just maintains configuration and workflows. They now interpret usage data, spot process bottlenecks, and feed analytics into leadership reporting. Functional consultants use real-time dashboards to measure user adoption and process efficiency. Even traditional NetSuite administrators are expected to understand how data flows across integrations, not just how to manage permissions and records.
These new expectations are changing how job descriptions are written and how performance is measured.
The platform evolves fast, but results still rely on people. Anderson Frank can connect you with NetSuite professionals who combine technical skill with data fluency so your teams deliver measurable business outcomes.
What hybrid skill sets look like
Employers are now looking for a different kind of balance in their hiring. The most sought-after NetSuite professionals bring three distinct layers of skill:
- Platform expertise. Core understanding of modules, configurations, and integrations.
- Business fluency. Awareness of how NetSuite supports finance, sales, or supply chain functions.
- Analytical capability. Ability to interpret performance metrics, query data, and explain findings in clear business terms.
Someone who can bridge these layers can support both technical teams and decision-makers, and help organizations close the gap between system output and strategic action.
Why data fluency matters across
every role
Data fluency is not just for analysts. In a modern NetSuite environment, everyone needs to understand how their part of the system contributes to a broader picture.
- Administrators need to validate reports and understand data quality issues before errors reach finance.
- Functional consultants must explain how workflow data reveals process gaps or training needs.
- Finance systems managers should translate system metrics into board-level narratives about efficiency and cost.
Each of these tasks requires confidence with numbers and context, not just technical access.
Training and upskilling as a hiring strategy
The talent pool for these hybrid roles is still developing. That is why many employers are now funding data-focused upskilling for existing staff. Short training programs in SuiteAnalytics, NetSuite Analytics Warehouse, or visualization tools like Power BI give current employees a competitive edge and build resilience into teams.
This approach also expands the hiring pipeline. Instead of searching only for rare hybrid profiles, employers can develop them internally by investing in people who already understand their systems and processes.
Upskilling takes time, but it pays off fast. Anderson Frank can connect you with NetSuite professionals who already blend system and data experience, helping your teams learn by example and accelerate adoption.
How to identify hybrid-ready candidates
When screening candidates, look for evidence that they use data to solve business problems, not just technical tasks. Good indicators include:
- Experience building dashboards tied to KPIs rather than generic reports.
- Ability to explain process improvements using system data.
- Examples of cross-department collaboration on reporting or forecasting.
- Certifications or coursework in analytics, data visualization, or business intelligence.
- Curiosity about how data accuracy affects decisions.
Strong candidates talk about impact and process change, not just configuration.
The future of NetSuite careers
The line between technical and functional roles will keep fading. As AI, automation, and analytics become standard inside NetSuite, every role will demand more comfort with data. Employers who adapt early, by hiring, training, and rewarding data fluency, will see faster returns on their ERP investment.
This trend is not about replacing specialists but about equipping them with a broader context. Teams that understand data can validate automation results, build better dashboards, and communicate findings with confidence.
