In today’s data-driven business environment, organizations are moving beyond spreadsheets toward connected planning platforms like Anaplan. As a result, two roles are often confused: the Anaplan Consultant and the Financial Consultant.

While both work in planning, forecasting, and strategy, their skill sets, tools, and business impact differ significantly.

This guide explains the difference in detail — helping you decide which role your organization actually needs.

An Anaplan Consultant specializes in implementing and optimizing the Anaplan platform for enterprise planning, while a Financial Consultant focuses on financial strategy, investment planning, and advisory services. The key difference lies in technical platform expertise versus financial advisory expertise.

Quick Summary

If your challenge is platform implementation or model optimization, you need an Anaplan expert.
If your challenge is financial decision-making or capital strategy, you need a Financial Consultant.

What is an Anaplan Consultant?

An Anaplan Consultant is a specialized professional who implements, configures, and optimizes the Anaplan platform for enterprise planning.

They work closely with stakeholders to design scalable planning models across:

• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
• Sales planning
• Workforce planning
• Supply chain forecasting

Key Responsibilities

• Requirement gathering and solution design
• Building planning models (often alongside an Anaplan Model Builder)
• Data integration with ERP/CRM systems
• Performance optimization
• User training & adoption
• Governance & best practices

In complex deployments, they collaborate with an Anaplan Solution Architect to ensure scalability.

What is a Financial Consultant?

A Financial Consultant focuses on financial advisory, investment planning, budgeting strategy, cost control, and regulatory compliance.

They typically work on:

• Corporate financial strategy
• Investment advisory
• Risk management
• Budget restructuring
• Capital planning

They may use spreadsheets, BI tools, ERP systems, or financial software — but they are not necessarily platform specialists.

Core Differences Explained

Technical Expertise

An Anaplan Consultant has deep technical expertise in:

• Model building
• Formula logic
• Scenario planning
• Data integration

A Financial Consultant focuses on:

• Financial statements
• Profitability analysis
• Risk assessment
• Regulatory frameworks

Platform Ownership vs Financial Strategy

Anaplan Consultants drive digital transformation of planning systems.
Financial Consultants drive financial decision-making and advisory.

Implementation Involvement

Anaplan Consultants often work with:

• An Anaplan implementation partner
• IT teams
• Data engineering teams

Financial Consultants primarily work with:

• CFOs
• Finance managers
• Board members

Where Does an Anaplan Model Builder Fit?

An Anaplan Model Builder is a technical specialist responsible for constructing and maintaining models inside the platform.

Think of it this way:

• Model Builder → Builds the structure
• Anaplan Consultant → Designs the solution & ensures alignment
• Anaplan Solution Architect → Oversees enterprise-level architecture

Role of an Anaplan Solution Architect

In large enterprises, an Anaplan Solution Architect ensures:

• Scalable architecture
• Data governance
• Performance optimization
• Long-term platform roadmap

They prevent model fragmentation and ensure enterprise-wide connected planning.

What is Anaplan Consulting?

Anaplan consulting is a specialized service that includes:

• Platform implementation
• Model design & enhancement
• Business process transformation
• Ongoing managed services

Many enterprises prefer working with certified Anaplan Consulting Companies in India due to:

• Strong talent pool
• Cost-effective delivery
• Global remote implementation capability

Anaplan Planning Consultant vs Financial Consultant

An Anaplan Planning Consultant focuses on improving:

• Forecast accuracy
• Scenario modeling
• Cross-functional planning
• Real-time business visibility

A Financial Consultant focuses on:

• Capital allocation
• Profit optimization
• Financial compliance

The planning consultant optimizes how you plan.
The financial consultant advises what you should plan for.

When Should You Hire an Anaplan Consultant?

You should consider hiring one if:

• You’re implementing Anaplan for the first time
• Your current models are slow or fragmented
• Forecasting lacks real-time visibility
• You need integration with ERP or CRM systems
• You want connected enterprise planning

When Should You Hire a Financial Consultant?

Consider a financial consultant if:

• You need investment strategy advice
• You’re restructuring finances
• You need regulatory or compliance guidance
• You’re planning mergers or acquisitions

Cost Considerations

While both require investment, the ROI from Anaplan consulting often comes through:

• Reduced manual work
• Improved planning accuracy
• Faster reporting cycles
• Better decision-making speed

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between an Anaplan Consultant and a Financial Consultant is crucial before starting a planning transformation initiative.

If your goal is:

• Digitizing planning
• Improving forecast accuracy
• Enabling connected enterprise planning

You need an Anaplan specialist.

If your goal is:

• Improving financial health
• Optimizing investments
• Managing compliance

You need a Financial Consultant.

Frequently Asked Questions