SAP Human Resources: Interview Questions and Answers

1. Introduction to SAP Human Resources (SAP HR)

SAP Human Resources (HR), also known as SAP HCM (Human Capital Management), is a critical module that helps organizations manage employee data, payroll, time management, organizational structures, and more. It streamlines HR processes, ensures compliance with labor laws, and integrates seamlessly with other SAP modules.

2. SAP HR Certification & Training Details

To get certified in SAP HR, you must enroll in official SAP training programs through SAP Education centers.

3. Master Data Screen Modifications in SAP HR

Which variables can be used to determine screen modifications for master data?
  • A.   User Group  
  • B.   Personnel Administrator  
  • C.   Organizational Key  
  • D.   Cost Centre  
  • E.   Payroll Area  
✅ Correct Answers:
A. User Group
B. Personnel Administrator
C. Organizational Key
Explanation:
These variables define different authorization levels and customization options for master data screens in SAP HR.

4. Troubleshooting Indian Payroll Issues

Issue: Wage type /130 is not generated during payroll execution in Rule IN70.

✅ Solution:

  • Ensure that HRA, conveyance, and other exemptions are correctly calculated.
  • Verify payroll settings that determine wage type calculations.

5. Understanding & Configuring Dynamic Actions

What are Dynamic Actions in SAP HR?
Dynamic actions are automatic processes triggered by specific infotype changes. When an infotype field is updated, SAP may prompt the user to complete another infotype.

Example:

  • When entering children details in Personal Data Infotype, SAP automatically opens the Family/Related Person Infotype (0021) for further updates.
Configuration Steps:
1. Go to Tcode: SM30
2. Modify table T588Z
3. Define dynamic action rules for specific infotypes

6. Top SAP HR Payroll Interview Questions

Here are some commonly asked SAP HR payroll interview questions:

What is the importance of off-cycle payroll?

Off-cycle payroll allows companies to process payroll outside the regular payroll run, typically for bonuses, corrections, or terminations.

How do you calculate retroactive accounting amounts?

Retro accounting checks past payroll periods for changes and adjusts employee earnings accordingly.

What is a symbolic account in payroll?

A symbolic account acts as an intermediary to map wage types to general ledger accounts.

What infotypes are required for payroll processing?

Key infotypes include:
  • 0008 (Basic Pay)
  • 0009 (Bank Details)
  • 0014 (Recurring Payments & Deductions)
  • 0015 (Additional Payments)

Difference between Indian and US payroll?

Indian payroll considers statutory requirements like Provident Fund (PF) and Professional Tax (PT), while US payroll involves 401(k), Social Security, and Federal Taxes.

5. Difference between Indian and US payroll?

7. Custom Reports in Manager’s Desktop

To add custom reports to Manager’s Desktop, follow these steps:

Steps:

1. Check if reports use the HR Logical Database (LDB).
2. If not, an ABAP function is required to pass selection screen data.
3. Verify authorization roles for report access.

8. Infotype 185: Country-Specific Settings & Payroll Impact

Is Infotype 185 country-specific?

✅ Yes, it can be maintained for India to store tax-related information like PAN numbers.

Will it affect payroll?

❌ No, it is used for record-keeping but does not impact payroll calculations.

9. Appraisal Template Assignment & Integration

Integration Options:
  • Link the Appraisal Template with Position in SAP.
  • Restrict access based on Personnel Subarea (PSA) settings.

10. Knowledge Transfer in SAP HR

Knowledge transfer (KT) ensures smooth handover of responsibilities. It includes:
  • Sharing SAP HR configurations & process documents
  • Conducting training sessions for new team members
  • Documenting key payroll & HR configurations

11. SAP HR Support Roles & Responsibilities

As an SAP HR support consultant, your responsibilities include:
  • Resolving payroll authorization issues
  • Checking infotype inconsistencies
  • Monitoring data extraction for third-party payroll systems

12. Common SAP HR Support Project Tickets

Examples:
  • Organization tree not visible in OM
  • Payroll download errors due to missing wage type mappings
  • ESS login errors due to Infotype 105 issues

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a job and a position in SAP HR?

  • Job is a generic role (e.g., "HR Manager").
  • Position is a specific instance of a job tied to an employee (e.g., "HR Manager – John Doe").

2. How do you configure Organizational Management (OM) in SAP HR?

  • Define organizational units, jobs, and positions.
  • Use Tcode PPOME for structure maintenance.

3. What is the difference between an infogroup and an infotype?

  • Infogroup is a collection of infotypes grouped for a specific action.
  • Infotype is a single HR data record, such as personal details or payroll.

4. How do you activate an employee in IMG?

  • Update employee status in PA30.
  • Ensure hiring action is properly configured.

5. What is period parameter & modifier in SAP HR?

  • Period parameter defines payroll periods.
  • Modifier customizes payroll periods based on employee groups.

Conclusion

SAP HR is a crucial module that simplifies human resource management processes, including payroll, organizational structures, and employee records. This guide provides essential interview questions and expert solutions to help professionals prepare for SAP HR interviews and real-world troubleshooting.
 

SAP HR Tips

Certification Experience
My SAP HR Certification Experience

SAP Human Resouce Books
SAP HR Books - Certification, Interview Questions and Configuration

SAP Human Resource Tips
SAP HR Tips - Human Resource Management

Main Index
SAP Basis, ABAP Programming and Other IMG Stuff

All the site contents are Copyright © www.erpgreat.com and the content authors. All rights reserved.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.  The site www.erpgreat.com is in no way affiliated with SAP AG.
Every effort is made to ensure the content integrity.  Information used on this site is at your own risk.
 The content on this site may not be reproduced or redistributed without the express written permission of
www.erpgreat.com or the content authors.