What academic/experience background do you need for SAP certification?

I have BS-Acct, with 12 years investment and trust accounting. Recently I've been thinking about the SAP certification.

Generally, what background does one need to pursue SAP? My first guess would be an IT related background/degree..

Nope.
you need to know how to turn one one and have the software to use...
Some people go to a class and think that's it. It'll start your conversations, but find a way onto a SAP project or a group that needs that sort of help (heck you can call SAP they might hire you).
IT is one side -- you need to think about DIRECTING IT on a project as a subject matter expert (SME - in the software lingo), to make sure that it is not customized improperly or worse yet -- inserted as plain vanilla. Your expertise is needed when one weighs the costs of customization with current process compliance.
Get the certification -- look at http://help.sap.com/ and see what you like (or dont like about it). Dony spend any time paying for it (and dont buy ANYTHING from eBAY on it -- all junk ). Do the research the smart way.
Best of luck

Well, you are right, business and IT are the two things you need to pursue SAP. There are tow study options: ES/SAP Award Courses( part of a master of business course) and ES/SAP Non-award Courses ( a short course). If you wanna do short course, you must complete certificate I and II in Accounting with SAP ERP before attempting certificate III in Accounting with SAP ERP: SAP consultant certification. you can contact any uni or institute for more detail.