Cloud FinOps Consultant

Job Summary:

The Cloud FinOps Consultant is responsible for leading and optimizing the financial operations of cloud environments. This role is a key role in cloud cost management, pricing, and financial modeling. You will collaborate with Cloud Operations, Pre-Sales, and Finance teams to track cloud spending (OCI, AWS, Azure, VMware, etc.), support pricing strategies for cloud services, and provide real-time financial insights to drive business decisions.

The Cloud FinOps Consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to align cloud financial management with business objectives and drive cost optimization initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Cloud Cost Management:

• Lead the development and implementation of cloud cost management strategies to optimize spending across cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Monitor, analyze, and report on cloud usage and cost trends to identify and capitalize on cost-saving opportunities.
• Create and manage detailed budgets, forecasts, and financial models for cloud expenditures.
• Establish, enforce, and refine policies for cloud resource allocation, usage, and cost controls.
• Cost Allocation & Recovery: Implement cost allocation models for cloud services and business units.

Financial Analysis and Reporting:

• Provide advanced financial analysis and reporting on cloud expenditures to senior stakeholders and leadership.
• Develop and present comprehensive dashboards, metrics, and KPIs to track cloud financial performance.
• Identify key cost drivers and recommend actions to optimize cloud spending.
• Conduct regular reviews of cloud financial performance and adjust strategies based on findings.
• Scenario Planning: Conduct what-if analyses to assess the impact of changes in cloud consumption, pricing, and contracts.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:

• Collaborate with IT, finance, and business teams to ensure cloud spending aligns with business goals and objectives.
• Educate and train stakeholders on cloud cost management best practices and tools.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between finance and technical teams.
• Collaboration with PreSales team in developing pricing for cloud projects.
• Act as a liaison between cloud service providers and the organization to negotiate optimal pricing and contract terms.

Optimization and Automation:

• Implement and lead cloud cost optimization techniques, such as rightsizing, reserved instances, and spot instances.
• Develop and deploy advanced automation tools and scripts to manage cloud costs and improve operational efficiency.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement third-party tools and platforms for cloud cost management.
• Automation & Data Management: Automate cost tracking and reporting using Power BI, SQL, and cloud cost management tools.

Governance and Compliance:

• Establish and maintain governance frameworks for cloud financial management.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct audits and reviews to ensure adherence to cloud financial practices and policies.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (CPA, CMA, CFA preferred).
5+ years of experience in financial planning, budgeting, and cloud cost analysis.
Expertise in Power BI, SQL, DAX, and financial modeling.

Experience with cloud cost management tools (OCI Cost Management, AWS Cost Explorer, Azure Cost Management, VMware vRealize).
Strong understanding of cloud pricing models, cost allocation methodologies, and FinOps best practices.
Ability to develop pricing models for cloud services and support Pre-Sales teams.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a business-driven mindset.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Expertise in cloud cost management tools such as AWS Cost Explorer, Azure Cost Management, Google Cloud Cost Management, or third-party tools like CloudHealth, Cloudability, or Apptio.
• Strong knowledge of automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) for cloud cost management.
• Deep understanding of cloud architecture and services, with the ability to provide strategic insights.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Client-focused with a strong customer service orientation.

Certifications:

• Relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Google Professional Cloud Architect, or similar are highly desirable.
• Financial certifications such as CPA, CFA, or CFM are a plus.