FinOps Analyst / Cloud Cost Analyst

Job Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented FinOps Analyst / Cloud Cost Analyst with expertise in AWS billing and cost management to help optimize our cloud spend and improve cost transparency. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing and analyzing cloud billing data—primarily from AWS—while supporting internal stakeholders with insights and reporting to drive cost efficiency. The candidate will also help maintain cloud budgets, ensure accurate chargebacks, and work closely with engineering and finance teams.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Cost Analysis: Monitor and analyze AWS cloud spending using tools like AWS Cost Explorer, AWS Budgets, and AWS Trusted Advisor to identify trends, anomalies, and optimization opportunities.

  • Cost Optimization: Recommend and implement strategies to reduce cloud costs, such as rightsizing instances, leveraging Reserved Instances, Savings Plans, or Spot Instances, and eliminating unused resources.

  • Budget Management: Collaborate with finance and engineering teams to develop, track, and enforce cloud budgets, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

  • Reporting and Forecasting: Create detailed cost reports, dashboards, and forecasts to provide visibility into cloud expenditure for stakeholders, using tools like Amazon QuickSight or third-party platforms (e.g., CloudHealth, Cloudability).

  • Tagging and Allocation: Implement and enforce resource tagging strategies to ensure accurate cost allocation across departments, projects, or applications.

  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with DevOps, engineering, and finance teams to educate them on cost management best practices and drive accountability for cloud usage.

  • Process Improvement: Develop and document processes for cost monitoring, governance, and optimization to enhance financial operations in the cloud.

  • Compliance and Governance: Ensure cloud spending aligns with organizational policies, compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR), and industry standards.

  • Vendor Negotiation Support: Assist in evaluating AWS pricing models and negotiating enterprise agreements to maximize cost efficiency.

  • Stay Updated: Keep abreast of AWS pricing updates, new services, and cost management tools to provide informed recommendations.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Experience:

    • 2-5+ years of experience in cloud cost management, financial analysis, or a related role, with a focus on AWS or other cloud platforms (Azure, GCP).

    • Experience with cloud financial operations (FinOps) practices and frameworks is highly desirable.

    • Familiarity with UK public sector financial regulations or procurement frameworks (e.g., G-Cloud) is a plus.

  • Technical Knowledge:

    • Strong understanding of AWS services (e.g., EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda) and their pricing models.

    • Proficiency with AWS cost management tools (e.g., AWS Cost Explorer, Budgets, Trusted Advisor, Savings Plans).

    • Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Amazon QuickSight, Tableau, Power BI) for cost reporting.

    • Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automating cost analysis or querying AWS APIs is a plus.

    • Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (e.g., CloudFormation, Terraform) for understanding resource provisioning.

    • AWS certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate) or FinOps Certified Practitioner are advantageous.

  • Skills:

    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex cost data and identify savings opportunities.

    • Excellent communication skills to present cost insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

    • Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy in financial reporting and forecasting.

    • Ability to work collaboratively across finance, engineering, and leadership teams.

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Equivalent experience or certifications may substitute.

  • Other Requirements:

    • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

    • SC eligibility or existing SC clearance is beneficial for roles involving public sector clients.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with third-party cloud cost management platforms (e.g., CloudHealth, Cloudability, Apptio).

  • Background in financial modeling or budgeting for technology-driven organizations.

  • Familiarity with multi-cloud environments and cost comparison across AWS, Azure, or GCP.

  • Knowledge of ITIL or other IT service management frameworks.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to hr@novaminds.co.uk.

AWS Cloud/DevOps Engineer ›