Senior Manager, Cloud FP&A & FinOps

As the Senior Manager, Cloud FP&A & FinOps at Zscaler, your main responsibilities involve forecasting public cloud spend, optimizing cloud usage across various providers, and implementing cost management tools. You will partner with engineering leadership to drive cost-saving initiatives and represent Finance during negotiations with hyperscalers.

For the Senior Manager, Cloud FP&A & FinOps role at Zscaler, a Bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics, Finance, Statistics, or Economics is required, along with over eight years of experience in IT or finance. Additionally, you should have at least three years specifically in Cloud Finance or FinOps roles, showcasing expertise in financial modeling and data analysis.

At Zscaler, employee development is key! The Senior Manager, Cloud FP&A & FinOps will have access to educational reimbursement options to further their professional learning. Plus, with a focus on collaboration and innovation, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to engage with other talented professionals in the tech space.

Candidates for the Senior Manager, Cloud FP&A & FinOps role at Zscaler should be familiar with third-party cloud cost management tools such as Cloud Health, Cloudability, and AWS Cost Explorer. Experience with these tools will greatly aid in optimizing cloud usage and managing reporting effectively.

The company culture at Zscaler is inclusive and collaborative, offering a vibrant environment for the Senior Manager, Cloud FP&A & FinOps. With a strong emphasis on diversity and support, Zscaler encourages innovative thinking and the sharing of ideas, making it a fantastic place for professionals who want to make a real impact.

When forecasting cloud spend, I start by analyzing historical data to identify trends. I work closely with engineering teams to gain insights into future projects, ensuring my forecasts are aligned with operational needs. Monitoring changes in usage patterns helps me adjust the forecasts timely.

In my previous roles, I utilized tools like Azure Cost Management and AWS Cost Explorer extensively. These platforms allowed me to gain visibility into spending patterns, enabling informed decisions on cost optimization strategies while ensuring compliance with financial policies.

Driving cost savings in cloud expenditures involves regular reviews of resource allocations, identifying underused services, and right-sizing instances. Implementing automation tools can also help monitor usage actively and alert teams of potential savings opportunities that can arise.

I prioritize open communication and schedule regular meetings with engineering teams to discuss cloud usage. By sharing data-driven insights and understanding their projects, we collaboratively identify areas for improvement, ensuring our cost management goals align with technical requirements.

Negotiation is crucial for securing favorable terms with cloud providers. I leverage my analytical skills to present data that supports our proposed agreements. A solid understanding of market trends allows me to advocate effectively for Zscaler's interests during negotiations.

Ensuring accuracy in variance analyses requires close attention to detail. By maintaining a robust tracking system and consistently updating forecasts based on new information, I can present reliable analyses that guide our financial decisions effectively.

In my previous roles, I had substantial experience working with large data sets, particularly in cloud finance contexts. Utilizing SQL queries to extract and manipulate data allowed me to derive meaningful insights that inform our financial strategies.

Success in this role hinges on strong analytical skills, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset. Additionally, a deep understanding of cloud finance principles and cost management practices is essential to navigate the complexities associated with optimizing spend.

To stay updated on industry trends in cloud finance, I regularly attend webinars, engage in professional networks, and read relevant publications. This continuous learning approach helps me bring fresh insights and ideas to the team that can enhance our FinOps practices.

Establishing a Cloud Center of Excellence requires a clear mission and collaborative structure. I would emphasize consistent communication among stakeholders, shared goals, and ongoing education to foster an environment of learning and innovation, ultimately driving efficiency in cloud operations.