Cloud Finance Lead

The Cloud Finance Lead is a strategic finance leader responsible for driving financial planning, cost governance, forecasting accuracy, and analytical insight across the organization's cloud portfolio (Azure, AWS, Snowflake, and related platforms). This role partners closely with Technology, Cloud Engineering, Procurement, and Business Unit CFO teams to ensure financial discipline, improve cost transparency, and support investment decisions across cloud consumption, migrations, and modernization initiatives. Key Responsibilities Cloud Financial Planning & Analysis Lead monthly/quarterly cloud forecasting, variance analysis, and long‑range planning across multiple cloud providers. Maintain and enhance cloud cost models, demand forecasting methodologies, and productivity assumptions. Partner with Technology Finance and CIO organizations to align cloud demand with enterprise budget constraints and strategic priorities. Translate complex cloud usage patterns into clear financial impacts for non‑technical stakeholders. Cost Governance & Optimization Build and maintain frameworks for cloud cost governance, including spend controls, tagging hygiene, and savings accountability. Identify cost‑optimization opportunities such as reserved instances, rightsizing, storage optimization, and platform consolidation. Work with FinOps, Cloud Engineering, and Infrastructure teams to operationalize optimization recommendations. Ensure expense governance aligns with architectural policies and funding protocols. Investment & Business Case Support Evaluate cloud migration proposals and prepare financial business cases including: cost‑to‑migrate run‑rate cloud expense versus on‑prem costs TCO benefits contract and licensing implications Model sensitivities, risks, and capital/expense impacts associated with large‑scale cloud initiatives. Partner with Procurement on cloud‑related vendor negotiations and renewals. Financial Reporting & Insights Create executive‑level reporting on cloud KPIs, consumption trends, efficiency metrics, and spend drivers. Develop and maintain dashboards to support transparency across CIO organizations and Steering Committees. Monitor and report progress relative to cloud productivity targets and demand reduction initiatives. Cross‑Functional Leadership Partner with Cloud Engineering, Architecture, Security, and Product teams to understand upcoming migrations, platform requirements, and financial implications. Act as the finance representative in cross‑functional cloud governance forums. Provide guidance to BU partners on cloud forecasting, cost drivers, and financial accountability. Success Measures Forecast accuracy across cloud consumption and productivity targets. Improved financial transparency and cost discipline within cloud spending. Timely, high‑quality insights enabling leadership decision‑making. Effectiveness of cloud cost optimization efforts and governance processes. Strength of cross‑functional relationships and trust in the cloud finance function. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or related field. 10–15+ years of experience in FP&A, Technology Finance, or related financial leadership roles. CPA, CFA, MBA, or FinOps Certification. Strong understanding of cloud economics (Azure, AWS, Snowflake, etc.) or a willingness to rapidly learn. Demonstrated ability to interpret complex technical concepts into financial outcomes. Advanced financial modeling, forecasting, and analytical skills. Experience interacting with senior leaders and influencing cross‑functional decision‑making. Preferred Knowledge of FinOps principles and cloud governance frameworks. Experience with cloud reporting tools (e.g., Apptio/Cloudability/Flexera, native CSP cost management tools). Prior work supporting cloud migrations, modernization initiatives, or technology portfolios. Working Model Hybrid – the successful candidate will work both in the office and from home, balancing on‑site and remote responsibilities. Salary Range: $114,700 - $194,900 USD Reasonable Accommodation Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr CFA Institute