Cloud FinOps Specialist, Grade N28

Who We Are Looking For We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytically driven Cloud FinOps Specialist to lead and mature the County’s cloud financial management (FinOps) capabilities. This role will design and operationalize scalable show-back (Informational reporting only) and charge-back (Actual billing based on usage) models, enhance cloud cost transparency, and drive continuous optimization of Azure spending across Montgomery County.

Core Responsibilities What You’ll Be Doing Cloud Financial Management & Governance

• Monitor, analyze, and forecast Azure cloud spending across all County programs and departments
• Build and maintain enterprise-wide back and chargeback models aligned with County financial policies
• Ensure Azure resources are correctly tagged, categorized, and mapped to cost centers, departments, and funding sources
• Define, document, and enforce FinOps standards, cost allocation methodologies, and governance processes

Cost Optimization & Performance

• Identify, quantify, and recommend cost-optimization opportunities (rightsizing, reserved instances, savings plans, lifecycle management, etc.)
• Collaborate with TEBS technical teams to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency
• Track consumption trends and proactively flag anomalies, budget risks, and optimization opportunities

Reporting & Decision Support

• Develop and present executive-level dashboards, reports, and briefings on cloud spending, trends, forecasts, and optimization progress
• Translate technical cloud usage into clear financial insights to support leadership decision-making
• Support annual budgeting, reforecasting, and variance analysis for cloud services

Procurement & Financial Collaboration

• Partner with Procurement and Fiscal teams on Azure and enterprise IT purchases, renewals, and vendor engagement
• Assist with contract analysis, licensing optimization, and long-term cloud financial planning
• Serve as a trusted advisor to County departments on responsible cloud usage and cost management

A criminal background and credit history check will be conducted on the selected candidate prior to appointment and will be a significant factor in the hiring decision. Minimum Qualifications Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience in the information technology field in areas such as cloud financial management, FinOps, IT financial management, or technology cost governance.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. For applicants possessing very hard-to-find skills that are a critical need to the department/agency, training and certification may be accepted in lieu of full degree requirements.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Medical Protocol: This position requires completion of a pre-employment Medical History Form to assess your ability to perform the essential duties of the role safely.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Individuals appointed to a position in this class will be required to serve a probationary period of twelve (12) months and, if promoted to a position in this class, will be required to serve a probationary period of six (6) months. Performance will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences All Applicants will be reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) for minimum qualifications. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be rated “Qualified,” placed on the Referred List, and may be considered for an interview. Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following:

• Demonstrated hands-on experience managing and analyzing Azure cloud costs in a complex enterprise or public-sector environment
• Strong understanding of cloud billing structures, pricing models, and consumption-based services
• Experience developing, implementing, or operating enterprise-level showback and/or chargeback models
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to transform financial and usage data into clear, actionable insights
• Proficiency with cloud cost-management and reporting tools (e.g., Azure Cost Management, Power BI, or similar platforms)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical teams, fiscal staff, and executive leadership
• FinOps Certified Practitioner (FOCP) or equivalent FinOps certification
• Experience working in government, public-sector, or large regulated environments
• Familiarity with multi-cloud cost-management principles and practices
• Experience supporting enterprise budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes