IT Financial Planner (100% Remote)

Summary: The IT Financial Planner leads financial planning, forecasting, and reporting for the Company's key technology systems and infrastructure, including cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, Couchbase, Microsoft Fabric; artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) platforms and consumption; core telephony platforms; software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications, and other critical IT investments.   Sitting within the IT organization, the role partners closely with IT and Technology leaders to learn technical solutions, build cost models, review pricing and usage data, and translate technical roadmaps into clear financial plans. The IT Financial Planner plays a central role in projecting and planning costs for both existing systems and newly proposed projects, with a particular focus on cloud and AI spend forecasting and management. The role delivers thoughtful analysis and reporting to senior leaders across the organization.   What This Role Does: Partners with IT and Technology leaders to plan, forecast, and track costs for key IT systems and platforms (e.g., Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and other core technology infrastructure). Builds and maintains cost models and forecasts for newly proposed IT projects, incorporating implementation, licensing, and ongoing run-rate costs. Pulls usage and billing data from cloud and vendor platforms, reviews pricing schedules and contracts, and analyzes trends to identify cost drivers, savings opportunities, and risks. Leads FinOps practices across cloud and AI platforms, including cost allocation, tagging governance, budget alerts, and unit-economics reporting. Forecasts, monitors, and manages AI/ML spend (e.g., LLM API consumption, GPU/compute costs, model hosting, and third-party AI platform subscriptions), partnering with IT and Data/AI teams to model usage growth and cost-per-transaction economics. Prepares and delivers clear, thoughtful reporting and analysis on IT spend, budget variances, and forecast accuracy for senior leaders. Contributes to the preparation of the annual IT budget and multi-year technology forecasts. Maintains and improves technology cost forecasting tools and models in partnership with the Sr. Director of Enterprise Architecture and Director of FP&A. Provides variance analysis for IT planning, forecasting, and reporting. Analyzes IT financial and operational data to identify and explain trends, problems, and root causes. Formalizes regular analysis and reporting on key technology vendor spend and works with vendor and business owners to optimize spend. Performs ad hoc modeling and analysis to support technology investment decisions. Works cross-functionally with IT, Finance, and business stakeholders to create visibility into technology spend and key operational metrics. Works with project stakeholders to support and monitor the financial lifecycle of technology projects, from initial proposal through implementation. Reviews technology vendor contracts and pricing agreements to analyze financial risk and develop strategies around implementation and renewal. Works independently with minimal oversight, applying sound judgment to figure out answers and lead analysis to completion. Drives process efficiency and continuous improvement in IT financial planning practices. Performs other duties as assigned.     What You Will Bring: A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, information systems, or a related field is required. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant years of experience will be considered. A minimum of five (5) years of related experience and knowledge of financial forecasting and diagnosis, corporate finance, and information analysis are required. Experience supporting an IT or technology organization and/or experience in the telecommunications or telecom-adjacent industries are strongly preferred. Advanced experience in spreadsheets (Excel skills i.e., Pivot Tables, Lookups, Power Query, etc.), databases, MS Office and financial software applications; proficiency in PowerPoint. Experience working with project stakeholders to develop and monitor the financial lifecycle of large, multi-year capital projects, from initial proposal through implementation Business Cases: Familiar with project financial concepts (NPV, IRR, Payback, TCO, Synergy Tracking, CAPEX vs Opex). Solid, working understanding of technology systems and infrastructure (e.g., cloud computing, AI/ML platforms, SaaS platforms) sufficient to interpret pricing schedules, usage data, and vendor contracts. Ability to pull, organize, and analyze data from billing and usage platforms (e.g., AWS Cost Explorer) and translate it into clear, actionable financial insights. Familiarity with AI/ML cost structures (e.g., token-based API pricing, GPU/compute consumption, and model hosting fees) sufficient to forecast and analyze AI platform spend as adoption grows. Excellent people and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Experience working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment as a team player, taking initiative in a remote setting. Ability to multitask in a high-paced environment with competing priorities and be adaptable to a changing environment. Attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate technical cost data into clear narratives for senior leaders. Strong organizational and time management skills; able to handle multiple priorities with demanding timeframes. Ability to guide and support others through collaboration, including assisting teammates and contributing to shared processes, to foster a high-quality, team-oriented environment that drives results. Demonstrated ability to use discretion, make sound decisions, and maintain confidentiality. Willingness and ability to work flexible hours as needed, and travel up to 5%, which may include occasional overnight travel. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and modern communication tools for virtual teams (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack).     Physical Demands: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, the Company will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with documented disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship. Employees seeking accommodation should contact the People Department to initiate the interactive process.   Employees may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time:    Sitting, standing, and walking (95-100%) Keyboarding (70-90%) Viewing computer monitor, tablet, and cell phone requiring close vision (70-90%)     Work Environment: 100% Remote with Travel: Primarily works indoors from a home office or at customer, vendor, or business locations. Approximately 5% travel is required and may include driving, overnight stays, out-of-state trips, and exposure to varying weather conditions.