Microsoft Licensing and Cloud Billing Specialist

OverviewThe Microsoft Licensing & Cloud Billing Specialist is responsible for managing, optimizing, and governing Microsoft licensing and cloud billing across the organization. This role ensures licensing compliance, billing accuracy, cost optimization, and alignment between Microsoft agreements, cloud consumption, and business needs. The position serves as a critical liaison between IT, Finance, Procurement, and external Microsoft partners.Key ResponsibilitiesMicrosoft Licensing ManagementOwn and manage Microsoft licensing programs (CSP, MCA, EA, NCE, SPLA as applicable)Interpret and apply Microsoft licensing rules, terms, and program changesEnsure license compliance and readiness for audits or true-upsAdvise IT and leadership on licensing implications for new initiatives, migrations, and projectsCloud Billing & Financial OperationsOversee Microsoft cloud billing accuracy, reconciliation, and reportingManage monthly CSP/NCE billing cycles, proration, credits, and adjustmentsReconcile Microsoft invoices against reseller invoices and internal usage reportsTrack renewals, commitments, and term expirations to avoid financial riskCost Optimization & GovernanceIdentify opportunities to optimize licensing and reduce unnecessary spendMonitor license utilization and recommend right-sizing actionsSupport budgeting, forecasting, and chargeback/showback modelsEstablish governance processes for license requests, changes, and approvalsCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with IT teams on Azure, Microsoft 365, AVD/VDI, and security licensingWork closely with Finance and Accounting on accruals, forecasting, and variance analysisCoordinate with Procurement and external Microsoft partners or resellersSupport leadership with clear, executive-level reporting and insightsReporting & DocumentationMaintain accurate license inventories and entitlement documentationProduce regular reports on license usage, spend, and compliance statusDocument processes, standards, and controls related to licensing and billingRequired QualificationsStrong understanding of Microsoft licensing and cloud billing modelsExperience with Microsoft 365, Azure, and CSP/NCE billing structuresAbility to interpret complex contracts, agreements, and licensing termsHigh attention to detail with strong analytical and reconciliation skillsExperience working cross-functionally with IT and Finance teamsPreferred QualificationsExperience in a Microsoft partner, MSP, VAR, or enterprise IT environmentFamiliarity with Software Asset Management (SAM) practicesExperience supporting audits, true-ups, or compliance reviewsAdvanced Excel or financial reporting skillsKey Skills & CompetenciesMicrosoft Licensing ExpertiseCloud Billing & Financial AnalysisContract InterpretationCost Optimization & GovernanceStakeholder CommunicationProcess Improvement