Job description
Overview
The 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 Responsibilities
Microsoft Licensing Management
Own and manage Microsoft licensing programs (CSP, MCA, EA, NCE, SPLA as applicable)
Interpret and apply Microsoft licensing rules, terms, and program changes
Ensure license compliance and readiness for audits or true-ups
Advise IT and leadership on licensing implications for new initiatives, migrations, and projects
Cloud Billing & Financial Operations
Oversee Microsoft cloud billing accuracy, reconciliation, and reporting
Manage monthly CSP/NCE billing cycles, proration, credits, and adjustments
Reconcile Microsoft invoices against reseller invoices and internal usage reports
Track renewals, commitments, and term expirations to avoid financial risk
Cost Optimization & Governance
Identify opportunities to optimize licensing and reduce unnecessary spend
Monitor license utilization and recommend right-sizing actions
Support budgeting, forecasting, and chargeback/showback models
Establish governance processes for license requests, changes, and approvals
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with IT teams on Azure, Microsoft 365, AVD/VDI, and security licensing
Work closely with Finance and Accounting on accruals, forecasting, and variance analysis
Coordinate with Procurement and external Microsoft partners or resellers
Support leadership with clear, executive-level reporting and insights
Reporting & Documentation
Maintain accurate license inventories and entitlement documentation
Produce regular reports on license usage, spend, and compliance status
Document processes, standards, and controls related to licensing and billing
Required Qualifications
Strong understanding of Microsoft licensing and cloud billing models
Experience with Microsoft 365, Azure, and CSP/NCE billing structures
Ability to interpret complex contracts, agreements, and licensing terms
High attention to detail with strong analytical and reconciliation skills
Experience working cross-functionally with IT and Finance teams
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in a Microsoft partner, MSP, VAR, or enterprise IT environment
Familiarity with Software Asset Management (SAM) practices
Experience supporting audits, true-ups, or compliance reviews
Advanced Excel or financial reporting skills
Key Skills & Competencies
Microsoft Licensing Expertise
Cloud Billing & Financial Analysis
Contract Interpretation
Cost Optimization & Governance
Stakeholder Communication
Process Improvement
Originally posted on Himalayas
Who can apply
Eligible countries: Australia, Canada, France, India, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States. Accepted UTC offsets: UTC-10, UTC-9, UTC-8, UTC-7, UTC-6, UTC-5, UTC-4, UTC-3.5, UTC+0, UTC+1, UTC+5.5, UTC+8, UTC+8.75, UTC+9, UTC+9.5, UTC+10, UTC+10.5, UTC+12, UTC+12.75, UTC+14. Review the full description for employer-specific work authorization, residency and schedule requirements.