IT Cost Optimisation Analyst

Ignition Group; Umhlanga Rocks; On-site; ZAR 450 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking a strategic Financial Analyst to enhance IT cost optimization through effective management of hardware and software assets. This role involves leading financial analysis initiatives, developing a transparent 'Bill of IT,' and providing actionable insights to support business decisions. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting, along with 3–5 years of relevant experience in financial and asset management. Familiarity with licensing models and advanced Excel skills are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in financial analysis, cost accounting, or IT Asset Management (ITAM).
• Demonstrated experience in Hardware (HAM) and Software (SAM) asset management practices.
• Proven track record in cost allocation or showback/chargeback models.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial analysis initiatives to examine IT costs and develop reduction strategies.
• Manage the software license portfolio to ensure compliance and optimal usage.
• Develop the 'Bill of IT' for accurate and transparent spend reporting.

Skills

Advanced Excel skills

Proficiency in Power BI

Strong understanding of software licensing models

Analytical mindset

Excellent presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, IT, or related field

Degree in Accounting Science (advantageous)

Job description

We are seeking a strategic Financial Analyst to drive IT cost optimization, managing hardware and software assets, developing a transparent “Bill of IT,” implementing showback/chargeback models, and providing actionable insights across all functions, including the Contact Centre, to support informed business decisions.

Job Description

1. Financial Analysis & Cost Optimization

• Lead financial analysis initiatives to examine IT costs, identify trends, and develop strategies to reduce expenses across the group.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning processes related to IT assets and services.
• Collaborate with procurement and vendor management to optimize supplier contracts and service costs.
• Provide regular reporting to stakeholders on IT financial performance, highlighting cost trends and savings opportunities.

2. IT Asset Management (HAM & SAM)

• Software (SAM): Manage the software license portfolio to ensure compliance and optimal usage. Monitor utilization across key platforms (Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) and identify opportunities for consolidation or license harvesting.
• Hardware (HAM): maintain accurate group-wide hardware asset inventories, overseeing the full lifecycle from acquisition to disposal.
• Ensure the Contact Centre and other critical business units are provisioned efficiently without over-licensing.

3. Bill of IT & Cost Allocation

• Develop, maintain, and enhance the “Bill of IT” to ensure accurate and transparent spend reporting.
• Design and manage Cost Allocation Models, including Showback and Chargeback programs, to ensure IT costs are defensibly distributed to the correct business units.
• Drive accountability by ensuring departments understand their IT consumption and associated costs.

4. Reporting & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Utilize Excel and Power BI to create dashboards that provide actionable insights into asset utilization and financial health.
• Work closely with IT Operations, Finance, and business unit leaders to align IT investments with business goals.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, IT, or a related field.
• bAdvantageous: Degree in Accounting Science.
• 3–5 years of experience in financial analysis, cost accounting, or IT Asset Management (ITAM).
• Demonstrated experience in Hardware (HAM) and Software (SAM) asset management practices.
• Proven track record of working with “Bill of IT,” cost allocation, or showback/chargeback models.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced Excel skills are required; proficiency in Power BI is highly preferred for reporting.
• Licensing Knowledge: Strong understanding of complex software licensing models (e.g., Microsoft Office 365, Copilot, Adobe).
• Analytical Mindset: Ability to analyze large datasets to find cost-saving opportunities.
• Communication: Excellent presentation skills with the ability to explain complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
• bPreferred: Familiarity with ITIL frameworks.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to work across multiple business units, influencing how the organization manages its technology investment. You will play a pivotal role in transforming IT from a cost center into a transparent, value-driven partner to the business.