Senior Principal Cloud FinOps Analyst (Cortex)

Palo Alto Networks
Full_timeTel Aviv, Israel

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: Senior Principal Cloud FinOps Analyst (Cortex)
  • Company: Palo Alto Networks
  • Location: Tel Aviv, Tel-Aviv District, Israel
  • Job Type: On-site, Full-time
  • Category: Cloud FinOps, Financial Operations, SaaS
  • Date Posted: 2025-08-01
  • Experience Level: 5-10 years

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead the financial operations within Palo Alto Networks' innovative SaaS cybersecurity product environment, focusing on optimizing cloud costs and driving financial accountability.
  • Collaborate with engineering, product management, and DevOps teams to align financial operations with business objectives and ensure optimal expenditure in the large-scale GCP cloud service.
  • Develop and implement strategies for cost optimization and financial efficiency, while creating comprehensive financial reports and dashboards for various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role demands a unique blend of business acumen and technical expertise, requiring a strong analytical problem-solver with a 'roll-up sleeves' mindset and exceptional presentation/leadership skills.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • Cost Optimization & Financial Efficiency: Develop and implement strategies to optimize cloud costs and drive financial accountability in close alignment with engineering and finance teams.
  • Cloud Infrastructure Management: Oversee the financial aspects of the large-scale GCP cloud service, ensuring optimal expenditure and gross margin trends by customers.
  • Financial Reporting & Analysis: Create comprehensive financial reports and dashboards for various stakeholders, highlighting key financial metrics and insights. Develop tools and capabilities to track and analyze detailed cloud hosting costs.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure a balance between cost efficiency and technological innovation, improving product architecture and identifying cost drivers.
  • Executive Communication: Craft and deliver clear and compelling analyses and recommendations to executives on cost growth projections and optimizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of cloud technologies, preferably GCP, and a strong ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize large amounts of data to drive effective and efficient executive decision-making.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field. An MBA or relevant advanced degree is a plus.

Experience: 5+ years of relevant technical experience in Cloud technologies (preferably GCP) and overseeing large cloud infrastructure budgets for SaaS technology companies.

Required Skills:

  • Analytical problem-solving with strong data analysis skills, experience in SQL is a must.
  • Extensive experience building integrated models from scratch with an ability to build enterprise-level infrastructure plans.
  • Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally in a matrixed organizational structure.
  • Exceptional presentation/leadership skills, concise and fluent in communication.
  • Go-getter mindset with a desire to maintain high-performance under tight timelines.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in Tableau and BI tools.
  • Familiarity with cloud cost management tools and services.
  • Knowledge of SaaS financial models and metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with a strong background in cloud technologies, financial analysis, and cross-functional collaboration will be best suited for this role. Familiarity with GCP and relevant cloud cost management tools is highly desirable.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A well-structured portfolio showcasing your experience in cloud cost optimization, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Case studies demonstrating your ability to identify cost drivers, optimize cloud expenditure, and improve gross margins.
  • Examples of financial reports and dashboards created for various stakeholders, highlighting key financial metrics and insights.

Technical Documentation:

  • Detailed documentation of your approach to cloud cost optimization, including the tools and methodologies used.
  • Examples of SQL queries and data analysis techniques employed to gather and analyze large amounts of data.
  • Documentation of your experience working cross-functionally with engineering, product management, and DevOps teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio will demonstrate your ability to analyze complex data sets, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations to optimize cloud costs and improve financial accountability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in Tel Aviv, Israel, is approximately ₪ 350,000 - ₪ 450,000 per year (USD 105,000 - USD 135,000), depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on market research and regional salary standards for similar roles in the cloud and financial operations fields.

Benefits:

  • Wellbeing Spending Account: Over 1,000 eligible items selected by employees, including health and wellness expenses.
  • Mental Health Resources: Access to mental health resources and support services.
  • Financial Health Resources: Financial planning and management resources to help employees manage their finances effectively.
  • Personalized Learning Opportunities: Access to learning and development opportunities tailored to individual needs and career goals.

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate and should be verified with the hiring organization. Benefits may vary based on the employee's location and role within the company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

  • Industry: Cybersecurity, with a focus on protecting the digital way of life.
  • Company Size: Large, with a global presence and over 10,000 employees worldwide.
  • Founded: 2005, with a mission to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting the digital way of life.

Team Structure:

  • The Cloud FinOps team works closely with engineering, product management, and DevOps teams to ensure optimal expenditure and financial accountability in the large-scale GCP cloud service.
  • The team is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for cost optimization and financial efficiency, as well as creating comprehensive financial reports and dashboards for various stakeholders.

Development Methodology:

  • Agile methodologies, with a focus on rapid iteration and continuous improvement.
  • Cross-functional collaboration between developers, designers, and stakeholders to ensure a balance between cost efficiency and technological innovation.
  • Regular code reviews, testing, and quality assurance practices to maintain high standards and ensure optimal performance.

Company Website: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact the company at [email protected].

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Cloud FinOps Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the cloud financial operations field, requiring a strong background in cloud technologies, financial analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Principal Cloud FinOps Analyst reports directly to the Director of Cloud FinOps and works closely with engineering, product management, and DevOps teams to ensure optimal expenditure and financial accountability in the large-scale GCP cloud service.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the financial operations of Palo Alto Networks' SaaS cybersecurity product environment, driving cost optimization and financial efficiency while ensuring optimal expenditure and gross margin trends by customers.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Skill Development: Expand your knowledge of cloud technologies, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making through on-the-job training, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
  • Leadership Development: Develop your leadership and management skills by taking on additional responsibilities and mentoring junior team members.
  • Architecture Decision-Making: Contribute to strategic decision-making processes related to cloud infrastructure, product architecture, and financial operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks offers a dynamic and innovative work environment, with ample opportunities for career growth and development for motivated and talented individuals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace with a focus on innovation and cross-functional teamwork.

Office Location(s): Tel Aviv, Israel, with a global presence and remote work options available for some roles.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Workspace: Open-plan offices with dedicated team spaces and meeting rooms for collaboration and brainstorming sessions.
  • Development Tools: Access to industry-standard development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to ensure optimal performance and user experience.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Regular interactions with engineering, product management, and DevOps teams to ensure a balance between cost efficiency and technological innovation.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks' work environment fosters innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on employee well-being and work-life balance.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Phone/Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess your communication skills, cultural fit, and understanding of the role's requirements.
  2. Technical Deep Dive: A detailed discussion of your experience in cloud cost optimization, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making, with a focus on your portfolio and case studies.
  3. On-site/Video Final Round: A final interview with key stakeholders to assess your fit for the role and the team, as well as your long-term career goals and aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight your experience in cloud cost optimization, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making, with a focus on your ability to identify cost drivers, optimize cloud expenditure, and improve gross margins.
  • Include examples of financial reports and dashboards created for various stakeholders, highlighting key financial metrics and insights.
  • Demonstrate your ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, product management, and DevOps teams to ensure a balance between cost efficiency and technological innovation.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Brush up on your knowledge of cloud technologies, preferably GCP, and relevant cloud cost management tools and services.
  • Familiarize yourself with SQL and other data analysis techniques, as well as your experience with Tableau and BI tools.
  • Prepare examples of your approach to cloud cost optimization, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making, with a focus on your ability to identify trends and make data-driven recommendations.

ATS Keywords: Cloud Technologies, GCP, Financial Operations, Cost Optimization, Data Analysis, SQL, Tableau, BI Tools, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Presentation Skills, Leadership Skills, Problem Solving, Financial Reporting, Automation, Product Architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks' interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, cultural fit, and long-term career goals and aspirations. Be prepared to discuss your experience in cloud cost optimization, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making in detail.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Cloud Technologies:

  • Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Microsoft Azure

Data Analysis Tools:

  • SQL
  • Tableau
  • BI Tools (e.g., Power BI, QlikView)

Collaboration Tools:

  • Atlassian Suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket)
  • Slack
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint)

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks uses a combination of cloud technologies, data analysis tools, and collaboration tools to ensure optimal performance, user experience, and cross-functional teamwork.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Cloud FinOps Values:

  • Data-Driven Decision-Making: Emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making in cloud cost optimization and financial analysis.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork between cloud financial operations, engineering, product management, and DevOps teams.
  • Continuous Learning: Encourage ongoing learning and development in cloud technologies, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Innovation: Embrace a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in cloud cost optimization and financial efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Regular interactions between cloud financial operations, engineering, product management, and DevOps teams to ensure a balance between cost efficiency and technological innovation.
  • Code Review Culture: Regular code reviews and peer programming practices to maintain high standards and ensure optimal performance.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Encourage knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks' team culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on employee well-being and work-life balance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Cloud Cost Optimization: Identify and implement strategies to optimize cloud costs and drive financial accountability in a large-scale GCP cloud service.
  • Data Analysis: Gather, analyze, and synthesize large amounts of data to drive effective and efficient executive decision-making in cloud cost optimization and financial analysis.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, product management, and DevOps teams to ensure a balance between cost efficiency and technological innovation, improving product architecture and identifying cost drivers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Technical Skill Development: Expand your knowledge of cloud technologies, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making through on-the-job training, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
  • Leadership Development: Develop your leadership and management skills by taking on additional responsibilities and mentoring junior team members.
  • Architecture Decision-Making: Contribute to strategic decision-making processes related to cloud infrastructure, product architecture, and financial operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks offers a dynamic and innovative work environment, with ample opportunities for career growth and development for motivated and talented individuals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Cloud Technologies: Demonstrate your expertise in cloud technologies, with a focus on GCP, and your understanding of cloud cost management tools and services.
  • Data Analysis: Showcase your ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize large amounts of data to drive effective and efficient executive decision-making in cloud cost optimization and financial analysis.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Explain your experience working with engineering, product management, and DevOps teams to ensure a balance between cost efficiency and technological innovation, improving product architecture and identifying cost drivers.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Company Culture: Demonstrate your understanding of Palo Alto Networks' company culture, values, and mission, as well as your alignment with the company's goals and objectives.
  • Team Dynamics: Showcase your ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team, with a focus on collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing.
  • Long-Term Goals: Articulate your long-term career goals and aspirations, and how this role fits into your overall career development plan.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: Craft a compelling narrative around your experience in cloud cost optimization, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making, with a focus on your ability to identify trends and make data-driven recommendations.
  • Data Visualization: Use visuals, charts, and graphs to illustrate your findings and insights, with a focus on communicating complex data sets in an easily digestible format.
  • Interactive Demonstration: Prepare an interactive demonstration of your approach to cloud cost optimization, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making, with a focus on engaging the audience and fostering a collaborative discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Palo Alto Networks' interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, cultural fit, and long-term career goals and aspirations. Be prepared to discuss your experience in cloud cost optimization, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Principal Cloud FinOps Analyst (Cortex) position at Palo Alto Networks:

  1. Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in cloud cost optimization, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making, with a focus on your ability to identify trends and make data-driven recommendations.
  2. Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio showcasing your experience in cloud cost optimization, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making, with a focus on your ability to identify trends and make data-driven recommendations.
  3. Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Palo Alto Networks' company culture, values, and mission, as well as the specific requirements and expectations of the role.
  4. Prepare for the Interview: Brush up on your knowledge of cloud technologies, preferably GCP, and relevant cloud cost management tools and services. Prepare examples of your approach to cloud cost optimization, financial analysis, and data-driven decision-making, with a focus on your ability to identify trends and make data-driven recommendations.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates should have over 5 years of relevant technical experience in cloud technologies, particularly GCP, and managing large cloud infrastructure budgets. Strong analytical skills, experience in SQL, and the ability to work cross-functionally are essential.