Software Asset Management Analyst

At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all. 

Software Asset Management Analyst – Assistant Director

At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all. 

The opportunity

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to lead our Software Asset Management team. The candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing effective strategies and processes to manage and optimize the software assets within our organization. This role requires strong leadership abilities, technical expertise in software asset management, and a deep understanding of software licensing and compliance.

Your key responsibilities

• Design and implement effective software license management processes and tools to track software usage, entitlements, and compliance across the organization.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders, including IT leadership, finance, legal, and procurement, to ensure software licensing compliance and mitigate any risks associated with license non-compliance.
• Provide data driven analytics, guidance and support to SCS, IT and business teams on software license usage, optimization, and license renewal strategies.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through software license optimization and vendor negotiation.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, software licensing models, and changes in software licensing regulations to proactively manage risks and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Conduct audits and assessments to assess software assets, identify vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance with software license agreements; assist with devising strategy, conveying information, liaising with GCO, working with user reps and budget holders.
• Manage relationships with SCS and software vendors, recommending strategies and approaches to negotiate licensing terms and conditions, and oversee vendor contract management.
• Manage compliance issues, working with teams in breach to address with minimum impact.
• Work with Service lines, Member firms, ET and CT stakeholders to assess licensing use cases and determine compliance positions
• Provide advice and guidance to Supply Chain Services and Finance relating to licensing and contract matters to enable them to operate effectively
• Liaison and negotiation with stakeholders in other EY teams such as SLs, MFs, BRM, ESPM, SCS, finance, independence, data management, etc
• Manage, mentor and coach junior team members to help improve their knowledge and analytical capabilities.
• Lead external vendor audit defence engagement (SCS in support), in sometimes hostile situations, devising strategy, conveying information clearly, liaising with GCO, working with user reps and budget holders.

Skills and attributes for success

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve complex licensing and compliance issues.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• In-depth knowledge of software asset management best practices, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• 3 years’ experience of EY structure or similar Big 4 structure and inherent challenges including independence, and member firm / partnership structure
• Technical depth sufficient to talk confidently about metrics, technical restrictions, design implications, usage data, tools, environments etc, and ability to work with many operational teams.
• Familiarity with alliances (buy from, sell to and sell with relationships) and how this effects internal use
• Familiarity with restricted licensing practices caused by Channel 1 relationships and working with global independence teams and GCSP partners
• Experience working with hands-on teams to extract usage data from vendor license consoles/portals, interpret and define compliance reports
• Strong stakeholder and supplier management skills
• Proven experience of Software Contract Analysis and Reporting methodology
• Experience of managing legacy perpetual license agreements alongside new subscription-based models (e.g. Software as a Service)
• Familiarity with Data Analytics products and licensing environments, including Tableau, TIBCO, Alteryx, PowerBI, etc.
• Experience supporting often large complex renewals with trend analysis and optimization opportunity reports
• Experience working with large complex supplier licensing models & compliance approaches is required;  e.g. Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, HP, etc.

To qualify for the role you must have

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field. Relevant certifications, such as Certified Software Asset Manager (CSAM) or Certified Software Manager (CSM), are a plus.
• 8+ years licensing knowledge of major vendors including licensing schemes, compliance approaches and commercial behaviour (e.g. MSFT, Adobe, IBM, SAP, Oracle). Deep experience of Microsoft contract structures including EA, SPLA, CSP, MPSA and similar.
• Experience in software asset management and related best practice in large global organisations, ideally Big 4 and/or partnerships
• Extensive experience with SW contracts and detailed interpretation of legal usage rights, entitlements and restrictions. Capable of debate with and proactive management of GCO (legal team; lawyers) with respect to software licensing matters
• Deep understanding of Azure and optimisation approaches, incl use of AHUB, OST Hosting Exception clauses etc
• Full understanding of cloud transition issues, including specifics relating to SaaS and online services (including ITSM matters, quality, data aspects etc)
• Experience in managing software license tracking tools, systems and data
• Detailed familiarity with chargeback designs, motivation and liaison with senior finance managers to ensure recovery
• Familiarity with software packaging and distribution and the use of software catalogues and workflows to control access to desktop titles (ideally ServiceNow SW catalogue experience)

What we look for

We offer a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development. If you have the skills and experience required for this position and are ready to lead a dynamic Software Asset Management team, we encourage you to apply.

What we offer

As part of this role, you'll work in a highly integrated, global team with the opportunity and tools to grow, develop and drive your career forward. Here, you can combine global opportunity with flexible working. The EY benefits package goes above and beyond too, focusing on your physical, emotional, financial and social well-being. Your recruiter can talk to you about the benefits available in your country. Here’s a snapshot of what we offer: 

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

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