Zuora Billing Consultant (7-10 yrs)

Job Title : Zuora Billing Lead

Experience Required : 7+ Years

Job Overview :

The Zuora Billing Lead is responsible for managing and implementing the Zuora Billing platform and its integration with various enterprise systems. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in subscription billing models, financial processes, and SaaS platforms.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Finance, IT, and Business Operations, to ensure smooth operations and improvements in the billing process, driving business transformation and innovation. You will also manage the end-to-end implementation lifecycle of Zuora, ensuring it aligns with the organization's business strategy and financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities :

Zuora Billing Platform Leadership :

- Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) on Zuora Billing, providing guidance and strategic input on subscription management, billing, and revenue recognition.

- Lead the implementation and optimization of the Zuora platform, ensuring it meets business requirements and is scalable for future needs.

- Manage system configurations, data migrations, and user access controls in Zuora.

Subscription Billing Management :

- Oversee the design and management of subscription billing models, including subscription lifecycle events (activations, amendments, cancellations, renewals).

- Ensure accurate and timely billing processes, subscription management, and invoicing through Zuora.

- Partner with Finance teams to ensure alignment with accounting standards and regulatory compliance, including revenue recognition and deferred revenue reporting.

Implementation & Project Management :

- Lead end-to-end project management for Zuora implementation, from requirements gathering and solution design to testing and deployment.

- Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and resource allocation for successful on-time delivery.

- Coordinate with cross-functional teams (IT, Finance, Sales, Legal) to ensure smooth integration with other systems such as Salesforce, ERP, and CRM platforms.

- Collaborate with external consultants or vendors when required to implement Zuora enhancements or customizations.

Integration & Data Management :

- Ensure seamless integration of Zuora Billing with Salesforce, ERP systems (such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle), and other business platforms.

- Design and execute data migration strategies from legacy systems to Zuora, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.

- Monitor and manage billing-related data flows, ensuring synchronization between Zuora and other systems for accurate reporting and financials.

Revenue Recognition & Financial Reporting :

- Work closely with finance teams to ensure accurate revenue recognition processes in compliance with ASC 606 and IFRS 15.

- Provide guidance on financial reporting and ensure Zuora is aligned with internal financial controls and audit requirements.

- Assist with the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports as they relate to subscription and billing data.

System Enhancements & Continuous Improvement :

- Identify opportunities to enhance Zuora's functionality and improve the efficiency of billing operations.

- Proactively recommend and implement process improvements, including automation of billing tasks and streamlining workflows.

- Stay updated on new Zuora features and releases and manage upgrades and testing.

Stakeholder Management & Communication :

- Serve as the key liaison between business stakeholders, finance, and technical teams regarding Zuora billing operations and enhancements.

- Develop and deliver training to end users and key stakeholders to ensure efficient use of the Zuora platform.

- Provide regular project updates, including status reports, risk assessments, and budget tracking to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Troubleshooting & Support :

- Serve as the primary point of contact for any issues or troubleshooting related to the Zuora Billing platform.

- Monitor system performance, and ensure timely issue resolution and system stability.

- Collaborate with Zuora support and customer success teams to resolve any platform-related issues.

Qualifications & Skills Required :

Experience :

- 8+ years of experience in subscription billing systems and SaaS platforms, with 3+ years specifically working with Zuora Billing.

Domain Expertise :

- Strong understanding of subscription billing models, revenue recognition, invoicing, and subscription lifecycle management.

Zuora Platform Expertise :

- Deep knowledge of the Zuora platform, including product catalog setup, billing operations, payment processing, and integration tools (such as Zuora APIs, Workflows, and Connect).

Financial Acumen :

- Familiarity with GAAP, ASC 606, and IFRS 15 revenue recognition principles, and experience working with financial teams.

Project Management :

- Proven experience in leading large-scale billing platform implementations, including scope definition, resource management, and execution within time and budget constraints.

Technical Skills :

- Experience with integrating Zuora with Salesforce, ERP systems, and other third-party applications. Knowledge of APIs, SOAP/REST integrations, and data migration processes.

Problem-Solving :

- Strong analytical skills with a problem-solving mindset and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues in billing processes or systems.

Communication & Leadership :

- Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with senior leadership.

Education :

- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, or a related field. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, CPA) is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications :

- Experience with Zuora Revenue or other subscription billing platforms (e.g., Aria, Chargify, Recurly).

- Familiarity with Salesforce CPQ and Salesforce Billing.

- Zuora Certified Administrator or Zuora Revenue Certified.

- Experience in a SaaS or technology-focused organization.

- Experience in global billing operations and multi-currency, multi-region billing setups.