Senior IT Analyst - Telecom Expense Management Merrillville

Job Title: Senior IT Analyst - Telecom Expense Management
Location: Merrillville, IN
Hybrid: In office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, remote on Monday, Thursday, and Friday
Duration: 02/24/2025 - 10/31/2025 (Contract to Hire)
Rate: $50 - $58/hour
Contract Type: W-2 only, no visa sponsor ships or subcontracting

The Senior IT Analyst – Telecom Expense Management will manage telecom expenses for the organization, ensuring proper management and cost optimization of telecom services, both fixed wireline and wireless. This role will involve working closely with telecom service providers, internal business teams, and the finance department to ensure accurate invoicing, tracking, and reporting. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of telecom systems, and the ability to engage with service providers and internal teams to ensure the smooth functioning of telecom operations.

• Manage fixed wireline and wireless expenses.
• Investigate telecom usage charges with the help of invoices and customer service representatives.
• Perform invoice analysis to identify billing errors, discrepancies, and opportunities for savings.
• Prepare and execute month-end activities on a timely basis, including system chargeback departmental journals, bill/ledger reconciliations, and Telco accruals.
• Resolve telecom and business group queries related to invoices and payment information.
• Prepare monthly telecom expense forecasts, tracking net new adds/disconnects by month.
• Monitor telecom vendor billing, pricing inconsistencies, and include them in the Audit Status Report.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoice processing and payouts.

• Identify cost optimization opportunities and implement strategies for reducing telecom-related expenses.
• Track telecom service provider contract amendments, changes, updates, and manage associated documentation and archival.

• Maintain a telecom inventory database (MACD: Move, Add, Change, Disconnection) and wireless order management.
• Engage in IT operations to monitor and manage network-related incidents, changes, problems, and configuration management.
• Monitor outsourced contract performance, compliance, and identify variances, recommending corrective actions.
• Oversee SLA management and review appeals.
• Initiate RFPs/RFQs for network services, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor relationships.
• Work with Project Managers, Engineers, and Architects to support telecom order processing.
• Perform audits to ensure contract compliance and identify improvement opportunities.

• Identify areas for process improvements and actively engage in business process optimization initiatives.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for telecom services, procedures, and process changes.
• Participate in ad-hoc projects, back-up functions, and process audits as needed.

• Experience:
  
  5-7 years in telecommunication services or network services, with proven experience managing telecom expenses and operations.
• Knowledge:
  Strong understanding of telecom components, trends, and best practices. Experience with telecom expense management (TEM) solutions like Tangoe, Calero, or Cass.
• Degree: ABET Accredited Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Certifications:
  
  ITIL certification preferred, PMP or other relevant project management certifications a plus.

• Telecom Expense Management:
  Ability to manage both fixed wireline and wireless telecom expenses effectively, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure accurate invoicing.
• Telecom Systems:
  In-depth knowledge of network systems, including routers, switches, firewalls, SDN, SD-WAN, PBX, VOIP/SIP, and VPN networks.
• Project Management:
  Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate with vendors, and ensure timely completion of telecom-related tasks.
• Vendor Management:
  Experience managing relationships with telecom service providers and ensuring service-level agreement (SLA) compliance.
• Analytical
  
  Sk…