Group Technical Accounting Senior Advisor

About Lightsource bp 

Lightsource bp is a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects. We are a 50:50 joint venture with bp with a mission to help drive the world’s transition to low carbon energy. 

With solar set to increase tenfold in the next 20 years, we are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. By joining the Lightsource bp team, you will ‘be the change’ on the world’s energy transition to a more sustainable future. 

We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit as we continue to push the boundaries of an ever-changing energy landscape. By choosing a career with us, you can expect a challenging and fulfilling role surrounded by people who are passionate and have brilliant ideas about sustainable technology, innovation and making the world a better place.

Purpose of Role

Lead the Technical Accounting function of Lightsource bp, engaging pro-actively with Regional Finance teams and other business functions (including M&A) on the interpretation and accounting treatment of complex and judgemental transactions.

Duties and responsibilities

• Primary contact for regional finance teams and other business functions (including M&A) on the IFRS accounting treatment of proposed transactions.
• Pro-actively engage with the business on the interpretation and accounting impacts of M&A activity, complex arrangements and other non-routine transactions.
• Develop strong relationships throughout Regional Finance teams and other business functions such that technical accounting guidance is provided pro-actively in advance of execution of arrangements with the ability to guide on structing opportunities to deliver group targets or outcomes.
• Develop, maintain and embed accounting policies throughout the Group.
• Prepare and review technical accounting papers documenting conclusions in respect of complex accounting matters with accurate interpretation of accounting standards and associated guidance.
• Ensure complex transactions and other accounting judgements are documented in a clear, concise and consistent manner.
• Develop and embed processes and procedures to ensure consistent application of accounting standards throughout the Group.
• Interact with external auditors on the interpretation and accounting treatment of complex accounting matters with the ability to articulate the Group’s interpretation and provide evidence to support the proposed treatment.
• Monitor standard setter activity and interpret the impact of new and emerging accounting developments on the Group’s financial statements and processes.
• Lead the implementation of new accounting standards, including the delivery of training material and guidance notes to embed understanding throughout the Group.
• Deliver recurring and regular training material to upskill Regional Finance teams as well as deliver teach-ins to other areas of the business to instill understanding of relevant accounting standards.
• Explain and disseminate understanding of the accounting implications (including on group objectives and KPIs) of material transactions and arrangements to Executives in a manner that facilitates understanding of key and relevant implications of proposed transactions.
• Actively liaise with bp Technical Accounting function to ensure adoption of bp Group Reporting Manual throughout Lightsource bp organization.

Work Skills & Experience

• Qualified accountant with 7+ years PQE
• At the forefront of technical accounting developments, particularly in respect of IFRS
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment interfacing with key senior executives and business functions on a regular basis
• Ability to operate at both a senior financial level as well as in a more hands-on capacity as required
• Industry experience (renewable sector preferred, alternatively experience within a project-based company relying heavily on project finance)

General Skills/Attributes

• Ability to build strong relationships throughout the business, providing a high-quality service of technical accounting interpretation and guidance
• Pro-active in approach to identification and resolution of accounting issues
• Excellent presentation skills (ability to translate accounting concepts to non finance professionals)
• Ability to organise workload and prioritise to maximum effect
• Flexible approach in a fast-paced business, which is constantly changing, keep a clear head under pressure
• Excellent attention to detail when checking information with an ability to recognise and question anomalies
• Keen problem solver who can focus on appropriate detail when solving problems and propose effective solutions
• Set high standards of performance for yourself and those around you
• Demonstrate excellent MS Excel skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Positive can-do attitude, ability to maintain a positive attitude in demanding situations
• Work effectively as part of a team, share information with relevant parties
• Willingness to take on a variety of duties as required

Why you’ll want to work for us 

Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow; a place where your ideas and opinions matter. 

Be you

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect. 

Be responsible

Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our Renewable Energy projects are responsible and promote biodiversity. 

Be recognized

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits. 

Be inspired

Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. Initiatives to get involved with including our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project or our sustainability initiatives. 

Our Core Values

Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible and meaningful low carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do. 

https://www.lightsourcebp.com/careers/