Finance Assistant

We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development.

For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise.

Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long-term sustainable growth and energy security.

Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.

What You will do (the role)

SUMMARY

The primary role for the Finance Assistant is the processing and management of Account Payable transactions, Payment runs, Bank reconciliations and Team Member expense claims. The role is based in our Milan office with hybrid working of 2 days working from home.

A key element of the role is building business relationships in the local team and the wider finance community at LSbp. This includes supporting key SAP Purchase-to-Pay processes. Working closely with the global Finance Operations team to share best practice and increase understanding for all regions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Manage AP email inbox and proactively deal with queries and provide responses to our colleagues and suppliers
• Notification of new suppliers / master data amendments to the Procurement team.
• Perform vendor call backs to confirm the validity of supplier bank details and set up in SAP
• Support the Business during the processing of Purchase Requisitions (PRs) Orders (POs), and ensuring POs are receipted and any queries resolved.
• Process all invoices in a timely manner and ensure coding is correct at the time of entry
• Review all expenses (Personal and Corporate Card) in Concur ensuring they are completed correctly and comply with the Global Travel & Expense Policy
• Process multi-currency payment runs for suppliers and expenses in accordance with the payments calendar
• Monitor bank account balances and highlight to Treasury / Finance team where funds are insufficient for payment requirements
• Process any ad hoc payment requests ensuring correct approval has been obtained and that the payments are posted next day in SAP
• Reconcile aged creditor accounts and maintain a tidy and up to date ledger, including escalation of any concerns
• Produce and maintain regular reports on aged creditors, invoice queries and collaborate with the business to get them resolved.
• Resolve any payment queries with suppliers

CASH MANAGEMENT

• Monitor MBC (SAP) bank statement receipt daily
• Manage all non-MBC bank statements and reconcile weekly.
• Post all bank transactions in a timely manner ensuring bank sub accounts only contain timing differences
• Support the preparation of regular bank reconciliations for all bank accounts
• Complete all bank recs by the end of WD2 at the latest.
• Assist Treasury in maintaining bank accounts and opening / closing bank accounts as required

GENERAL

• Review the email inbox and action as appropriate
• Open any Finance post and distribute as appropriate
• Deal with queries raised promptly and professionally
• Train and support new SAP users as required. E.g., processing POs, using Concur etc.
• Assist in evaluating procedures and controls to ensure transactions are processed accurately and efficiently
• Manage priorities and deadlines effectively to ensure an efficient working process
• Assist the Finance Team and the UK Fin Ops team when required, for example at month end or during periods of absence
• Support any group finance system or process development initiatives

Who we are looking for

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE

Mandatory/Required

• Accounts Payable experience, minimum 2 years
• Regional Accountancy qualifications / studies
• Experience of performing supplier reconciliations
• Perform daily bank postings and monthly bank reconciliation
• Experience of managing payment runs for several company codes and in multiple currencies
• Good understanding of local transactional tax requirements e.g. invoices and travel expenses
• Good understanding of Purchase Orders and the 3 way match process
• Strong communicator with good interpersonal skills both face to face and via Teams
• Excellent time management skills
• Proactive with a positive can-do attitude
• Excellent attention to detail
• English and Italian speaker
• Available to manage flexible working hours as required to attend UK-based meetings e.g., the early evening.

Preferred

• Experience with SAP S/4 Hana
• Experience with Concur
• Good MS Excel skills (Pivots, VLOOKUP etc.)

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 solar 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/