Senior Finance Manager

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 operates with five core values: Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability, and Drive.

We seek to attract and hire individuals who share our commitment to creating a safe workplace, uphold the highest standards of integrity, and demonstrate respect for colleagues, communities, and the environment. Our recruitment process promotes sustainability by valuing long-term growth and responsible practices, while seeking candidates with the drive to innovate and lead in the global energy transition.

Together, these values shape how we engage, assess, and welcome talent to join us in delivering transformational solar power solutions worldwide.

Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.

What you'll do (the role)

Summary

Reporting into the Regional Finance Director APAC, you will lead a team of accountants and manage the complete financial operations across Australia and New Zealand for our growing portfolio of solar and BESS sites. You will be responsible for leading the provision of accurate and timely financial reporting in order to satisfy reporting requirements and support commercial insight and decision making.

Responsibilities of the Role

• Team Leadership: Lead and develop a team of 5 accountants, ensuring they have the skills, support, and clear direction to deliver high-quality outputs aligned with regional and global Accounting, Reporting & Control (‘ARC’) objectives.
• Financial reporting: facilitate compliance w
• ith global ARC month-end timeline, resulting in the preparation of accurate financial reporting on a timely basis. Oversee and lead the preparation of financial reporting in order to meet reporting requirements of external stakeholders, including working with auditors to facilitate an efficient audit process.
• Controls: support the implementation of internal controls, and oversee their compliance post implementation.
• Technical accounting and non-routine transactions – maintain connectivity with business contacts to ensure early visibility of material and non-routine transactions and, via engagement with Technical Accounting function and escalation to ARC Leadership, align and implement the accounting associated with such transactions.
• Communication and collaboration: promote a collaborative environment, escalating issues for consultation with global ARC teams (including Technical Accounting, Treasury ARC, Group Reporting) as necessary.
• Management information & analysis: produce comprehensive management and commercial information in a timely manner, to support decision-making across the organisation.
• GST & Tax Compliance: Support the Indirect Tax and Tax teams with any GST related compliance through your knowledge and understanding of local GST and tax requirements
• New Company Establishment: Perform day-to-day transaction processing whilst establishing procedures for newly incorporated companies; once established, delegate ongoing management to team members and ensure they are adequately trained and supported.
• Statutory Accounts & Audit: Assist the Outsource Service Provider (‘OSP’) in preparing year-end statutory accounts for Australian and New Zealand entities, prepare all schedules and supporting information for external audits and corporation tax computations, and liaise with external auditors and third parties (e.g. lenders) as required.

Why you'll make a great member of the team

Experience & Knowledge Required

• Qualified Accountant: Professional accountancy qualification (CA, CPA, or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience (PQE).
• Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams in an accounting or finance function, with experience managing direct reports.
• Australian & New Zealand Tax Knowledge:  understanding of Australian tax legislation, GST compliance, and familiarity with New Zealand tax requirements; experience working with tax authorities and external advisors.
• Project and Construction Finance: Experience in accounting for project-based or construction phase operations, with understanding of the financial cycles and reporting needs specific to renewable energy or infrastructure projects.
• Financial Systems & Processes: Solid experience in implementing, documenting, and improving accounting controls and procedures; familiarity with accounting software platforms (SAP4Hana).

Skills Required

• Financial Analysis & Reporting: Strong ability to prepare and analyse financial statements, manage variance analysis, and communicate complex financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• MS Excel Proficiency: Excellent MS Excel skills with ability to build models, manage large datasets, and automate reporting processes.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to accuracy in data input and record-keeping, with ability to recognise and question anomalies or discrepancies.
• Problem-Solving: Keen analytical mindset with ability to focus on appropriate detail, identify root causes, and propose effective solutions to operational and financial challenges.
• Communication & Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal and written communication skills; ability to build effective working relationships with team members, internal stakeholders, external auditors, and tax authorities.
• Organisational & Prioritisation: Excellent ability to organise workload, prioritise competing demands, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Flexible approach to change, ability to maintain composure and clarity under pressure, and willingness to take on varied duties as required.
• Systems & Process Learning: Quick ability to pick up new systems, processes, and business requirements with minimal support.

Education Required

• Professional Qualification: Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA), or equivalent professional accountancy qualification.
• Desirable: Knowledge of renewable energy or project finance.

Why you'll want to work for us

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 projects are responsible.

Be recognised: 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. These include our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project, or volunteering on our VIBES committee to name a few.

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.

For further information on our career opportunities and life at Lightsource bp, please visit https://www.lightsourcebp.com/careers/

Why you'll want to stay with us

At Lightsource bp, you'll work within agile, cross-functional teams where diverse perspectives come together. Our culture embraces open knowledge sharing and collaboration, empowering you to learn from others and accelerate progress collectively.

Your career growth is our priority and a shared journey. We are committed to developing talent from within and prepare you for career advancement so you can shape a fulfilling and lasting journey here.

In today's fast-changing world, a learning mindset is essential and therefore we proactively support upskilling to help you push your skill boundaries and stay ahead in your field, so you can not only keep pace with change but confidently shape a brighter future.