At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance digital transformation projects and implement automation solutions for operational efficiency.
- Company: Join Lightsource bp, a leader in sustainable energy and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, health insurance, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and promotes sustainability initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the renewable energy sector while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and finance processes; strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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 (LSbp) 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.
As Lightsource bp accelerates its growth trajectory, there is a strong focus within the Finance team to deliver continuous improvement and an evolution of the Finance systems, policies and processes. The role of the Finance Automation & Process Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvements, design and implement automation solutions, and ensure the successful deployment of these projects to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Digital Project Management & Implementation
- Lead and manage finance digital transformation projects – including automation initiatives – from discovery through to implementation, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the required standard.
- Collaborate across all finance functions to coordinate activities, dependencies, and impacts.
- Identify, assess, and prioritise opportunities for digitalisation and automation that offer enduring business value.
- Facilitate workshops, interviews, and process mapping sessions to define optimised, scalable workflows before build.
- Oversee delivery through internal IT resources and/or offshore teams, ensuring business requirements are accurately translated into technical designs.
- Apply process improvement methodologies and where relevant leverage AI, machine learning, and analytics to enhance workflows and insights.
- Ensure all solutions meet governance, compliance, and security requirements, and are tested thoroughly prior to deployment.
- Manage programme roadmaps, maintain milestone tracking, and produce dashboards to track benefits realisation.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner proactively with finance teams, IT and other key stakeholders to align on priorities and secure buy-in.
- Facilitate and lead workshops, discovery sessions, and alignment meetings to ensure initiatives meet business needs and are understood across regions.
- Promote transparency through regular communication of project objectives, risks, progress, and benefits to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Act as the bridge between business users and technology teams, driving consensus and ensuring final solutions meet agreed quality standards.
- Technical Expertise, Governance, and Support
- Maintain knowledge of automation, low-code solutions, and other technologies relevant to finance operations.
- Establish and maintain governance frameworks for digital and automation initiatives, including documentation standards, sprint planning disciplines, and role clarity.
- Ensure embedded performance monitoring and maintenance procedures are in place post-go-live.
- Build and maintain knowledge, best practices and process documentation to support continuous improvement.
- Training and Change Management
- Create and deliver training and onboarding for impacted finance teams.
- Produce clear process documentation, user guides, and communication materials to drive adoption.
- Monitor the uptake of new solutions, collect feedback, and implement refinements to ensure benefits are fully realised and sustained over the long term.
Who we’re looking for
- Knowledge
- Experience of assessing, executing, and documenting digital transformation business opportunities.
- A strong understanding of processes and policies that underpin an efficient global finance function.
- Strong stakeholder management and robust communication skills (written, oral and interpersonal).
- Ability to present financial information to senior level stakeholders.
- Familiarity with SAP ECC/S/4HANA, Snowflake, Workday, and Microsoft Power Platform valued.
- Exceptionally strong analytical skills.
- Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- Professional certification in project management highly desirable.
- Lean Six Sigma or process improvement qualification advantageous.
- Qualified or Part-Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) desirable but not essential — strong finance process knowledge is key.
- Experience
- 3+ years’ experience in project management and process improvement.
- 3+ years’ experience working in an operational finance role within a finance function of an international business.
- 3+ years’ experience in project management and process improvement and re-design.
- 3+ years’ experience of development and documentation of finance policies and procedures.
Personal qualities
- They will be an adaptable and organized individual who has had experience of working within an international, multi-entity group and running projects to a successful conclusion.
- Flexible and positive can-do approach in a changing environment, while keeping a clear head under pressure.
- An effective problem solver with curiosity to understand and challenge the business to drive value creation.
- Self-starter able to work under limited direction and supervision.
- Willingness to take on a variety of duties and travel as required.
- Represent Lightsource bp values of Safety, Integrity, Sustainability and Drive.
- Ability to prioritise while managing multiple projects concurrently.
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.
- We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.
- Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our solar projects are responsible and promote biodiversity.
- Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits.
- Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation related to LSbp’s recruiting process.
Finance Automation & Process Optimisation Manager employer: Lightsource BP
Lightsource bp is an exceptional employer located in Greater London, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive health insurance, and robust pension schemes, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth within the renewable energy sector. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the world of sustainable energy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Automation & Process Optimisation Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Lightsource BP. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Automation & Process Optimisation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Lightsource BP.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Lightsource BP's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lightsource BP
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Lightsource BP.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Lightsource BP will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Lightsource BP employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
