Lead Solution Architect - Finance

bp; Sunbury-on-Thames; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

bp is seeking an outstanding Solution Architect with deep SAP and finance domain expertise to drive transformation across global FP&A, planning and reporting initiatives. The role demands hands-on design, strong architecture leadership and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Ideal candidates will have SAP FICO expertise, Central Finance experience and experience delivering large-scale transformations in energy or related sectors.

Qualifications

• Proven SAP Finance experience within large enterprise environments.
• Designing and delivering SAP S/4HANA Finance solutions including full-cycle implementations.
• Hands-on SAP FICO implementation experience with at least one end-to-end deployment.
• Experience in SAP Central Finance (CFIN) implementations within complex transformations.

Responsibilities

• Lead SAP finance transformation initiatives with strong architectural leadership.
• Drive standardisation of processes and solutions across global teams.
• Manage system integrators and large-scale transformation programs.

Skills

SAP Finance

S/4HANA Finance

FICO implementation

CFIN

FP&A transformation

Global program leadership

Stakeholder management

Enterprise architecture

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SAP MDG

APIs & integration

Enterprise integrations

Blackline

Job description

Entity:

Technology

Job Family Group:

IT&S Group

Job Description:

We are a global energy business involved in every aspect of the energy system. We are working towards delivering light, heat and mobility to millions of people, every day. We are one of the very few companies equipped to solve some of the big complex challenges that matter for the future. We have a real contribution to make to the world’s ambition of a low carbon future. Join us and be part of what we can accomplish together. You can participate in our new ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and to help the world get to net zero.

Critical to achieving bp’s digital ambitions is the delivery of our high value finance transformation initiatives and the enablement of the technologies and platforms that will support those objectives. We are also developing deep data capability to underpin the process and technology transformation.

Please note that roles based out of SJS or Sunbury will move to Timber Square, Southwark, from Q4 2027.

We are looking for an outstanding Solution Architect with deep expertise in SAP and non SAP Financial solutions as well as strong Finance domain expertise. The ideal candidate will have strong architectural leadership, hands-on technical proficiency and the ability to influence internal customers to drive process and solution standardisation.

Experience

• Proven SAP Finance experience within large enterprise environments.




• Demonstrable experience designing and delivering SAP S/4HANA Finance solutions, including full-cycle implementation projects.




• Hands-on SAP FICO (with certification) implementation experience is crucial, including at least one end-to-end deployment.




• Demonstrated experience in SAP Central Finance (CFIN) implementations within complex transformation programmes.




• Demonstrated experience leading FP&A, planning, reporting, and analytics transformation programs.




• Experience working within complex global organization, preferably in the Energy, Oil & Gas, Utilities, Chemicals, or Manufacturing sectors.




• Experience managing system integrators and large-scale transformation programs.
  

Technical Expertise

A background in consulting and architecture with real-world experience of architecting, designing, and delivering transformation projects within the finance process areas.

Hands on design and architecture experience with SAP technologies such as : S/4HANA Finance, SAP FICO (FI/CO), SAP CFIN, Enterprise integrations and API, SAP MDG - Finance master data management and exposure to non-SAP technologies such as Blackline etc.

Desirable experience:

• SAP Central Finance




• Treasury & Risk Management




• Planning & Consolidation




• AI-driven forecasting and analytics solutions




• TOGAF 9 certification




• AI Agent architecture

Leadership Competencies

• Critical thinking and enterprise architecture mindset.




• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.




• Ability to influence senior leaders and drive organizational change.




• Proven leadership in global, cross-functional environments.




• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.




• Ability to balance strategic vision with practical delivery execution.

Key Success Measures

• Increased adoption of enterprise planning and analytics capabilities.




• Improved forecast accuracy and planning cycle efficiency.




• Reduced finance data reconciliation and reporting complexity.




• Successful delivery of finance transformation initiatives.




• Enhanced clarity and quality of financial insights.




• Strong alignment between finance technology investments and business objectives.




• Compliance with governance, audit, and regulatory requirements.

Preferred Industry Experience

Experience within the Energy, Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals, Utilities, or Capital-Intensive industries is highly desirable, including familiarity with:

• Joint Venture Accounting




• Hydrocarbon Revenue Accounting




• Capital Project Accounting




• Asset Lifecycle Management




• Trading and Risk Management integration




• Regulatory and sustainability reporting requirements

Safety and Compliance

The safety of our people and customers is our highest priority. You will advocate and help ensure our architectures, designs and processes enhance a culture of operational safety and improve our digital security.

• Team: You will lead several delivery teams directly or by influence. You will play an integral role in establishing the team’s skills while demonstrating your leadership values through delegation, motivation and trust. You will not just lead, but “do”.

Relationships

You will build strong relationships across the business and Digital teams. You will understand the long-term needs of the solutions you are developing, and enable delivery by building a rapport with team members both inside and outside of bp.

Formal education

• A Bachelor’s (or higher) degree, ideally in Computer Science, MIS/IT, Mathematics, Chartered Accountancy, engineering, or equivalent work experience.

Why join us?

At bp, we support our people to grow in a diverse and exciting environment. We believe that our team is strengthened by diversity.

There are many aspects of our employees’ lives that are meaningful, so we offer benefits to enable your work to fit with your life. These benefits can include flexible working options, a generous paid parental leave policy, excellent retirement benefits, among others!

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Reinvent your career as you help our business meet the challenges of the future.

Travel Requirement

Up to 10% travel should be expected with this role

Relocation Assistance:

This role is not eligible for relocation

Remote Type:

This position is a hybrid of office/remote working

Skills:

Agility core practices, Agility core practices, Building a Community of Practice, Business Acumen, Coaching, Collaboration, Communication, Conflict Management, Creating a high performing team, Creating and measuring impact, Creative Direction, Creativity and Innovation, Customer centric thinking, Customer Journey Mapping, Customer Value Proposition, Delivers an effortless customer experience, Design Direction - Delivery, Design Direction - Design, Design Direction - Experience, Design Direction - Strategic, Designing with AI, Design Thinking, Digital Ecosystems, Digital Fluency, Facilitation {+ 25 more}

.

Future Location Notice:

This role will start in Sunbury, London. bp has announced a planned office move to Timber Square, London, with all positions currently advertised in Sunbury, including this one, expected to relocate around Q4 2027-Q1 2028. This presents an exciting opportunity for all employees and leaders to come together in one London location. The specific date of the move will be confirmed closer to the time.

Legal Disclaimer:

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics like race, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability status.Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process,please contact us.

If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.