Commercial Finance Associate (Modelling)

About Low Carbon

Low Carbon creates large-scale renewable energy to fight climate change. We’re building a renewable energy company that will protect the planet for future generations.

This defining purpose drives us to deliver for our communities, investors, and the environment.

We are a long-standing certified B-Corporation and recognised as gold standard for our environmental impact. We develop, build, and operate utility-scale solar, onshore wind, and battery storage projects across the UK and Europe, supporting the world’s move to an energy system powered by renewables.

CVC DIF, the infrastructure strategy of leading global private markets manager CVC, is the majority shareholder in Low Carbon. Working alongside MassMutual, CVC DIF will enable Low Carbon to significantly expand its installed capacity and drive the next stage of growth as a diversified, leading next-generation IPP.

Role Description

Reporting to the Head of Financial Modelling & Valuation, the Modelling & Valuation Associate – Commercial Finance is a specialist financial modelling role that will sit within the Commercial Finance team, led by the Group Commercial Finance Director.

The role involves maintaining and running various Financial Models across the business to inform critical strategic decision making, capital allocation and long-term planning.

The role will also involve supporting the build out of enhanced Financial Modelling capabilities across the business as we grow and adapt to the next stage in Low Carbons growth plan.

This is an excellent opportunity for a specialist modeller looking to build a career in financial modelling and valuation, offering structured exposure to valuation, long-range planning and Investment Committee support within a dynamic commercial environment. The role is designed to provide a clear development path within the company, with mentorship from experienced managers and the opportunity to build a strong understanding of the business.

This is a permanent position, but we would also be open to applicants who are looking at temporary / fixed term assignments.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Modelling, Valuation & Analysis

• Operate and maintain the Group Corporate Model under the direction of the Head of Financial Modelling & Valuation, producing the model scenarios, variance analysis and ad-hoc modelling work that support the Group's long-range forecast and business planning process
• Amend existing financial models where necessary across the business
• Provide data-driven insights to decision makers when evaluating potential acquisitions and divestments, including sensitivity analysis and scenario planning
• Support the periodic valuation exercises process, including preparation of Valuation Committee materials, valuation bridges, comparables and supporting analytics, and support to third-party valuation firms and the external audit as required
• Where required, drive analytics on new investment opportunities, presenting performance against long-range forecasts to support Investment Committee decision making

Commercial Finance Support

• Support the maintenance and version control of the Common Assumptions Workbook, applying assumptions approved through the Valuation Committee process and preparing the change log and supporting analysis for review
• Present data and findings in a clear and concise format suitable for both finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Build strong relationships across the organisation to gather relevant information efficiently, promoting effective cooperation across the business and driving to one version of assumptions for long-term and business planning

Process Improvement

• Support in the build out of a key financial modelling initiative for Low Carbon, led by the Commercial Finance team, as we aim to standardise and harmonise our forecasting approach as well as increase the sophistication of our modelling tools
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting efficiency and data quality
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function

Skills & Experience

• The role would suit someone with 3-5 years in a specialist financial modelling role, most likely gained in project finance, infrastructure advisory or a financial modelling consultancy, with demonstrable experience of building and maintaining best-practice, complex infrastructure business models from scratch
• Demonstrable experience of applying a commercial mindset to the work that you have been doing
• Experience of full-cycle model management, managing cash waterfalls, debt sizing and calculating DSCR and ICR within a complex multi-level debt facility environment
• Experience collecting and managing key EBITDA drivers (power price, cost ratios) within a multi-jurisdiction business
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and business drivers relevant to operating in a project finance or infrastructure background
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Power Query, with Python or other coding languages an advantage
• Experience using Power BI, Power Query or similar reporting tools.
• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, Business or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Ability to work accurately with large volumes of data
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities across different stakeholders

Other Responsibilities:

• Develop sound professional working relationships with colleagues across Low Carbon, building their confidence and acquiring an understanding of the business
• Produce detailed and summarised reports that are appropriate to the audience, including Board of Directors and Shareholders presentations

Person Specification

• Focuses on creating value for the business
• Self-starter with strong initiative
• Strong interpersonal skills and customer service-oriented mindset
• Innate ability to manage multiple projects on different timelines
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, purpose-driven, collaborative environment 
• Strong communication skills to articulate models and analysis with stakeholders in verbal, written and presentation form

Our Compensation & Benefits

• 26 days holiday plus your birthday off (with option to buy a further 5 days)
• Discretionary Bonus
• Bupa Health Check & Private Healthcare for you and your family (medical history disregarded)
• Contributory Pension
• Cycle scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Pluxee for commercial discounts and perks
• 3 additional days for volunteering to support causes of your choice

We are committed to building an inclusive team and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. If you do not meet every requirement listed but believe you can succeed in the role, we encourage you to apply. We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as we are not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.