Finance Manager

Finance Manager

Empower sustainable poverty recovery. Shape global impact. Lead with purpose.

Light a Single Candle Foundation (LASC) is seeking a mission-driven Finance Manager to serve as the senior financial leader for both Light a Single Candle Foundation. This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact role at a growing, values-driven organization working to break the cycle of poverty through sustainable community transformation.

As our Finance Manager, you'll be more than a numbers expert — you'll be a strategic partner, a steward of financial integrity, and a key contributor to the long-term success of our mission. You'll work closely with our Executive Director, President, and leadership team to ensure financial excellence across U.S. and international initiatives.

Why This Role Matters

LASC funds more than 120 projects annually across Central America, the Caribbean, and St. Louis. Our work focuses on sustainable poverty recovery, food security, income development, and community transformation. You will be joining a tight-knit, collaborative group committed to empowerment, accountability, and hope. Your leadership will directly influence how resources are invested, how partners grow, and how communities thrive.

What You'll Lead

• Financial Leadership & Oversight
• Manage all financial operations for LASC
• Oversee cash flow, forecasting, and reserve planning
• Establish and monitor strong internal controls
• Lead annual budgeting and long-term financial planning
• Compliance, Reporting & Audit
• Ensure timely compliance with all federal and state regulations
• Prepare and manage the annual audit and 990 process with external auditors
• Maintain clean, accurate financials with no significant audit adjustments

Grantmaking & Partner Support

• Execute all grant distributions and track allocations
• Review partner budgets, financial statements, and annual reports
• Conduct community audits to ensure transparency and accuracy
• Collaborate with the Director of Community Transformation on partner cost structures
• Support ROI target setting and measurement with M&E and leadership teams

Investment Management

• Manage the investment advisor relationship alongside the Executive Director
• Prepare quarterly investment performance updates for the Board and Finance Committee
• Lead planning and execution of the annual Investment Advisor Meeting

Leadership & Collaboration

• Coordinate and lead Finance Committee meetings
• Provide financial coaching and support to internal team members
• Contribute to a positive, mission-aligned team culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (required)
• 5+ years of nonprofit financial oversight and analysis preferred
• Strong Excel skills and comfort with complex financial modeling
• Experience reviewing budgets, financial statements, and project costs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
• A collaborative spirit and a passion for serving vulnerable communities
• Ability to travel to LASC partner locations and conferences
• Residence in the St. Louis region and ability to work from our Chesterfield office daily

Who You Are

• Compassionate and committed to poverty recovery
• Self-motivated, dependable, and proactive
• Flexible, adaptable, and energized by a dynamic mission
• Skilled at balancing independent work with team collaboration
• Driven by excellence, integrity, and meaningful impact

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $110,000–$120,000, based on experience
• Annual performance and salary review
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Health insurance and retirement plan

About Light a Single Candle Foundation

Founded in 2002, Light a Single Candle Foundation partners with organizations in El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and St. Louis, MO to advance sustainable poverty recovery. Our work continues to evolve as we deepen our commitment to comprehensive, community-driven development. Learn more at