Director of Accounting

Corporate Accounting Leader

Lightspark is creating the Money Grid, modern, open financial infrastructure that makes payments accessible, affordable, and instant for businesses and users worldwide. We're challenging the status quo, updating the current system, and empowering our partners to build better solutions. Together, we're building the most advanced financial infrastructure, open, instant, and global, inspiring a future where anyone, anywhere can access the full potential of digital money.

Lightspark is seeking a builder with enthusiasm to lead Lightspark's corporate accounting. This role reports directly to our VP, Finance, and you will play a critical role in establishing the financial infrastructure, implementing best practices, and ensuring a seamless financial statement close process. A deep knowledge of US GAAP and a proven ability to apply accounting principles to both existing operations and new ventures will be essential to success in this role.

This opportunity is ideal for someone with boundless optimism, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset that can work autonomously in ambiguous situations. We value adaptability, ownership, and a "can-do" attitude. You should be eager to tackle new challenges, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and be self-sufficient in driving results. This position is based onsite at our offices in Los Angeles.

What You'll Do:

• Lead and own the monthly financial statement close and reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with US GAAP
• Prepare technical accounting memos for new and complex transactions, particularly in revenue recognition, ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory and industry standards.
• Oversee the payroll team to ensure timely, accurate, and complete filings
• Manage multi-currency accounting, foreign exchange translation, and consolidation matters for the Company and its subsidiary, including intercompany activity, eliminations, and close support in accordance with US GAAP.
• Identify, develop, document, and implement key accounting policies, internal controls, and best practices to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
• Interpret and apply new accounting standards, policy changes, and operationalize accounting treatment for new or evolving products and services.
• Own the external audit process, serving as the primary liaison with auditors to resolve accounting matters efficiently.
• Prepare senior management- level financial reporting summaries and presentations.
• Manage the transition of the accounting function from external to in-house operations, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.
• Own the external tax compliance process, ensuring timely state, federal, and information reporting requirements
• Collaborate closely with Product, Legal, Finance, and other stakeholders to provide financial insights and ensure accounting considerations are integrated into business decisions.
• Provide clear, data-driven responses to financial inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and transparency.
• Explore the use of AI-enabled workflows, reporting, and tools to improve efficiency and ensure complete and accurate reporting.
• Leverage AI/ML to build scalable playbooks to build out automations, including the exploration of how AI agents can be implemented.
• Work cross-functionally to define and implement system requirements that support financial and accounting operations.

What We're Looking For:

• 7+ years of progressive experience in public accounting (Big 4 preferred) and corporate accounting/controllership, ideally in fintech, payments, financial services, or crypto.
• Strong technical accounting foundation, particularly in revenue recognition (ASC 606).
• Proven experience leading and managing external partners in accounting, audit, and financial operations.
• Strong experience with ERP systems and accounting automation tools.
• Exceptional ability to translate complex accounting concepts into clear, actionable insights for both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, balancing multiple priorities while driving process improvements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels.

Lightspark is on a mission to build the future of open, instant, and global financial infrastructure making payments accessible and affordable for everyone, everywhere. We're committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace to reflect the customers we serve. We welcome interest from individuals of all backgrounds and levels of experience who share our mission. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the State of California Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.