Financial Controller

Accounting Position at Lightstar

Lightstar, an affiliate of Eagle Creek Renewable Energy LLC, is a leading solar energy developer that develops and sells solar assets across the US and is committed to sustainable and renewable energy solutions, is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our accounting department. As part of our growing company, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the success of renewable energy projects and make a positive impact on the environment. This position is classified as remote with hybrid/in office work available given the candidate resides within a commutable distance to one of Eagle Creek's corporate offices.

Roles and Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Accounting:

• Own the preparation and delivery of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with US GAAP
• Maintain the general ledger and oversee all accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and bank reconciliations
• Manage the chart of accounts and ensure it accurately reflects the company's project-based business model, including proper allocation of development costs by project
• Oversee capitalization policies for development costs and ensure appropriate treatment of costs incurred pre- and post-LNTP across the project portfolio
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors to support annual audits and tax filings, including any partnership or pass-through reporting related to tax equity structures
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial reporting and tax obligations, including those arising under the Inflation Reduction Act with respect to transferable tax credits

Project Finance and Development Accounting:

• Maintain detailed project-level financial tracking from inception through LNTP and sale, including all development costs such as interconnection deposits, land control payments, permitting fees, and soft costs
• Manage the financial close process for project sales, coordinating with legal counsel, buyers, and counterparties to ensure accurate and timely settlement and revenue recognition

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Cash Management:

• Lead the annual budgeting process for corporate expenses and overhead, working closely with the teams across the organization to build a bottom-up budget tied to the project pipeline
• Prepare rolling cash flow forecasts that reflect the timing of development expenditures, interconnection deposits, expected LNTP sale proceeds, and tax credit transfer receipts
• Monitor actual versus budgeted development spend by project and flag variances to senior management promptly

Controls, Compliance, and Process:

• Design, implement, and maintain a robust internal controls framework appropriate to the size and risk profile of the business
• Establish and enforce accounting policies and procedures, with particular attention to revenue recognition on project sales, cost capitalization, and intercompany transactions
• Maintain organized and audit-ready financial records for all active, sold, and archived projects
• Support due diligence processes for project buyers, lenders, and investors by preparing and organizing financial data rooms

Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Build and manage the finance and accounting team as the company scales, including hiring, training, and performance management of accounting staff
• Serve as the primary financial liaison to the development, legal, origination, and asset management teams, translating project activity into financial impacts on a real-time basis
• Support board-level financial presentations as required

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required
• CPA designation strongly preferred
• MBA or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline is a plus

Experience:

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior financial role
• Direct experience in renewable energy development, with community solar experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of the development lifecycle from site control through LNTP and project sale, including the accounting treatment of each stage
• Experience managing project-level accounting across a multi-project portfolio with varying stages of development

Technical Skills:

• Solid working knowledge of GAAP, with particular depth in revenue recognition (ASC 606) and capitalization of development costs
• Experience with Acumatica accounting software or similar platforms; experience implementing or upgrading systems in a growing company is a plus
• Familiarity with project management and development tracking methodologies used in the renewable energy industry

Soft Skills and Attributes:

• Exceptional attention to detail combined with the ability to see the big picture in a fast-moving development environment
• Strong communicator who can translate complex financial concepts for non-financial colleagues and present clearly to senior leadership
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams and deadlines
• Self-starter who is comfortable building processes and systems in an environment that may lack established infrastructure
• Collaborative team player who works well across functions in a lean, entrepreneurial organization
• High integrity and professional judgment, particularly in managing sensitive financial information