Director of Accounting

To be considered for the Director of Accounting role at Lightspark, you should have at least 10 years of progressive experience in public accounting, preferably with Big 4 experience, as well as corporate accounting or controllership experience in fintech, payments, or financial services. An active CPA license and a strong technical foundation in accounting, especially in revenue recognition (ASC 606), are essential.

As the Director of Accounting at Lightspark, you'll lead the monthly financial statement close process ensuring compliance with US GAAP, prepare technical accounting memos for complex transactions, and oversee key financial processes including Order to Cash and Procurement to Pay. Your role will also involve setting accounting policies and controls, managing external audits, and transitioning the accounting function in-house.

At Lightspark, we understand that adaptability is key in a fast-paced startup environment. Our Director of Accounting will have the autonomy to drive results and implement process improvements, supported by a collaborative culture where cross-functional communication is encouraged to ensure transparency and effective decision-making.

While specific experience in crypto asset accounting is not mandatory, it is certainly a plus for the Director of Accounting position at Lightspark. What we value most is your enthusiasm for our industry and the ability to translate complex accounting concepts into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.

Lightspark stands out as a unique company because we are on a mission to build an open payment protocol on the Internet. Working with us means being at the forefront of innovation in financial technology. As our Director of Accounting, you will play a key role in shaping our financial infrastructure while collaborating with passionate individuals who share a commitment to inclusivity and diverse workplace culture.

To ensure compliance with US GAAP, I thoroughly familiarize myself with the standards and maintain continuous communication with the accounting team. It’s essential to stay updated on any changes in regulations and share insights through ongoing training and documentation, while also implementing robust internal controls to ensure correct application.

My experience with external audits involves not only preparing relevant documentation but also serving as the main point of liaison with auditors. I find that fostering open communication and a transparent process significantly helps resolve any issues that may arise, ensuring a smooth audit process.

Handling complex accounting transactions starts with thorough analysis and understanding of the contract involved. I prepare detailed technical memos that outline the accounting treatment aligning with ASC 606, ensuring accurate financial reporting while collaborating closely with stakeholders to clarify accounting considerations.

I implement a structured timeline and checklist for financial statement preparation, ensuring that each step is meticulously documented and reviewed. Utilizing ERP systems to automate repetitive tasks and enhance accuracy, I also ensure that each team member contributes their expertise at various stages of the process.

To manage changes in accounting standards, I stay informed through professional networks, training, and resources provided by regulatory bodies. I ensure my team understands the changes, facilitate discussions on their implications, and revise internal policies accordingly to maintain compliance.

In a previous role, I identified redundancy in our financial reporting process that slowed down efficiency. I initiated a review of the workflow and worked with our tech team to implement an automated solution. As a result, we reduced preparation time by 30% and improved accuracy, leading to more timely reporting.

My approach involves simplifying complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights. I focus on using visual aids like charts or graphs to support data interpretation while framing the financial information in terms relevant to the audience’s goals, ensuring they can make informed decisions.

I prioritize tasks by assessing deadlines, the impact of each task on financial reporting, and potential compliance risks. Utilizing project management tools helps me keep track of progress, while regular check-ins with my team allow us to adjust priorities as needed.

Transitioning an accounting function in-house requires a well-structured plan that includes comprehensive training for the new team and a clear outline of responsibilities. I also emphasize maintaining strong communication with external partners during the process to ensure a smooth handoff.

Technology plays a crucial role in my accounting practices. I leverage accounting automation tools and ERP systems to streamline operations, enhance data accuracy, and reduce manual errors. Keeping abreast of emerging technologies allows me to continuously improve our accounting efficiency.