Vice President of Finance

Lighthouse is a dynamic, mission-driven enterprise encompassing both Lighthouse Central Florida, which delivers accredited rehabilitation services for individuals living with vision loss, and Lighthouse Works, a social enterprise that sustains our mission by creating competitive careers for the blind and visually impaired worldwide. Together, Lighthouse operates with a combined $20M+ annual budget, 300+ employees across multiple entities and multiple states, and a broad portfolio of mission-driven programs and business lines. While this position is formally employed by Lighthouse Central Florida, it provides strategic leadership and oversight across the entire Lighthouse enterprise. Together, we aim to become a center of excellence for vision rehabilitation and the largest and most preferred employer of the visually impaired in the world.

The position of Vice President of Finance is responsible for the development of Lighthouse’s financial strategy while overseeing day-to-day financial operations. This role balances high-level strategic planning with tactical execution and supports the organization’s long-term sustainability and growth. The Vice President of Finance, together with the COO and CEO, sets organizational financial objectives, policies and procedures, models and champions all core values, and supports the mission of the organization.  This is an outstanding opportunity for a finance professional with a proven track record of creative problem-solving and change management to join a growth-focused, mission-driven organization.

Essential Job Requirements:

• Assure that all financial procedures, practices, and records are in full compliance with applicable regulations, laws, and best practices, including generally accepted auditing standards and accounting principles
• Oversee the financial operations, including billing, A/R, A/P, GL, cost accounting, inventory accounting, and revenue recognition of Lighthouse Central Florida and all subsidiary companies.
• Oversee the accurate, complete, and timely submission of required financial statements, reports,  quotations, and budgets.
• Develop accurate, forward-looking financial models and forecasts that support long-range planning and strategic priorities.
• Maintain, develop, and implement systems and management tools that support the organization's programs and operations and contribute to improved efficiency, cost, quality, and productivity.
• Identify and analyze trends that are reflective of efficiency and effectiveness.
• Utilize forward-looking models and activity-based analysis to provide financial insight into the organization’s plans and operating budgets.
• Maintain outstanding banking relationships and strategic alliances with vendors and business partners.
• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
• Provide responsible financial counsel to the President, CEO, Executive Vice President/ COO, Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Board.
• Acquire and maintain a skilled staff and implement operational best practices to reduce administrative overhead while meeting functional obligations.
• Construct, monitor, and maintain effective internal controls to ensure the safeguarding of assets and accuracy of financial statements.
• Proactively identify and address financial risks and opportunities for the organization.
• Ensure compliance with any and all financial and contract reporting requirements for private or public funding, licensing, or regulatory agencies.
• Serve as the key point of contact for external auditors; manage preparation and support of all external audits.
• Provide strategic guidance around capital financing options to support company growth.
• Assist with all open legal issues involving the organization and legal issues affecting the industry.
• Understand revenue and cost drivers and define appropriate reports for tracking.
• Direct the preparation of information requested or required for compliance; review and approve all reporting information.
• Act as primary contact with counsel and outside government agencies.
• Select and coordinate the use of commercial insurance brokers, commercial insurance carriers, and other related consultants.
• Prepare budgets for grants and projects.
• Comfortable shifting between hands-on financial management and high-level strategic planning, depending on organizational needs.
• Lead financial operations during periods of growth or change, ensuring stability while driving continuous improvement.
• Support third parties to which accounting and finance functions have been outsourced.
• Perform additional duties as requested by the COO and/or CEO.

Education:

Minimum education level:  Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business.

Experience:

• Minimum seven (7) years of progressive accounting and financial management experience.
• Familiarity with blindness and/or broader disabilities issues is a plus.

License/Certification:

CMA and/or CPA preferred.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:                    

• Thorough understanding of nonprofit accounting, financial management, and reporting standards.
• Strong financial accounting background, including an understanding of profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow management, and general financial planning and budgeting.
• Broad-based business knowledge including financial management, risk management, and forecasting.
• Proven track record of success in facilitating progressive organizational change and development within a growing organization.
• Knowledge of accounting systems.  ERP experience preferred. 
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, confidence, and professionalism – ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers. 
• Highest standards of ethics and integrity.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with fluctuating priorities and deadlines.
• Self-reliant and results-oriented, with excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical financial initiatives.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Excellent word processing and database management skills.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and financial management software.
• Capable of working with a variety of personalities and leadership styles.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive matters.
• Ability to understand new issues quickly and make wise decisions.
• Professional maturity and judgment.
• Ability to work as an effective team member.
• Ability to work under pressure, plan personal workload effectively, and delegate.

Physical Demands:

• Office environment with infrequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of items, at times up to 20 lbs.
• Extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Frequently listening and talking with staff, visitors, or others.
• Frequent typing.
• Infrequent periods of prolonged standing.
• Frequent twisting or bending at the waist, reaching overhead, stooping, kneeling, bending, and crouching.

Requirements:

• Must pass Level II background check