Overview

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc (The Lighthouse) seeks a highly motivated and experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its Strategic Leadership team to lead and manage the Finance and Accounting Department. This is the most senior financial position at The Lighthouse. The ideal candidate will have an MBA and at least 5 years of experience as CFO or Vice President, reporting to the CEO, preferably in a nonprofit or manufacturing organization. Remote candidates will be considered; candidates residing within commutable distance to one of the Lighthouse manufacturing facilities in Seattle, WA; Spokane, WA; or Summerville, SC are preferred. The Lighthouse is a not-for-profit organization with three manufacturing locations for aerospace and defense products and eleven retail stores on military bases in the western US. Annual revenues are in excess of $90 million with nearly 500 employees.

The CFO reports to and partners with the CEO and oversees the Finance and Accounting for The Lighthouse. This position works across departments to ensure infrastructure, policies, procedures, systems, and people support continued growth. The CFO is a vital member of the Strategic Leadership Team that sets the strategy and vision for The Lighthouse.

To be considered for this role, candidates should fully complete the job application and include a cover letter and resume. Applicants who do not submit a full application may not be considered.

The Lighthouse emphasizes empowerment through diverse, sustainable, and meaningful employment opportunities and is committed to growth and geographic expansion.

EEO statement: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, veteran or military status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Responsibilities

• The CFO provides leadership and management for all financial matters of The Lighthouse, directing corporate finance, accounting, facilities management, and corporate insurance activities.
• Reports directly to the President/CEO and supports the Strategic Leadership Team on budget management, cost-benefit analysis, forecasting, and securing new funding.
• Partners with the COO and other SLT members to assess performance against the annual budget and long-term strategy; develops tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information and makes actionable recommendations on strategy and operations.
• Oversees financial reporting, budget preparation, internal controls, audits (government grants/contracts and annual CPA audits), investing, banking, contract negotiations, business planning, and forecasting for the Board and committees.
• Leads accounting systems progression, implementing/maintaining enterprise-class systems to provide transparent budgeting and financial data.
• Provides financial and strategic planning expertise for growth initiatives, including cost accounting and grants/philanthropic funding management.
• Collaborates with the CEO to develop materials for Board meetings and committees.

Accounting

• The controller reports to the CFO and leads a team of accounting professionals onsite.
• Ensures compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements; maintains internal controls and financial procedures.
• Ultimate responsibility for all financial audits, tax returns, and relations with the CPA firm.

Finance

• Directs annual operating, strategic, and capital budgets with stakeholder engagement.
• Manages financial contracts and government reporting requirements; oversees cash flow and forecasting.
• Optimizes banking relationships and cash positions; oversees investments and asset management.
• Develops forward-looking models and financial analyses to inform operations and business plans.
• Provides merger and acquisition expertise in the nonprofit environment.
• Oversees retirement/savings plan administration with HR, ensures regulatory compliance, and coordinates with committees on financial matters.
• Oversees government grant accounting and reporting processes and infrastructure.

Administration

• Partners on lease negotiations and prepares financial statements and budgets.
• Participates in corporate policy development and other duties as assigned.

Other

• Collaborates with IT to procure finance-specific systems; leads staff to align with mission, vision, and values.
• Contributes to SLT and Board deliberations; collaborates with COO and other SLT members for cross-functional integration.
• Promotes professional conduct, processes, and conflict resolution; participates in strategic planning and performance evaluations; ensures job descriptions are maintained and communicated.
• Upholds a respectful workplace and addresses performance issues in a timely manner.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA and/or CPA preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience as CFO or Vice President reporting to the CEO, preferably in a nonprofit or manufacturing organization with grant-based or foundation funding.
• At least 10 years of progressive senior financial-management experience, including partnership with executive staff and development of creative financial strategies.
• Significant experience with nonprofit accounting, including compliance and reporting for federal, state, local governments and private grants.
• Deep knowledge of GAAP; familiarity with OMB Circulars A-133, A-110, A-122 and related nonprofit accounting CFRs.
• Up to date on nonprofit audit best practices and related laws; travel up to 20% anticipated.
• Experience in cost accounting and a manufacturing environment; Oracle Fusion ERP system experience is a plus.
• Ability to organize and lead finance teams around business units; strong business acumen and strategic-to-operational leadership;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; collaborative leadership with the CEO, COO, and SLT.

Company Benefits

• 12 Paid Holidays per year
• Up to 17 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year
• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Long-term and short-term disability, AD&D
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 6% employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Team Member Referral Bonus Program
• Paid Leave for Service Animal Training
• Focus on Upward Mobility
• Inclusive and Supportive Team Environment

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.