Financial Controller, LightEn

About LightEn US and the LightEn Center of Consciousness & Action

The LightEn Center of Consciousness & Action (LCCA) is a brand-new, state-of-the-art 480-acre retreat center in the Blue Ridge mountains outside of Asheville, North Carolina, set to open in the fall of 2025. The LCCA will serve as a soul-focused sanctuary and learning center for individual and collective growth, exploration and transformation, focused on catalyzing the evolution of consciousness needed to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. The Center will host current and emerging global leaders to cultivate and deepen the inner work needed to be more effective change agents in the world. The LCCA is the home of LightEn US, which is part of the overall LightEn network and is fully funded by UK-based philanthropists Sir Christopher Hohn and Lady Kylie Hohn, PhD. 

Summary of the Role and Opportunity

This Controller position represents an exceptional opportunity for an enterprising and service-oriented professional to join LightEn US in its start-up phase. This includes the rewarding work of designing and implementing the financial infrastructure to be utilized for years to come. LightEn’s team is collectively working to deliver on an ambitious and world-changing mission, led by extraordinary owners and founders, translating into a tremendously positive organizational culture.

The LCCA is located in Marshall, NC, approximately 30-min north of Asheville. Within the480-acre property, the sprawling campus features teaching centers, a wholeness sanctuary, fitness center, auditorium, event hall, horticultural complex, and numerous other structures, including cafeterias, cabins and staff houses. The budget will evolve as the Center commences full operations, but is currently estimated at $10 million for 2025.

Currently, there are 11 LightEn US employees, with forecasts to grow to 70-80 employees by the fall of 2025. The Controller will report to the VP of Administration (VPA) and collaborate with other department leads and staff as required. In addition to the financial competencies outlined below, the right candidate will have deep humility; an ability to lead from a place of inclusiveness, kindness and service; and have respect for those engaging in LightEn’s mission. 

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Compliance

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations for LightEn US, including: income recognition, accounts payable, general ledger, full cost recovery, inventory accounting, and payroll
• Develop, implement, and regularly seek to improve financial policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with all accounting standards and nonprofit regulations
• Coordinate the preparation of audits, tax returns, and all financial filings required by law
• Stay up-to-date on current accounting and non-profit best practices.
• Maintain accurate and organized financial records

Budgeting & Reporting

• Prepare budgets and financial forecasts and report any variances or trends
• Coordinate the management of cash flow and identification of funding requirements
• Support the VPA in presenting reports to board members, senior executives, and other stakeholders

Relationships / Other

• Manage relationships with any external partners (e.g., auditors, payroll service providers)
• Communicate and coordinate with finance counterparts at LightEn UK as required
• Contribute to service-oriented environment as a trusted and responsive advisor and resource for the LCCA staff
• Contribute to an organizational culture that values compassion, kindness and service, and participate in team activities in the furtherance of LightEn’s mission

Qualifications

LightEn welcomes expressions of interest from candidates with the expertise and ability to deliver against the above responsibilities, and has identified the following characteristics as indicative of the abilities, aptitudes, and dispositions that will make for success in this role:

• Hold a Certified Public Accountant qualification
• Experience managing accounting and maintaining compliance in a nonprofit or foundation
• Experience developing organizational financial policies and procedures
• Strong business acumen, with experience in budgeting and forecasting
• Appetite for working in a start-up/rapid-growth environment
• Respect for and comfort with LightEn's mission and approach
• Ability to work on-site at LightEn US’s location in Marshall, NC
• Consideration will be given to candidates with transferable skills and demonstrating comparable qualifications

Compensation

The expected salary range for this role is $130,000 - $140,000 annually, dependent on experience. LightEn offers comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision and dental insurance; paid vacation and holidays; family leave; and retirement plan. A final compensation package will be created in contemplation of the above factors, as well as the qualifications, experience, skills and abilities of the successful candidate.

How to Apply

LightEn has retained OE Consulting to support this search. Please refrain from contacting LightEn directly about this opportunity, and direct any questions to OE Consulting at (LightEn-Controller@oeconsulting.com).

In order to apply, please submit a CV and thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest and addresses your relevant qualifications. Applicants may expect an email from OE Consulting confirming receipt. 

LightEn is an equal opportunity employer, and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and affinities.