Controller

Lighthouse Autism Center, LLC; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Lighthouse Autism Center, LLC is seeking a Controller for their hybrid role based in Schaumburg, Illinois. The ideal candidate will ensure financial control, manage statements, budgets, and compliance with healthcare regulations. This leadership position requires a proactive approach to financial forecasting and strong team management.

Applicants should have a strong background in finance and accounting, an accounting degree, and a CPA certification. The company provides comprehensive support and guidance to build an exceptional accounting team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in accounting leadership positions.
• Experience working in private equity or venture capital organizations.
• Multi-state healthcare industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of financial reporting.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls.
• Lead the month-end and year-end close processes.

Skills

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Team management

Budgeting

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

CPA certification

MBA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial systems and ERP software

Job description

**This position is a hybrid role with the office in Schaumburg, Illinois**

Company Overview

Since 2012, Lighthouse Autism Center has provided the highest quality, center-based ABA therapy to children with autism. We have Centers located in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Iowa and North Carolina. At Lighthouse, children work on things like social skills, daily living skills, communication skills, and school-readiness skills. All children are overseen by Board Certified Behavior Analysts and programs are implemented by Registered Behavior Technicians. Lighthouse Autism Center also has full‑time Speech‑Language Pathologists on staff who provide co‑treat and consultative services speech therapy services to children who attend the centers.

Summary

Under the leadership of the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller is a senior‑level financial leadership role responsible for developing, implementing and administering financial control, analysis, operating systems, and internal controls, while leading and developing the Accounting Department. Primary responsibilities include managing financial statements, budgeting, financial reporting, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. This role serves as a key advisor to functional leaders in the organization which includes providing the necessary data and information to make informed decisions based on revenue forecasts, cash flow and financial trends.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP and company policies.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage the accuracy and productivity of day‑to‑day activities of client billing system, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, purchasing, and payroll.
• Lead the month‑end and year‑end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial results.
• Report monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statement results compared to budget and prior year to the executive management team.
• Prepare annual budgets and current forecasts.
• Support and coordinate with 401(k) advisor regarding administration and management of plan and required annual filings.
• Manage corporate insurance renewals related to medical, dental, worker’s compensation, and business liability.
• Coordinate with an external CPA firm in preparation of annual audit and arrangement of all required tax returns and reporting.
• Maintain financial staff by coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results.
• Mentors, trains and develops direct reports to build an exceptional team.
• Stay informed about changes in accounting standards and healthcare industry regulations.
• Prepare financial information for investors, lenders and key stakeholders.
• Adapt quickly to changing business needs, willingly engaging in hands‑on work when necessary.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to overcoming challenges, flexibly shifting between strategic oversight and tactical execution. Exhibits a "whatever it takes" attitude, leading by example and fostering a culture of resilience.

Expected Areas of Competence

• Exceptional knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, cost accounting and cost control principles, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Demonstrates high‑level skills in verbal and written communication.
• Success in consolidating financial statements with multiple legal entities and locations.
• Expertise in financial systems and ERP software and implementing accounting software systems such as; General Ledger, Payroll, and Fixed Assets.
• Working with a large amount of data in formulas, pivot charts, and dashboards.
• Demonstrates strong quantitative and technical analytical skills.
• Ability to build strong teams and develop employees through mentorship.
• Track record of continual process improvement.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in accounting leadership positions.
• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related business field.
• CPA required, MBA preferred.
• Experience working in private equity or venture capital organizations, including monthly reporting, forecasting and preparing financial packets for lenders.
• Multi‑state healthcare industry experience a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of successful management of the accounting team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products is required, special emphasis on Excel.

Lighthouse Autism Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed within this role. The description is not intended to be considered as an exhaustive or all‑inclusive list of responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Lighthouse Autism Center reserves the right to modify, adjust, and/or add/detract at any time to the role as described above to meet the needs of the business and/or market trends.