Program Controller Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description

**This position is a hybrid role with monthly travel to 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, 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:

The Controller is a strategic finance leader responsible for directing the organization's accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance within a private equity-backed healthcare environment. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), this role partners closely with the Chief Financial Officer and executive leaders to support organizational strategy, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.  The Controller serves as a trusted business partner by delivering timely financial insights, performance analytics, revenue forecasts, and cash flow projections that enable informed decision-making across the organization. This role also plays an integral part in supporting growth initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions, financial integration, and continuous process improvement. The position offers significant executive visibility and opportunities to broaden strategic leadership responsibilities as the organization continues to grow.

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.
• Maintains 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

Education/Experience 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
• Healthcare experience is required
• Multi-state healthcare industry experience a plus
• 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