Director of Finance

About The Lighthouse and Role Overview

The Lighthouse, a part of Whalar Group, is a pioneering creative campus and studio designed specifically for the Creator Generation. With locations in Venice, CA, and Brooklyn, NY (the latter opening in Fall 2025), and a planned expansion in London/EMEA in 2026, these campuses provide a collaborative space for creators to learn, create, and connect. The facilities include advanced multi-use content studios and support innovative programming to foster community growth and business development among creative professionals.

The Director of Finance role is pivotal in shaping the future of this emerging creative economy business. Reporting directly to the CEO, this position extends beyond traditional financial oversight to include strategic partnership with leadership to enable data-informed decision-making and scale the business efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage comprehensive financial planning processes including budgeting, forecasting, annual planning, and monthly reviews.
• Create detailed financial models covering revenue streams, cash flow, staffing costs, operational expenditures, pricing, and growth scenarios.
• Produce insightful financial reports and dashboards that empower leadership's strategic decisions.
• Conduct scenario planning, investment analysis, pricing strategy development, ROI modeling, and long-term financial planning.
• Oversee monthly financial close, reporting, reconciliations, cash handling, and day-to-day financial operations.
• Handle accounts payable, receivable, payroll coordination, expense tracking, and vendor payments.
• Enhance financial controls, accounting protocols, compliance practices, and operational efficiencies.
• Collaborate with external accountants, auditors, banks, tax consultants, and payroll vendors.
• Partner with leaders across multiple departments including memberships, hospitality, events, partnerships, sponsorships, and emerging revenue areas to optimize profitability and commercial outcomes.
• Develop business cases for prospective products, strategic partnerships, and investment ventures.
• Implement scalable finance processes, reporting systems, and infrastructures suitable for high-growth environments.
• Advise the CEO and executive team by combining financial discipline with entrepreneurial insight to guide strategic initiatives.

Candidate Profile

• A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in finance-related roles such as FP&A, accounting, commercial finance, or strategic finance.
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash management, and planning over the long term.
• Strong accounting foundation coupled with advanced financial modeling and analytical capabilities.
• Proven experience collaborating with founders, CEOs, or senior leaders to shape business strategies.
• A commercially focused mindset with the skill to translate complex financial data into actionable business advice.
• Track record of enhancing finance systems, processes, and reporting in entrepreneurial or growing businesses.
• Comfortable balancing strategic oversight with hands-on finance management; enjoys building systems as well as managing them.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel or Google Sheets and familiarity with modern financial software and reporting tools.
• Professional accreditations like CPA or advanced degrees such as MBA are advantageous.
• Passion for supporting creativity and community, with a commitment to building businesses that influence cultural landscapes.
• Team-oriented and humble, believing in the power of collaboration for building thriving organizations.

Benefits and Company Culture

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision health coverage.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and commuter and parking benefits.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance with additional voluntary insurance options.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programs for support.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions and no vesting period.
• Monthly stipend for remote work expenses.
• Annual funding for professional development opportunities.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

The Lighthouse values diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental strengths. The company fosters a culture of respect, empathy, and belonging, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. It is committed to equal employment opportunity, prohibiting any discrimination or harassment on any protected basis in all aspects of employment including hiring, promotion, training, compensation, and benefits.