Director of Accounting

Lightspark is building open payments for the Internet—always-on payment solutions powered by Bitcoin, the only open, neutral network for moving value. With enterprise tools like Connect, UMA, and Spark, businesses can send and receive money instantly, securely, and at a fraction of the cost, anytime, anywhere. Lightspark is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, but serves the world.

At Lightspark, we are pioneering the future of payments by leveraging the Bitcoin network and diving deep into the capabilities of the Lightning Network. Our mission is to build a secure and robust payment infrastructure that bridges the gap between traditional finance and cryptocurrency. This role sits within Striga, a Lightspark company, based in Tallinn, Estonia. Together, we're building Lightspark's European payments platform — connecting fiat and crypto rails to enable faster, more efficient money movement across borders.

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Director of Accounting to lead the accounting and financial reporting activities. This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between local statutory requirements and group-level US GAAP reporting, ensuring that the entity operates with financial integrity, compliance, and operational excellence.

You will play a critical role in establishing the financial infrastructure, implementing best practices, and ensuring a seamless financial statement close process. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented finance professional with a strong background in international accounting, controllership, and regulatory compliance. You will be responsible for managing the full spectrum of finance activities for the local entity while integrating seamlessly with our US-based finance team.

This opportunity is ideal for someone with boundless optimism, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset that can work autonomously in ambiguous situations. We value adaptability, ownership, and a "can-do" attitude. You should be eager to tackle new challenges, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and be self-sufficient in driving results. This position is based onsite at our offices in Tallinn, Estonia.

What you'll do:

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close for the Estonian entity, ensuring accuracy and timeliness, and compliance.

• Prepare and ensure timely and compliant reporting to the relevant financial regulators (EFSRA, CBoE).

• Align local reporting with the US GAAP reporting package for group consolidation and reporting.

• Support integration of systems across the EU & US entities, processes, and policies into the global finance framework.

• Assist in the preparation and review of technical accounting memos for new and complex transactions, particularly in revenue recognition, ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory and industry standards (IFRS 15).

• Identify, develop, document, and implement key accounting policies, internal controls, and best practices to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.

• Interpret and apply new accounting standards, policy changes, and operationalize accounting treatment for new or evolving products and services.

• Manage the local external accounting and tax functions to ensure a seamless and efficient process.

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll operations for the Estonian entity.

• Partner with US-based Group Treasury and Finance teams to manage intercompany transactions, cash flow, and funding requirements.

• Own the external statutory audit process, serving as the primary liaison with auditors to resolve accounting matters efficiently.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support scaling of operations in the international market.

• Support transfer pricing, intercompany agreements, and tax compliance.

• Prepare senior management- level financial reporting summaries and presentations.

• Collaborate closely with Product, Compliance, Legal, Finance, and other stakeholders to provide financial insights and ensure accounting considerations are integrated into business decisions.

• Collaborate with Risk and other internal stakeholders to ensure effective management of financial risks.

What we're looking for:

• 9 years of progressive experience in public accounting (professional services) and corporate accounting/controllership, ideally in fintech, payments, financial services, or crypto.

• Strong technical accounting foundation with exposure to both local standards (IFRS/ Estonian GAAP) and US GAAP.

• Experience with crypto asset accounting a plus; enthusiasm a must

• Experience in a multinational, high-growth environment is strongly preferred.

• Proven experience leading and managing external partners in accounting, audit, tax, and financial operations.

• Proven track record in managing audits, statutory reporting, and financial controls.

• Strong experience with ERP systems and accounting automation tools.

• Exceptional ability to translate complex accounting concepts into clear, actionable insights for both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with ability to operate across time zones.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, balancing multiple priorities while driving process improvements.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels.

• Strong command of verbal and written English professional vocabulary.

Lightspark is on a mission to build an open payment protocol for the Internet at scale and therefore we're committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace to reflect the customers we serve. We welcome interest from individuals of all backgrounds and levels of experience who share our mission. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the State of California Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.