OUR LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
At Lighthouse Credit Union, we believe all individuals, regardless of position level, are considered leaders. By providing a framework that balances clarity with adaptability, our Leadership Competencies aim to foster a culture of continuous growth and agile leadership. Lighthouse Credit Union is committed to embracing change, nurturing leadership talent, and ensuring our performance management practices are aligned with our vision of fostering a resilient and forward-thinking organization. As such, we all hold ourselves accountable to the following:
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
Demonstrates Interpersonal Awareness & Skills
A cornerstone of our collaborative work environment, this competency emphasizes effective communication, relationship building and teamwork. It also supports creating a positive work environment that values individual contributions and fosters teamwork. As an individual leader, you will demonstrate active listening, clear communication and contribute beneficially to team dynamics.
Embraces Change & Learning
This competency focuses on adaptability, personal development and the advocacy and embracing of progressive change. You will be challenged to explore continuous learning opportunities to achieve excellence and foster a culture of growth and innovation. As an individual leader, you will actively engage in personal development, embrace change enthusiastically and support team members in their growth. You will also demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to changing circumstances.
Utilizes Critical & Creative Thinking
Underlining the importance of innovative problem solving, challenging the status quo and strategic thinking, this competency is vital for driving excellence and leadership. This competency challenges team members to take initiative beyond one’s immediate responsibilities. As an individual leader, you will actively look for and share opportunities for improvement, show open-mindedness to new ideas and professionally challenge inefficient processes. You will also actively contribute to defining solutions and promoting innovation.
Takes Personal Ownership
This competency focuses on taking responsibility for performance goals, proactive collaboration and accountability. It highlights the significance of each team member taking ownership of their role and contributions while demonstrating leadership qualities regardless of their position. As an individual leader, you will be actively engaged in setting and achieving performance goals, take responsibility for personal action and decisions and seek opportunities for self-improvement and skill development.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Financial Accountant is responsible for a broad range of accounting, financial reporting, and analytical activities, including preparing journal entries, performing general ledger reconciliations, supporting the monthly and annual close, and conducting financial analysis. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial data, supports internal and external reporting requirements, and contributes to continuous improvement of accounting processes and controls. Working in a highly collaborative
finance environment, this position partners across departments to provide meaningful financial insights and is cross-trained in select finance and FP&A activities. The role combines core accounting responsibilities with financial planning and analytical support, offering a strong development path within the Finance organization.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepares journal entries, maintains supporting documentation, reconciles general ledger accounts and transactions, investigates and resolves discrepancies, and clears aged reconciling items in a timely manner.
- Manages the accounting and reporting of participation loans, including tracking principal and interest activity, reconciling balances, and coordinating with lending and servicing departments. Demonstrates a working knowledge of participation loan structures, agreements, and related accounting treatment.
- Participates in the month-end and year-end close process by analyzing financial statement line items, preparing supporting schedules and reconciliations, processing journal entries, and resolving variances.
- Assists with accounts payable activities assigned, including invoice review, payment processing, vendor communication, and adherence to internal controls and company policies.
- Supports the timely and accurate preparation of internal and external financial reports, including monthly management reporting, regulatory filings, and Board or committee reporting as assigned.
- Prepares assigned pages of the quarterly NCUA 5300 Call Report and related schedules, ensuring consistency between the general ledger, supporting schedules, and reported balances.
- Supports CECL and allowance-for-credit-losses processes by preparing data, maintaining supporting schedules, assisting with qualitative and quantitative analyses, and coordinating with accounting, finance, lending, and risk partners as needed.
- Compiles, analyzes, and prepares financial management reports for the Credit Union, including internal reporting and external reporting such as Asset/Liability Management, regulatory filings, and peer comparisons. Analyzes financial statements; evaluates rate and volume variances, interest income and expense, liquidity, investments, and branch and product profitability; and identifies trends across market and channel performance.
- Assists in the development, coordination, and maintenance of the Credit Union’s financial plan and supporting budget, including multi-year planning, strategic initiatives, and ongoing monthly forecast and budget updates.
- Provides data, analytics, and financial insight to support research and development efforts aimed at improving products, services, and operational performance. Interfaces with multiple departments to understand data sources and operational drivers and documents assumptions, methodologies, and findings.
- Ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial and operational data provided to internal systems and external vendors.
- Manages investment and liquidity reporting activities, including maintaining supporting schedules, reconciling balances, and assisting with analysis of yields, cash flows, and related trends.
- Analyzes financial results, monitors variances, identifies trends, and recommends actions to management to improve financial performance and operational effectiveness.
- Supports internal and external audits, examinations, and requests for information by preparing schedules, documentation, and reconciliations and by helping maintain strong internal controls and accurate process documentation.
- Maintains current procedures and documentation related to assigned functions and identifies opportunities to improve processes, strengthen controls, and increase efficiency.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
- Requires frequent interaction with internal and external stakeholders to build effective relationships, support collaboration, and facilitate issue resolution; handles sensitive matters with a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion.
- Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and experience with accounting, financial reporting, or core financial systems.
- Solid understanding of financial statement preparation, account reconciliation processes, regulatory reporting, and internal control principles; credit union or financial institution experience preferred.
- Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex financial and operational information and derive actionable insights.
- Excellent verbal, written, and organizational communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and a consistent commitment to accuracy, documentation quality, and meeting deadlines.
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
- BS or BA in a relevant field (accounting or finance) or commensurate relevant experience equivalent to a college degree.
- 5 - 8 years of similar or related experience.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (PivotTables, Power Query, financial modeling) preferred.
- Experience with Symitar and/or Empyrean would be beneficial.
WORK ARRANGEMENT:
The working arrangement for this position is hybrid or remote. Hybrid work is an opportunity to find the right balance between working in the office and remotely, especially if it supports individual success and the needs of our organization. Hybrid schedules are determined by the hiring manager based on business unit needs and may vary by department. Although a remote work arrangement may be authorized, those working in a remote position should expect occasional travel to headquarters or other business locations as necessary for work purposes.
We know life doesn’t pause when you’re at work — and your benefits shouldn’t either. At Lighthouse Credit Union, we offer real support for real life, with perks that help you stay healthy, grow your future, and take care of what matters most.
- Student Loan & Tuition Assistance – Whether you're paying off debt or going back to school, we help lighten the load.
- Employee Loan Discounts – Get access to lower rates on personal loans, just for being part of the team.
- Weekly Paychecks – Because waiting two weeks shouldn’t be the norm.
- 401(k) with Employer Match & Profit Sharing – We invest in your future with generous contributions and immediate vesting.
- Lighthouse Leave Program – Paid time off for major life moments, from welcoming a child to caring for a loved one.
- Volunteer Time Off (VTO) – Give back to your community with paid time to serve.
- PTO + Paid Federal Holidays – Rest, recharge, and celebrate without worry.
- Balanced Schedule – All branches close by 5pm and on Sundays — no late nights or unpredictable shifts.
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Plans – Coverage that starts quickly and fits your needs.
- HSA/FSA Options – Save pre-tax dollars for everyday health expenses.
- Discounted Pet Insurance – Because furry family members deserve care too.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for life’s challenges — available 24/7.
- Annual Bonus Program – Celebrate your wins, your teammates’ successes, and the Credit Union’s growth — together.
- Engagement Groups – Join communities like Pride at Work, Women in Leadership, Book Club, and more.
- Ongoing Training & Career Growth – We invest in your development from day one.
- Annual Summit & Team Outings – Celebrate wins and connect with coworkers across the organization.
LIGHTHOUSE CREDIT UNION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
