Director of Accounting / Financial Controller

Location: [Bay Area, CA/ Naperville, IL/ Newport News, VA]

About xLight

xLight is building the world's most powerful laser to revolutionize semiconductor lithography, metrology, and other critical applications. Our approach is to harness the power of free-electron lasers by building on accelerator technology currently used at scientific facilities around the world. In extending this technology, we are developing industrial-grade light sources, engineered for continuous operation to meet the sophisticated demands of next-generation patterning, metrology, and inspection applications. Join us in this new revolution!

At xLight, we hire exceptional talent and exceptional means more than a strong résumé. How we achieve results is just as important as the results themselves, which is why attitude and character matter as much as technical skill. We believe great talent is widely distributed and not confined to a particular school or background. We seek individuals who demonstrate ownership, a spirit of collaboration, technical curiosity, and a genuine willingness to learn and grow - guided by our core values of Respect, Integrity, Creativity, and Engineering Excellence. We don't just hire what someone can do today; we hire for who they are and who they are becoming.

What We Need — and Why It Matters

We are looking for a Financial Controller to lead xLight's accounting and financial reporting function as we scale from an innovative technology company into an industrial organization. This role will own the integrity of our financial records, monthly close, reporting, accounting policies, and internal controls while partnering closely with Finance, Operations, HR, and company leadership. The ideal candidate is both technically strong and hands-on — someone who can build scalable processes, bring rigor to a growing organization, and provide clear financial insight to support sound business decisions.

Where You'll Belong

Initially, this role will report to the COO and work closely with external payroll and accounting providers. The Financial Controller will lead the transition of payroll and accounting processes in-house, establishing the systems, processes, and internal controls in Odoo needed to build a scalable Finance & Accounting function. In the future, the role will transition to report to the CFO. This role will have broad visibility across the business and will partner with teams including Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, HR, and Legal.

What You’ll Do

• Own the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and other core accounting activities.
• Prepare and review financial statements, management reports, and financial analysis for company leadership.
• Develop, document, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP and applicable accounting and financial reporting requirements.
• Partner with business leaders on budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial planning.
• Lead the annual audit and coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other external partners.
• Support tax compliance, including coordination of federal, state, and local tax filings and related activities.
• Partner with ERP team to improve accounting workflows and controls in Odoo to support xLight's growth and increasing operational complexity.
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain teams on inventory, cost accounting, purchasing, and project-related accounting.
• Support accounting and reporting for government agreements.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting accuracy, automation, and operational efficiency.
• Build and maintain a strong culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the accounting function.
• Leverage AI tools to automate routine accounting tasks, streamline financial reporting, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of financial operations.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, with significant experience in a corporate accounting environment.
• Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar senior accounting role.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and financial reporting principles.
• Experience managing month-end and year-end close processes.
• Experience with financial statements, reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger accounting.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and accounting processes.
• Experience working with external auditors and managing audit processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain financial and accounting concepts to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ownership, sound judgment, integrity, and a hands-on approach to problem solving.
• Comfortable operating as a one-person function in a startup environment, wearing multiple hats and adapting to evolving priorities.
• Proficiency with Odoo and financial reporting tools.
• Experience or strong interest in using AI tools to automate finance and accounting processes, improve reporting, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to evaluate emerging AI capabilities and apply them responsibly to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability across Finance & Accounting.

And If You Bring This — Even Better

• CPA or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience in a high-growth technology, hardware, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, or deep-tech company.
• Experience building an accounting function from the ground up.
• Experience building accounting processes and internal controls in a growing organization.
• Experience optimizing ERP systems, ideally Odoo.
• Experience with cost accounting, inventory accounting, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience with government contract or grant accounting and compliance.
• Experience with equity accounting and stock-based compensation.
• Strong financial systems and process automation experience.

What You Can Expect from Us

• 100% Company-funded health insurance for employee
• Company funded Life Insurance and disability insurance
• 401k contribution. 100% up to 3% of compensation, plus 50% match between 3% and 5%. Immediately vested.
• Flexible Paid Time-Off, Sick leave and Company Holidays
• Company Paid Two-weeks Winter Break
• Flexible Hybrid Work Model
• Chef prepared Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at Palo Alto office
• Monthly breakfast, complimentary snacks and beverages at Newport News office

Pay transparency

The pay range for this position reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries at commencement of employment and is expected to be between USD 195,000/year - 240,000/year. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including role, job-related knowledge, skills, relevant education and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including equity, and a full range of benefits. Details of all benefits will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

EEO Statement

xLight Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is clear: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.