Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads.
Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter!
If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders.
Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light!
About this role
Lightmatter is seeking a Controller to join our accounting team and bring technical accounting expertise to ensure the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements in compliance with GAAP. Given the increasing volume and complexity of transactions, this role will play a critical part in enhancing our overall financial processes.
The Controller will collaborate closely with the Head of Accounting and the Accounting Manager to manage the close process, support audits, and drive improvements that elevate the accuracy and efficiency of financial reporting. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced accounting professional to have a significant impact in a high-growth environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead technical accounting efforts for revenue recognition, lease accounting, stock-based compensation, and other complex transactions.
- Prepare and review financial statements in compliance with GAAP, supporting audits and regulatory filings.
- Provide strategic recommendations for improving financial reporting and compliance processes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including FP&A, tax, and legal, to optimize accounting processes.
- Design, implement and maintain strong internal controls, process flow documentation, narratives to ensure compliance with SOX and other financial regulations.
- Assist in treasury functions, including cash flow forecasting and banking relationships.
- Identify and implement process improvements and automation to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA required.
- Big 4 accounting firm experience preferred
- 8+ years of progressive accounting experience
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, SEC reporting, and complex accounting transactions.
- Experience in a high-growth technology or semiconductor company
- Hands-on experience with NetSuite or similar ERP systems.
- Proven ability to resolve critical accounting issues that impact the entire function or organization.
- Ability to analyze financial data at a strategic level, evaluate intangible factors, and exercise independent judgment.
- Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in a pre-IPO or publicly traded company.
- Knowledge of SOX compliance and SEC reporting requirements.
We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.
Salary Range
$173,000—$219,000 USD
- Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Savings Matching Program
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Paid Family Leave
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Commuter Benefits
- Flexible, hybrid workplace model
- Equity grants
Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
Export Control
Candidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.
Lightmatter Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Lightmatter and has not been reviewed or approved by Lightmatter.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered competitive for specialized photonics and AI‑hardware roles, with posted ranges and third‑party totals aligning to strong market levels. Compensation for niche roles is framed as consistent with top‑tier hardware/photonics expectations.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare is described as comprehensive, covering medical, dental, and vision in current postings. Additional protections like life insurance and disability are also called out.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity grants for full‑time employees are commonly included alongside base pay. Some postings also mention performance‑based equity components.
Lightmatter Insights
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What We Do
Lightmatter is a startup photonics company that has pioneered a new paradigm in processor chip architecture that uses photons instead of electrons. Now the leader in the photonic AI compute “space race,” this new class of high performance semiconductors is the foundation of Lightmatter’s mission to enable the growth of computing, reduce harmful emissions associated with this growth, and democratize computing for all. Lightmatter's technology accelerates critical operations in deep neural networks, using an array of programmable photonic elements fabricated alongside transistors in conventional computer chip fabrication processes. Our close-knit team of engineers has created an integrated photonics chip and ultra-high performance interconnect that is faster, more efficient, and cooler than anything else on earth (or anything ever experienced before) to power the next giant leaps in human progress.
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