Assistant Controller - Energy Accounting & Consulting

Whitley Penn • Houston, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Whitley Penn is seeking an Assistant Controller for its Energy Accounting & Consulting team. The role works closely with the Energy Practice leader to develop tools, systems, and processes for Oil & Gas Upstream accounting clients and oversees operations of the Oil and Gas Accounting group. Responsibilities include designing an organizational structure to achieve client objectives, supervising and developing associates, and managing client satisfaction, engagement planning, scheduling, and staffing. The position requires advanced technical skills and well-developed management and supervisory skills, as well as the ability to contribute to business development.

The position is full-time and exempt, based in Houston, with a hybrid schedule: in office Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and working from home Wednesday and Friday. The general schedule is Monday through Friday, eight hours per day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., with overtime as needed. The Assistant Controller sets up and implements upstream accounting functions and processes; oversees engagement quality, technical compliance, client relationships, budgets, billing, and collections; and supports practice development. The role also trains, coaches, evaluates, and develops associates and senior associates, contributes to firm initiatives and professional development, and helps improve firm policies and processes.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of Oil & Gas accounting and analysis experience, primarily in Upstream/E&P, with increasing complexity, scope, and number of engagement assignments.
• Experience setting up accounting functions and processes, with implementation capability.
• Experience with Ogsys accounting software (OGsql and OGpro) and/or WolfePak.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in accounting.
• Proven practice development ability.
• Proficiency with technology and accounting programs.
• Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, particularly as they relate to Oil & Gas upstream/E&P accounting.
• Basic knowledge of federal and state Oil & Gas reporting requirements, with the ability to research and apply theory and experience to individual circumstances.
• Professional appearance and demeanor and a positive attitude.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple engagements and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze problems and recommend solutions.
• Ability to assess, analyze, and manage risk using appropriate frameworks, professional judgment, and skepticism.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including active listening and clear communication of ideas and information.
• Ability to lead and work respectfully and productively with diverse individuals in a variety of roles.
• Well-developed management and supervisory skills.

Nice To Haves

• APA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Energy Practice Market Leader to develop tools, systems, and processes for Oil & Gas Upstream accounting clients.
• Oversee the operations of the Oil and Gas Accounting group, including organizational design, associate supervision, client satisfaction, engagement planning, scheduling, and staffing.
• Set up and implement accounting functions and processes related to Oil & Gas Upstream accounting.
• Develop tools, systems, and processes related to Oil & Gas Upstream accounting.
• Create comprehensive client service plans for engagements in collaboration with the team.
• Identify and research technical issues to ensure compliance with relevant rules, guidelines, and standards.
• Ensure processes and deliverables comply with professional and firm standards.
• Participate in firm committees, departmental matters, and learning experiences, and contribute to improvements in policies, processes, and procedures.
• Monitor engagement teams and client relationships, remove barriers, and help resolve conflicts.
• Serve clients in a consultative capacity, provide exceptional service, identify value-added services, and make recommendations for business and process improvements.
• Manage client relationships throughout engagements and communicate progress, problems, and resolutions to clients.
• Monitor engagement budgets by reviewing work in progress and address budget overages in a timely manner.
• Prepare client invoices, explain fees to clients, and assist with collecting overdue accounts.
• Participate in practice development through local business community involvement and proposal opportunities, including presentations as needed.
• Provide on-the-job training and review the work of associates and senior associates.
• Participate in performance management by giving timely, actionable feedback, completing evaluations, coaching team members, and contributing to promotion-readiness decisions.
• Develop coaching and management skills to support the growth of others.
• Create developmental plans for team members and monitor and document results.
• Support staff retention and training by developing training materials and instructing professional development programs.
• Participate in technical and professional training throughout the year.
• Participate in the firm's annual performance management and goal-setting process.

Benefits

• Firm-paid medical insurance, including free employee-only coverage on two of three plans.
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance.
• 17 annual firm holidays, with extended breaks around July 4th and year-end.
• 25 days of paid time off.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• 401(k) with profit sharing.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Firm-paid Becker CPA Review Course and reimbursement for exam fees.
• Health and wellness program.
• Pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior