Assistant Controller - Energy Accounting & Consulting

Whitley Penn • Plano, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Whitley Penn is seeking an Assistant Controller for its Energy Accounting & Consulting team. The role works closely with the Energy Practice Market Leader to develop tools, systems, and processes for Oil & Gas Upstream accounting clients, and oversees operations of the Oil and Gas Accounting group. The Assistant Controller helps design an organizational structure that supports client goals and objectives, supervises and develops associates, manages client satisfaction and engagement planning, and contributes to the firm’s practice development.

This is a full-time, exempt, fully in-office position based in Dallas, Plano, or Fort Worth. The general schedule is Monday through Friday, eight hours per day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., with overtime as needed. The role requires advanced technical, management, and supervisory skills, along with the ability to provide consultative client service, develop business, and support the growth and training of team members.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of Oil & Gas accounting and analysis experience, primarily in Upstream/E&P, with increasing complexity, scope, and engagement responsibilities.
• Experience setting up accounting functions and processes, including implementation.
• 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 Oil & Gas upstream/E&P accounting, and basic knowledge of federal and state Oil & Gas reporting requirements.
• Ability to research and apply accounting theory and experience to individual circumstances.
• Professional appearance, demeanor, and 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 varied 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, and engagement planning, scheduling, and staffing.
• Set up and implement accounting functions and processes for Oil & Gas Upstream accounting.
• Develop comprehensive client service plans with the engagement team.
• Identify and research technical issues to ensure compliance with relevant rules, guidelines, and standards.
• Ensure processes and deliverables meet professional and firm standards.
• Participate in firm committees, departmental matters, and learning experiences; contribute to improvements in policies, processes, and procedures.
• Monitor engagement teams and client relationships, removing barriers and helping resolve conflicts.
• Provide consultative client service, identify value-added services, interact with client management, resolve problems, and recommend 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 in Practice Manager and address overages promptly.
• Prepare client invoices, communicate fee details, and assist with overdue account collection.
• Contribute to practice development through local business community involvement and proposal opportunities, including presentations.
• Train associates on the job and review the work of associates and senior associates.
• Provide timely, specific, and actionable feedback, complete performance evaluations, coach team members, and contribute to promotion-readiness decisions.
• Develop coaching and managerial 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 materials and serving as an instructor in 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 PTO.
• 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: Manager