Controller, Oil & Gas

Discover Your Potential at Whitley Penn•Houston, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Whitley Penn, a leading CPA and Consulting firm, is looking for a Controller to join our Oil & Gas Accounting & Consulting team. The Controller will serve clients in a consultative role with an emphasis on exceptional client service and identification of value-added services. Advanced technical skills and well-developed management and supervisory skills are required. The Controller will be expected to develop and train associates and make associations to develop new business for the firm. How We Work Whitley Penn has become one of the most distinguished and fastest-growing public accounting firms by providing exceptional service that reaches far beyond traditional accounting. We believe in working in collaborative teams with an emphasis on an open-door policy and encouraging entrepreneurial thinking. We learn, innovate, and succeed by sharing knowledge, embracing diversity, and working together. We are all part of the same family, and each person matters. We are more than just a job. How Will You Make an Impact? Work closely with the Oil and Gas Consulting Partner to develop tools, systems and processes for Oil & Gas Upstream accounting clients Serve as a liaison between the partner, the client and the professional staff Assume full responsibility for multiple client engagements, simultaneously; manage relationships and expectations with clients and external auditors, monitor engagement economics and coordinate engagement workflow Develop comprehensive client service plans (meetings, dates, assignments, etc.) for engagements in collaboration with team Manage high risk (firm and engagement) situations with QC involvement, as applicable Identify and research technical issues to assure compliance with relevant rules, guidelines, and standards Ensure that processes are conducted, and deliverables are prepared in accordance with professional and firm standards Develop and communicate targets and goals that align with firm strategy Contribute actively to changes on policies, processes, or procedures, using what you have experienced and learned to ensure improvement Maintain contact with clients throughout the year; possess a thorough knowledge of the client and all facets of client’s business; own the end-to-end relationship Review engagement economics with client Remove barriers and/or resolve issues for the client and the team to ensure seamless, high-quality outcomes Proactively interact with key client management to gather information, resolve problems and make recommendations for business and process improvements Communicate progress of engagements, problems and resolutions to client Monitor engagement economics by reviewing and analyzing reports and data; respond actively to issues or discrepancies Teach team members how financials reflect the health of the firm and what they can do to protect the firm’s financial viability. Research and make recommendations, as appropriate, to increase efficiency and/or effectiveness. Participate in the firm’s practice development efforts by designing and leading customized presentations and proposals to the stated needs and expectations of the clients and their organizations, creating innovative approaches with new/non-traditional clients and identifying additional services and revenue streams with current clients Build specific and challenging developmental plans for all team members; monitor and document results Ensure and provide evidence that all direct reports/coaches are actively engaged in performance improvement/development activities specific to their needs Assess accurately, using established competencies, experiences and criteria, the readiness of others for advancement/promotion Communicate clear performance goals, priorities and required competencies to others Use coaching and managerial skills to enhance the development and growth of others Work to develop responsible trained staff by assisting in retention, developing training material and acting 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

Requirements

7-10 years of experience in Oil & Gas accounting and analysis, primarily with Upstream/E&P, demonstrating a progression in complexity, scope and number of engagement assignments
Public accounting experience, preferred
Experience with setting up accounting functions/process as well as implementation acumen
BA or Master’s in accounting
CPA, CA, CMA or APA is preferred
Proven practice development ability
Knowledge of the firm’s philosophy and its opinions on financial matters
Proficiency in use of technology and accounting programs
Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, specifically as they relate to Oil & Gas upstream/E&P accounting and other relevant guidance
A positive attitude
A professional appearance and demeanor
Ability to apply theory and experience to individual circumstances
Ability to analyze problems and recommend solutions
Ability to assess, analyze and manage risk using appropriate frameworks, professional judgment and skepticism
Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing; actively listens and clearly communicates 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

Experience with Quorum accounting software including OGsql, OnDemand (Accounting and AP Workflow), DocVue and/or Open Invoice, preferred

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Oil and Gas Consulting Partner to develop tools, systems and processes for Oil & Gas Upstream accounting clients
Serve as a liaison between the partner, the client and the professional staff
Assume full responsibility for multiple client engagements, simultaneously; manage relationships and expectations with clients and external auditors, monitor engagement economics and coordinate engagement workflow
Develop comprehensive client service plans (meetings, dates, assignments, etc.) for engagements in collaboration with team
Manage high risk (firm and engagement) situations with QC involvement, as applicable
Identify and research technical issues to assure compliance with relevant rules, guidelines, and standards
Ensure that processes are conducted, and deliverables are prepared in accordance with professional and firm standards
Develop and communicate targets and goals that align with firm strategy
Contribute actively to changes on policies, processes, or procedures, using what you have experienced and learned to ensure improvement
Maintain contact with clients throughout the year; possess a thorough knowledge of the client and all facets of client’s business; own the end-to-end relationship
Review engagement economics with client
Remove barriers and/or resolve issues for the client and the team to ensure seamless, high-quality outcomes
Proactively interact with key client management to gather information, resolve problems and make recommendations for business and process improvements
Communicate progress of engagements, problems and resolutions to client
Monitor engagement economics by reviewing and analyzing reports and data; respond actively to issues or discrepancies
Teach team members how financials reflect the health of the firm and what they can do to protect the firm’s financial viability.
Research and make recommendations, as appropriate, to increase efficiency and/or effectiveness.
Participate in the firm’s practice development efforts by designing and leading customized presentations and proposals to the stated needs and expectations of the clients and their organizations, creating innovative approaches with new/non-traditional clients and identifying additional services and revenue streams with current clients
Build specific and challenging developmental plans for all team members; monitor and document results
Ensure and provide evidence that all direct reports/coaches are actively engaged in performance improvement/development activities specific to their needs
Assess accurately, using established competencies, experiences and criteria, the readiness of others for advancement/promotion
Communicate clear performance goals, priorities and required competencies to others
Use coaching and managerial skills to enhance the development and growth of others
Work to develop responsible trained staff by assisting in retention, developing training material and acting 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