Controller - Energy Accounting & Consulting

Whitley Penn • Plano, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Whitley Penn is seeking a Controller for its Energy Accounting & Consulting (Energy-AC) team. The role serves clients in a consultative capacity, emphasizing exceptional client service and identifying value-added services. It requires advanced technical skills and well-developed management and supervisory capabilities. The Controller will develop and train associates and build relationships that help develop new business for the firm.

The Controller works closely with the Oil and Gas Consulting Partner to develop tools, systems, and processes for upstream oil and gas accounting clients. The position oversees multiple client engagements and relationships, coordinates engagement workflows, monitors engagement economics, addresses technical and high-risk matters, and ensures that work complies with professional and firm standards. The role also develops staff, supports professional training, and participates in firm performance management and goal setting.

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.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of Oil & Gas accounting and analysis experience, primarily in Upstream/E&P, with progression in the complexity, scope, and number of engagement assignments.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in accounting.
• Proven practice development ability.
• Knowledge of the firm's philosophy and its opinions on financial matters.
• Proficiency with technology and accounting programs.
• Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, especially as they relate to upstream/E&P oil and gas accounting, and other relevant guidance.
• Positive attitude.
• 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 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

• Public accounting or professional services experience.
• Experience establishing accounting functions and processes, including implementation acumen.
• Experience with Quorum accounting software, including OGsql and OnDemand Accounting.
• CPA, CA, CMA, or APA designation.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Oil and Gas Consulting Partner to develop tools, systems, and processes for upstream oil and gas accounting clients.
• Serve as a liaison among the partner, clients, and professional staff.
• Take full responsibility for multiple client engagements, manage client and external auditor relationships and expectations, monitor engagement economics, and coordinate workflow.
• Develop comprehensive client service plans with the team, including meetings, dates, and assignments.
• Manage high-risk firm and engagement situations with quality-control involvement as applicable.
• Identify and research technical issues to ensure compliance with relevant rules, guidelines, and standards.
• Ensure processes and deliverables meet professional and firm standards.
• Develop and communicate targets and goals aligned with firm strategy.
• Contribute to improvements in firm policies, processes, and procedures based on experience and learning.
• Maintain consistent client contact, thoroughly understand each client's business, and own the end-to-end client relationship.
• Review engagement economics with clients as necessary.
• Remove barriers and resolve client or team issues to support seamless, high-quality outcomes.
• Interact proactively with key client management to gather information, resolve problems, and recommend business and process improvements.
• Communicate engagement progress, problems, and resolutions to clients.
• Review and analyze engagement economics reports and data, and actively address issues or discrepancies.
• Research and recommend ways to increase efficiency or effectiveness.
• Develop and train staff, assist with retention, create training materials, and instruct professional development programs.
• Communicate clear performance goals, priorities, and required competencies to others.
• Ensure direct reports and coaches participate in performance improvement and development activities suited to their needs, and provide evidence of that engagement.
• 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