Controller - Energy Accounting & Consulting

Whitley Penn • Houston, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Whitley Penn is seeking a Controller for its Energy Accounting & Consulting (Energy-AC) team. The role serves Oil & Gas accounting clients in a consultative capacity, emphasizing exceptional client service and identifying value-added services. The Controller works closely with the Oil and Gas Consulting Partner to develop tools, systems, and processes for upstream accounting clients, serves as a liaison among the partner, clients, and professional staff, and assumes full responsibility for multiple client engagements. The position also develops and trains associates and contributes to business development for the firm.

The Controller manages client relationships and engagement workflow, monitors engagement economics, oversees service plans and deliverables, and researches technical issues to ensure compliance with applicable rules, guidelines, standards, and firm requirements. The role proactively works with client management to resolve problems and recommend business and process improvements. It also develops staff through training, coaching, performance goals, and professional development activities.

This is a full-time, exempt position in Houston with a hybrid schedule: in-office Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and work 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.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of Oil & Gas accounting and analysis experience, primarily in Upstream/E&P, with increasing 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 GAAP and GAAS, particularly as they relate to Oil & Gas upstream/E&P accounting, and other relevant guidance.
• Positive attitude and 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 varied roles.
• Well-developed management and supervisory skills.

Nice To Haves

• Public accounting or professional services experience.
• Experience setting up accounting functions and processes, including implementation.
• 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 Oil & Gas upstream accounting clients.
• Serve as a liaison between the partner, clients, and professional staff.
• Take full responsibility for multiple client engagements, including managing client and external auditor relationships, expectations, engagement economics, and workflow.
• Develop comprehensive client service plans in collaboration with the team.
• Manage high-risk firm and engagement situations with quality control involvement as applicable.
• Identify and research technical issues to ensure compliance with applicable rules, guidelines, standards, and other requirements.
• Ensure processes and deliverables comply with professional and firm standards.
• Develop and communicate targets and goals aligned with firm strategy.
• Contribute to improvements in firm policies, processes, and procedures.
• Maintain regular client contact, understand each client’s business, and own the end-to-end client relationship.
• Review engagement economics with clients as needed.
• Remove barriers and resolve issues for clients and the team to support high-quality outcomes.
• Work with key client management to gather information, resolve problems, and recommend business and process improvements.
• Communicate engagement progress, problems, and resolutions to clients.
• Monitor engagement economics by reviewing and analyzing reports and data, and respond to issues or discrepancies.
• Research and recommend ways to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop, train, and retain staff by assisting with training materials and serving as an instructor in professional development programs.
• Communicate performance goals, priorities, and required competencies to others.
• Ensure direct reports and coaches participate in performance improvement and development activities suited to their needs.
• Participate in technical and professional training throughout the year.
• Participate in the firm’s annual performance management and goal-setting process.
• Develop new business for the firm through professional associations and practice development.

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: Senior