Senior Director-Operational Accounting

Tallgrass • Lakewood, CO

1d • $190,400 - $230,000

About The Position

The Senior Director of Operational Accounting provides strategic leadership, oversight, and execution of operational accounting activities across Tallgrass’s crude oil, terminal, and natural gas accounting functions. The role leads enterprise-wide operational accounting, financial planning and analysis, management reporting, regulatory compliance, internal controls, and process improvement. It is a key Finance organization position that partners with executive leadership and teams across Commercial, Operations, Business Development, Regulatory, Treasury, FP&A, and Legal, as well as external stakeholders, to support business objectives and maintain the integrity of financial and operational reporting. Responsibilities combine and expand upon leadership duties across the liquids and natural gas operational accounting organizations.

The position oversees accounting close and reporting activities, planning and forecasting, regulatory submissions, audits, internal controls, and accounting systems and transformation initiatives. It also supervises multiple teams and is responsible for developing and retaining a high-performing organization. The work is conducted under general office conditions with minimal safety hazards. The employee may need to carry a cell phone and respond during working and non-working hours. Compensation is listed at $190,400–$230,000 per year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive oil and gas accounting experience, with significant natural gas and regulatory exposure.
• 5+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.
• Advanced understanding and demonstrated ability with computerized accounting systems, financial modeling, budgets, operating analysis, and management reporting.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience with large, dynamic environments.
• Strategic thinking with strong operational awareness.
• Ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams.
• Deep technical knowledge of midstream and oil accounting.
• Strong communication and executive-level presentation skills.
• High attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to navigate complex commercial agreements and translate them into accounting processes.
• Ability to work independently and with limited supervision.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, a team player, and able to handle multiple projects at the same time.
• Must be able to perform essential and marginal job functions, work with a team, take direction from management, adhere to required work schedules, focus on details, and follow work rules.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks with strict deadlines and organize and prioritize daily work.
• Must be able to meet the listed physical requirements, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
• Must clear a drug screen and complete a background check, including a credit report for certain positions, after an offer and before employment.

Nice To Haves

• CPA certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Operational Accounting across Liquids and Natural Gas business segments.
• Establish departmental goals, performance measures, and operating priorities aligned with corporate objectives.
• Partner with Executive Leadership, Commercial, Operations, Regulatory, Treasury, FP&A, Legal, and Business Development teams to support strategic initiatives and optimize business performance.
• Provide guidance on complex accounting matters, commercial transactions, regulatory issues, and strategic decision-making.
• Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing Operational Accounting organization through succession planning, talent development, leadership coaching, employee engagement, and a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Oversee financial statement support, management reporting, account reconciliations, accounting analyses, and core operational accounting activities.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, FERC requirements, SOX controls, internal accounting policies, and regulatory reporting obligations.
• Maintain a strong internal control environment and ensure controls adapt to business growth, operational changes, and emerging risks.
• Direct forecasting, budgeting, long-range planning, and executive reporting across Liquids and Natural Gas business segments.
• Analyze and communicate financial results, business drivers, operating trends, margin performance, risks, opportunities, and strategic initiatives to executive leadership.
• Oversee regulatory reporting, including FERC Forms, EIA filings, state commission filings, and other required submissions.
• Lead internal, external, and regulatory audits and ensure timely resolution of audit findings, recommendations, and remediation efforts.
• Sponsor accounting system enhancements, automation initiatives, data governance efforts, and enterprise transformation projects.
• Drive standardization, efficiency, scalability, and continuous improvement across Operational Accounting processes, systems, and reporting.
• Supervise multiple teams.
• Be available to respond during working and non-working hours when required.

Benefits

• Health insurance package options, including Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Infertility coverage.
• Parental leave.
• 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately, plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%.
• Wellness programs and mental health resources.
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
• Critical illness and accident insurance.
• Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer time off, and bereavement paid time off.
• Identity theft protection.
• Annual discretionary bonus.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Company-paid holidays and floating holidays.
• Company vehicle, if applicable.
• Employee discounts, including vehicles, tires, and cellular plans.
• Networking and employee engagement events.
• Personal development opportunities to grow a career based on strengths and interests.
• Industry-competitive pay.

What This Job Offers

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