Controller, Oil & Gas

Whitley Penn, one of the nation’s leading audit, tax, and advisory firms, is looking for a Controller to join our team! The Controller will serve clients in an outsourced accounting 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.

Whitley Penn has become one of the fastest growing public accounting firms by providing exceptional, personalized service that reaches far beyond traditional accounting. In addition to Audit and Tax solutions, we offer a wide range of Advisory and Consulting services.  We work in collaborative teams with an emphasis on an open-door policy, entrepreneurial thinking, and a well-built culture. At Whitley Penn, we learn, innovate, and achieve by sharing knowledge, embracing new ideas, and working together. We’re looking for professionals who think like owners and want to be part of shaping a high-growth firm.  

Position Details:  

• Classification: Full-time; Exempt


• Department: CAAS - Energy Accounting & Consulting 


• Location: Dallas, Plano, or Fort Worth


• Office Expectations: On-Site; M-F 

What You Will Do

• Work closely with the CAAS Energy O&G 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 simultaneous full responsibility for multiple client engagements; 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 ensure 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 in policies, processes, or procedures, using what you have experienced and learned to ensure improvement


• Maintain consistent contact with clients; 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 as necessary


• 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


• Research and make recommendations, as appropriate, to increase efficiency and/or effectiveness.


• Work to develop responsible trained staff by assisting in retention, developing training material and acting as an instructor in professional development programs


• Communicate clear performance goals, priorities and required competencies to others


• Ensure and provide evidence that all direct reports/coaches are actively engaged in performance improvement/development activities specific to their needs


• Participate in technical and professional training throughout the year


• Participate in the firm’s annual performance management and goal setting process

What You Need to Get Here

• 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 or professional services experience preferred


• Experience with setting up accounting functions/process as well as implementation acumen


• Experience with Quorum accounting software including OGsql, OnDemand Accounting preferred


• 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

Why Whitley Penn

• Firm Paid Medical Insurance (Free Employee Only Coverage on 2 of 3 plans)


• Voluntary Dental and Vision Insurance


• 17 Annual Firm holidays, with extended breaks around July 4^th and year end


• 25 days PTO 


• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave


• 401(k) with Profit Sharing


• Discretionary Bonus Program


• Firm Paid Becker CPA Review Course & Reimbursement for Exam Fees


• Health & Wellness Program


• Pet Insurance 

Whitley Penn is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to age, race, creed, gender, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.  Whitley Penn is a participant in E-Verify please follow the link to review disclosure notifications: https://www.dropbox.com/s/olsr5xgsgxsntu3/E-Verify%20Notices.pdf?dl=0.  All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need

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