Whitley Penn
Controller, Oil & Gas
Whitley Penn, Houston, TX, United States
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?
Whitley Penn is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to on 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
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
- 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
- Experience with Quorum accounting software including OGsql, OnDemand (Accounting and AP Workflow), DocVue and/or Open Invoice, 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
- Firm Paid Medical Insurance (Free Employee Only Coverage on 2 of 3 plans)
- Voluntary Dental and Vision Insurance
- 17 Annual Firm holidays
- 20 - 25 days PTO for Salaried Employees
- Generous PTO for Non-Exempt Team Members
- 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 on 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)