Role Overview for Chief Accounting Officer with a Public Energy Utilities Company – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly-traded energy utilities company based in the vibrant heart of Houston, TX, in their search for a distinguished Chief Accounting Officer (CAO). This is a career-defining executive leadership opportunity to join a forward-thinking organization that is pivotal to the nation’s energy infrastructure. The CAO will serve as the principal accounting executive, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and will be a key member of the senior leadership team. You will be entrusted with the integrity of the company’s financial statements and the leadership of a high-performing accounting organization.
This role is not merely about compliance and reporting; it is about strategic partnership and value creation. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with an impeccable track record in public company accounting, possessing the technical acumen to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and the strategic foresight to support the company’s growth initiatives, including potential mergers, acquisitions, and capital projects. You will be responsible for all aspects of the company’s accounting functions, including financial reporting, technical accounting, internal controls, tax, and treasury operations. Your leadership will ensure that the accounting department functions as a true business partner to the operational units, providing insightful financial analysis and data to drive informed decision-making across the enterprise. This position demands a leader who can inspire a team, cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, and uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity in a dynamic and challenging industry.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Accounting Officer with a Public Energy Utilities Company – Houston, TX
SEC Reporting & Compliance
Oversee the timely and accurate preparation and filing of all external financial reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and the annual proxy statement, ensuring compliance with all SEC reporting requirements and GAAP standards.
Technical Accounting Leadership
Serve as the company’s primary subject matter expert on complex technical accounting issues. Research, evaluate, and document the accounting implications of new accounting pronouncements and complex business transactions, such as acquisitions, divestitures, and derivative instruments.
Internal Controls & SOX Compliance
Lead the company’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance efforts. Maintain and enhance a robust internal control environment, ensuring the effectiveness of financial reporting controls and processes. Liaise with internal and external auditors on all control-related matters.
Financial Close Process
Direct the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close and consolidation processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency. Drive initiatives to streamline processes and leverage technology for improved performance.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a large, multi-layered accounting team, including the Corporate Controller, tax, and treasury departments. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
Audit & Board Interaction
Act as the primary liaison with the company’s independent external auditors, managing the annual audit and quarterly reviews. Prepare and present financial results, accounting policies, and control matters to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Tax Strategy & Compliance
Oversee all corporate tax functions, including compliance, planning, and strategy. Ensure the company is compliant with all federal, state, and local tax regulations and optimize the company’s tax position.
Treasury & Cash Management
Provide executive oversight of the treasury function, including cash management, debt compliance, and risk management (interest rate, foreign currency).
Strategic Business Partnership
Collaborate closely with the CFO, CEO, and other executive leaders on strategic initiatives. Provide accounting expertise and due diligence support for M&A activities, capital raising, and other corporate development efforts.
Budgeting & Forecasting Support
Partner with the Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team to ensure the accounting data supports accurate budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
Requirements for the Chief Accounting Officer with a Public Energy Utilities Company – Houston, TX
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required. An MBA or Master’s in Accounting is highly preferred.
Certification
Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is mandatory.
Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Corporate Controller, VP of Accounting, or existing CAO) within a publicly-traded company.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience within the energy, utilities, or a related capital-intensive, regulated industry is strongly required.
Audit Foundation
A background in public accounting (‘Big 4’ preferred) is highly desirable, providing a strong foundation in audit, controls, and technical accounting.
Technical Proficiency
Deep and current expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC regulations, and SOX 404 requirements. Proven ability to research and resolve complex accounting issues.
Leadership Skills
Demonstrated experience leading and scaling large accounting teams. A proven track record of mentorship, talent development, and fostering a positive and high-performance work environment.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. The ability to distill complex financial concepts and present them clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including the executive team and the Board of Directors.
Strategic Mindset
Must be a strategic thinker with strong business acumen and the ability to operate at both the strategic and tactical levels.
Systems Knowledge
Proficiency with large-scale ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and financial reporting tools.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package, including:
Executive Base Salary
A competitive six-figure base salary commensurate with experience.
Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP)
A significant annual cash bonus opportunity based on individual and company performance.
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
A substantial equity package, including performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs) and stock options, designed to reward long-term value creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Paid Time Off
A generous executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Executive Perks
May include benefits such as a car allowance, executive financial planning services, and professional association membership dues.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
How to Apply
This is a confidential, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative accounting leader with the requisite experience in the public energy sector and are ready to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the energy and finance sectors.We look forward to reviewing your application. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
