Role Overview for Chief Accounting Officer with a Public Energy Company – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly traded energy company based in Houston, TX, in their search for a strategic and technically proficient Chief Accounting Officer (CAO). This is a career-defining opportunity to join a dynamic executive team and play a pivotal role in the financial stewardship and strategic direction of a rapidly evolving organization. The CAO will be the principal accounting executive, responsible for the integrity of the company’s financial records, reporting, and internal controls on a global scale.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the CAO will serve as a key business partner, providing critical insights and leadership that extend far beyond traditional accounting. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking leader with an impeccable track record in public company accounting, deep expertise in the energy sector, and the ability to lead a large, geographically dispersed team. You will be responsible for all aspects of the accounting function, including SEC reporting, global consolidation, technical accounting policy, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, and the continuous improvement of accounting processes and systems.
This role demands a leader who can navigate the complexities of a volatile market, support strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, and ensure the company’s financial reporting is a bastion of accuracy, transparency, and compliance. You will be instrumental in shaping the financial narrative of the company for investors, the board, and other key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Accounting Officer with a Public Energy Company – Houston, TX
The Chief Accounting Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
SEC Reporting and Compliance
Oversee the timely and accurate preparation and filing of all required SEC filings, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and proxy statements. Ensure compliance with all SEC and U.S. GAAP regulations. Serve as a key member of the disclosure committee, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of all public disclosures.
Global Accounting Operations
Lead the global accounting team in executing a precise and efficient monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process. Oversee all areas of accounting, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and consolidation of international entities.
Technical Accounting Leadership
Serve as the company’s primary expert on complex technical accounting matters. Research, interpret, and implement new accounting standards and regulations. Provide guidance on the accounting treatment of complex transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, derivatives, and revenue recognition (ASC 606).
Internal Controls and SOX Compliance
Maintain and enhance a robust internal control environment in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). Oversee the design, implementation, and testing of internal controls over financial reporting. Act as the primary liaison with internal and external auditors, ensuring successful and efficient audit processes.
Team Leadership and Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global accounting organization. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth. Structure the team for optimal efficiency and scalability to support the company’s strategic objectives.
Financial Systems and Process Improvement
Drive the optimization of accounting processes and systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Oversee the management of the company’s ERP and other financial systems, leading initiatives for automation and digital transformation within the accounting function.
Strategic Partnership
Act as a trusted advisor to the CFO and other senior executives. Provide financial analysis and support for strategic initiatives, including M&A due diligence, capital planning, and long-range forecasting. Participate in board and audit committee meetings, presenting clear and concise financial information.
Treasury and Tax Collaboration
Work closely with the Treasury function on cash management, debt compliance, and hedging strategies. Partner with the Tax department to ensure accurate tax accounting, provision, and compliance.
Requirements for the Chief Accounting Officer with a Public Energy Company – Houston, TX
The successful candidate will be a seasoned accounting executive with a proven history of leadership in complex, public company environments. Specific qualifications include:
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required. An MBA or Master’s in Accounting is highly preferred.
Certification
An active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is mandatory.
Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Corporate Controller, VP of Accounting) within a publicly traded company.
Industry Expertise
Significant and recent experience within the energy sector (Oil & Gas, Power, Utilities, or Renewables) is a firm requirement. The candidate must understand the industry’s unique accounting and financial reporting challenges.
Public Accounting Foundation
A background in a ‘Big 4’ or large national public accounting firm is strongly preferred, providing a solid foundation in audit, controls, and technical accounting.
Technical Skills
Demonstrated expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX 404 compliance. Extensive experience with complex accounting areas such as business combinations, derivatives, revenue recognition, and lease accounting.
Leadership Acumen
Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate a large, diverse team of accounting professionals. A track record of developing talent and building a world-class accounting function.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. The ability to distill complex financial information into clear, concise insights for executive leadership, the board of directors, and investors.
Systems Proficiency
Experience with large-scale ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and a mindset geared towards leveraging technology for process improvement and automation.
Strategic Mindset
Must be more than just a technical expert; the ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker who can connect accounting details to the broader business strategy and contribute to key corporate decisions.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with executive-level experience and market standards.
Annual Bonus Program
A significant performance-based annual bonus tied to individual and company performance.
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
A substantial equity package (e.g., RSUs, PSUs) to ensure alignment with long-term shareholder value creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for you and your dependents. Includes access to executive wellness programs.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedule to support work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuing professional education (CPE), executive coaching, and industry conferences.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
Additional Perks
Other executive-level benefits may include a car allowance, club memberships, and financial planning services.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this pivotal Chief Accounting Officer role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience in the public energy sector. We invite qualified candidates to connect with our team of experts. For more information on our specialized recruitment services, please visit the JRG Partners’ Finance & Accounting executive search practice page. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
