Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Chief Accounting Officer (CAO)

Location: Houston, TX (Remote with travel to Buckhannon, WV)

Industry: Oil and Gas Exploration and Production

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) to lead the accounting department for our client, a dynamic oil and gas exploration and production company. Based in Houston, TX, this role operates in a remote capacity with regular travel to our operational hub in Buckhannon, WV. The CAO will oversee all accounting operations, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and provide financial leadership to support the companys growth in the energy sector. The CAO will manage a team of two Controllers and play a critical role in shaping the financial strategy of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Oversight: Direct and manage the accounting department, including supervision of two Controllers responsible for day-to-day accounting operations in Houston and Buckhannon.
• Financial Reporting: Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP, SEC regulations, and industry-specific standards for oil and gas companies.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including tax filings, audits, and reporting requirements specific to the energy sector (e.g., FERC, IRS, and state oil and gas commissions).
• Internal Controls: Develop, implement, and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Collaborate with senior leadership to develop annual budgets, financial forecasts, and long-term financial plans aligned with exploration and production goals.
• Oil & Gas Accounting: Oversee specialized accounting functions, including joint interest billing (JIB), revenue distribution, production reporting, and depletion, depreciation, and amortization (DD&A) calculations.
• Team Development: Mentor and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Travel: Regularly travel between Houston, TX, and Buckhannon, WV, to ensure alignment of accounting processes, support operational needs, and maintain strong relationships with on-site teams.
• Strategic Support: Partner with the Executive team to provide financial insights that drive decision-making related to capital investments, mergers and acquisitions, and operational efficiency.
• Audit Management: Coordinate with external auditors to facilitate annual audits and ensure timely resolution of findings.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA designation required.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Controller, CAO, or similar).
• Extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, with deep knowledge of upstream exploration and production accounting practices.
• Proven track record of managing multiple direct reports, including Controllers or similar roles.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, SEC reporting, and tax regulations specific to the energy sector.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across remote teams.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and oil and gas accounting software (e.g., BOLO, Enertia, or OGSYS).
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly between Houston, TX, and Buckhannon, WV.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with a detail-oriented approach to financial management.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment typical of the oil and gas industry.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to process improvement.
• High integrity and commitment to ethical financial practices.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Travel reimbursement and support for remote work setup.

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