Interim Operations Controller

Search Services LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Search Services LLC in Houston is seeking an experienced Interim Operational Controller to drive accounting integration across two recently acquired businesses. You will lead the evaluation of accounting teams, standardize policies, and strengthen internal controls while delivering measurable improvements.

The role requires hands-on oversight of field controllers, deep GAAP knowledge, and a proven ability to translate complex data into actionable reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting is required.
• 15–25 years of progressive accounting experience, including Controller-level roles.
• Oilfield services or related industry experience with operational accounting exposure.
• Hands-on experience in accounting processes, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Experience leading field controllers across multiple locations.
• Proven track record of integrating acquisitions and improving processes.
• Strong GAAP knowledge, financial controls, and internal reporting.
• Advanced Excel with large data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate accounting teams across two acquired businesses and assess capabilities.
• Recommend staffing adjustments and establish an efficient accounting structure.
• Lead post-acquisition accounting integration and standardize policies and controls.
• Collaborate with field controllers to improve reporting accuracy and visibility.
• Identify inefficiencies, streamline workflows, and implement improvements.
• Oversee month-end close, reconciliations, and financial reporting during integration.
• Analyze operating performance including revenue and costs to identify opportunities.
• Support job costing, labor/equipment costs, inventory, and fixed assets accounting.
• Evaluate ERP systems, data integrity, and reporting capabilities during integration.
• Document procedures and establish sustainable processes and controls.

Skills

Operational accounting

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Leadership

Communication

Process improvement

Cost accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics ERP

ERP systems

Job description

Our Client is a Houston-based oilfield services company navigating an important period of growth and operational transformation following two recent acquisitions. With a focus on integrating accounting operations, strengthening financial controls, and improving reporting consistency, Our Client is seeking an experienced Interim Operational Controller who can bring structure, accountability, and immediate impact to the organization.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Are you a hands-on Operational Controller who thrives in complex environments, knows how to assess accounting teams, and can turn operational challenges into measurable improvements?

Our Client is seeking a seasoned Interim Operational Controller to lead critical accounting integration and operational improvement initiatives following two recent acquisitions. This is a highly visible, hands-on opportunity for an accomplished Controller who can quickly evaluate accounting personnel, strengthen financial processes, align reporting practices, and establish a more effective accounting organization.

The ideal candidate brings deep operational accounting expertise, strong experience overseeing field controllers, and a proven track record of integrating acquired businesses. Success in this role requires more than strategic oversight. Our Client needs a decisive, execution-focused Controller who is comfortable working directly in the accounting details, identifying issues, making recommendations, and driving improvements from assessment through implementation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate accounting teams across two recently acquired businesses, assessing personnel capabilities, staffing requirements, organizational structure, and overall effectiveness.
• Recommend staffing adjustments, clarify roles and responsibilities, and establish an efficient, accountable accounting team structure.
• Lead post-acquisition accounting integration, including the standardization of accounting policies, procedures, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Partner closely with field controllers to strengthen reporting accuracy, consistency, financial accountability, and operational visibility across multiple locations.
• Identify accounting inefficiencies, eliminate redundant activities, streamline workflows, and implement practical process improvements.
• Oversee month-end close activities, account reconciliations, and financial reporting throughout the integration period.
• Analyze operating performance, including revenue, operating costs, margins, and profitability, to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with operational leadership on job costing, labor and equipment costs, inventory management, and fixed asset accounting.
• Evaluate existing ERP systems, data integrity, and reporting capabilities while supporting accounting system integration initiatives.
• Document accounting procedures, track integration progress, and establish sustainable processes and controls for the permanent accounting organization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• 15–25 years of progressive accounting experience, including substantial experience serving in a Controller-level capacity.
• Oilfield services or closely related industry experience, with a strong understanding of operational accounting environments.
• Recent, hands-on operational accounting experience is required. Candidates must be comfortable working directly in accounting processes, financial data, reconciliations, and reporting rather than functioning exclusively in an executive oversight capacity.
• Demonstrated experience working with, leading, and overseeing field controllers across operating locations.
• Proven success integrating acquired businesses, evaluating accounting personnel, recommending organizational changes, and improving accounting processes.
• Strong technical knowledge of operational accounting, cost accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency, including pivot tables, lookup functions, and analysis of large data sets.
• Strong ERP systems experience, including the ability to evaluate system capabilities, identify data integrity issues, and support integration initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly assess accounting operations, identify critical issues, establish priorities, and implement effective solutions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with field controllers, operational personnel, and senior management.
• A proactive, results-oriented approach with the ability to navigate organizational change and deliver meaningful improvements in a transitional environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation strongly preferred.
• Microsoft Dynamics ERP experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting accounting operations across multiple field locations preferred.