Senior Controller

Search Services; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Performance-based bonus

Direct access to leadership

Job summary

Search Services is looking for an experienced Senior Controller to join their leadership team in Houston, Texas. This role involves overseeing all accounting and financial reporting activities globally and building a scalable internal finance function. Candidates need a CPA, at least 10 years of progressive experience, and expertise in POC accounting.

This is an opportunity to significantly impact an expanding organization while working closely with the CEO and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience.
• Experience in private equity-backed environments.
• Proven track record with ERP implementations.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations, including financial reporting and payroll.
• Build and mentor an internal accounting team.
• Transition accounting from outsourced CPA firm to internal.

Skills

Leadership

Percentage-of-Completion (POC) accounting

Financial reporting

Team building

Advanced Excel

Education

Active CPA designation

10+ years of accounting experience

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

International Energy Services Company | Houston, Texas (In-Office)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Compensation: Highly Competitive Base Salary + Performance Bonus

About Our Client

Our client is a well‑established, private equity‑backed international energy services company with a global delivery model. They support major onshore and offshore projects through a network of international offices. The company is entering a significant growth phase, expanding its capabilities while maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence and client delivery.

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Controller to join their leadership team in Houston. This is a critical hands‑on finance leadership role reporting directly to the CEO. The Senior Controller will own all accounting and financial reporting activities across global operations and play a pivotal role in building a scalable internal finance function to support continued growth.

This is a highly visible leadership role for a hands‑on accounting executive who thrives in entrepreneurial, fast‑paced environments and has successfully built accounting teams, systems, controls, and processes from the ground up. The company is positioned for substantial organic growth and future acquisitions, creating an outstanding opportunity for an accomplished finance leader to make a lasting impact.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Percentage‑of‑Completion (POC) accounting, construction and project‑based accounting, private equity‑backed environments, and international operations. This individual will lead the transition of accounting functions from an outsourced CPA firm to an internal accounting department while building the financial infrastructure necessary to support a scalable, high‑growth organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and financial reporting.
• Build, develop, and mentor a high‑performing internal accounting team.
• Transition accounting responsibilities from an outsourced CPA firm to a fully internal organization.
• Design and implement scalable accounting processes, policies, and strong internal controls. Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Manage project accounting, including job costing, WIP reporting, profitability analysis, and Percentage‑of‑Completion (POC) revenue recognition.
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, working capital, and overall financial performance across multiple projects and locations. Develop financial reporting packages, dashboards, and KPIs for the CEO and ownership group.
• Manage external audits, tax compliance, and relationships with outside advisors.
• Partner with operational leaders to improve project visibility, forecasting, and profitability.
• Evaluate and optimize accounting systems and processes to support organizational scale.
• Ensure full compliance with US GAAP, UK‑adopted IFRS, and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Participate in periodic domestic and international travel (approximately three trips per year.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Active CPA designation. Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience, ideally beginning in public accounting.
• Demonstrated success in building and leading high‑performing accounting teams.
• Significant hands‑on experience establishing accounting infrastructure, processes, and controls within a growing organization.
• Deep expertise in Percentage‑of‑Completion (POC) accounting and project‑based revenue recognition.
• Strong background in construction, energy services, industrial services, engineering, EPC, or related project‑driven industries.
• Prior experience within a private equity‑backed company.
• Experience managing accounting for multi‑location and international operations.
• Proven track record with ERP implementations or major accounting system upgrades.
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Key Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Hands‑on, proactive, and solutions‑oriented.
• High integrity and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment.

What Our Client Of

• Competitive compensation and performance‑based bonus.
• Opportunity to build and shape the finance function within a growing global organization.
• Direct access to the CEO and ownership group.
• Significant visibility and impact within a private equity‑backed growth environment.

Location

Houston, Texas (In‑Office with potential for future hybrid flexibility). Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.