What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller position at Southwest Search?
Private Equity-Backed Midstream Energy Company
Opportunity to build and lead the accounting backbone of a growing private equity-backed midstream oil & gas company. We’re looking for a hands-on accounting leader who wants more ownership than a typical corporate accounting role offers. This role is ideal for someone with Big 4 training and industry experience who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, improving processes, and building scalable financial infrastructure.
You will work directly with the CFO and leadership team while owning the company’s core accounting function - from financial close and reporting to systems, controls, and process improvement - in a fast-moving, growth-focused environment. A major priority for this role will be leading a company-wide ERP implementation, modernizing financial systems and creating the operational foundation needed to support continued growth. For the right candidate, this role offers significant visibility with leadership and private equity sponsors, along with a clear path to expanded leadership responsibility as the business scales.
What You’ll Do
Own the Core Accounting Function
- Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
- Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements
- Maintain and evolve the general ledger and chart of accounts
- Deliver financial reporting and analysis to leadership
Lead ERP & Financial Systems Transformation
- Serve as the internal owner of the ERP implementation
- Partner with consultants and internal stakeholders to execute the rollout
- Design scalable workflows, reporting structures, and internal controls
- Drive data migration, testing, and long-term system optimization
Manage Audit & Tax (Externally Supported)
- Serve as the primary contact for external auditors and tax advisors
- Review tax filings and provisions prepared by third-party providers
- Coordinate the annual audit process and ensure timely deliverables
Treasury & Financial Operations
- Oversee cash management, liquidity, and banking relationships
- Monitor disbursements and support working capital management
- Strengthen financial controls and operational discipline
Strategic Partnership
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
- Provide insights that help leadership drive performance and enterprise value
- Help scale the accounting function as the company grows
What We’re Looking For
Experience
- CPA required
- 8 years of accounting experience
- Big 4 background strongly preferred
- Experience in energy, infrastructure, or asset-intensive industries preferred
- Experience in a private company or PE-backed environment is a plus
Technical Strengths
- Strong command of GAAP and financial reporting
- Experience with ERP implementations or system transformations
- Familiarity managing external audit and tax providers
Leadership Style
- Hands-on and execution-oriented
- High ownership mindset
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, growth environment