Controllers Financial Analyst

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for a Controllers Financial Analyst.

Company Overview:

• Our client is a large, well established U.S. refining and energy supply organization with multiple refineries, terminals, pipelines, and related infrastructure assets across the United States
• The company operates a significant crude refining footprint and employs several thousand professionals across refining, supply and trading, commercial, and corporate functions
• The organization is known for its strong operational discipline, long term stability, and commitment to values such as safety, integrity, accountability, and collaboration
• The company continues to invest in modern technology platforms, including enterprise ETRM systems, to enhance data driven decision making, risk management, and financial analytics across the business

Role Summary:

• Controllers Financial Analyst – Terminals Accounting
• Department: Controllers – Terminals Accounting
• Location: Houston, TX (On-site at Corporate Headquarters)
• Team Scope: Join a highly collaborative accounting and operations-focused team responsible for maintaining inventory integrity and financial accuracy across the client’s Supply & Distribution network
• Primary Focus: Lead complex inventory accounting and reconciliation activities, ensure accurate financial reporting, support month-end close processes, analyze inventory discrepancies, and partner with operations to maintain the integrity of refined products inventory across terminals, pipelines, and in-transit locations

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee inventory volume reconciliations prepared by terminal inventory analysts, ensuring compliance with required reconciliation deadlines and inventory accuracy standards
• Review and analyze complex book-to-physical inventory reconciliations, investigate discrepancies, and drive timely resolution of outstanding inventory differences
• Ensure all material inventory variances are properly documented, researched, and resolved within established timelines
• Provide mentorship, training, and secondary review support to terminal inventory analysts while promoting best practices across the accounting team
• Assist in the implementation, testing, and optimization of new inventory systems, reconciliation tools, and accounting processes
• Support month-end close activities by reviewing accounting transactions, journal entries, accruals, and inventory-related financial activity
• Utilize GAAP principles and business knowledge to analyze general ledger reconciliations and identify required corrections or accounting adjustments
• Monitor and validate inventory data within SAP and RightAngle, ensuring the completeness and accuracy of inventory records before financial close
• Research negative inventory balances, rack summary differences, miscellaneous adjustments, and inventory over/short positions to ensure proper accounting treatment
• Prepare inventory and financial reports for Supply, Financial Reporting, Internal Controls, Compliance, Business Development, and other key stakeholders
• Collaborate with Operations teams to investigate inventory discrepancies across company-owned and third-party terminals, pipelines, and in-transit locations
• Assess the financial statement impact of inventory variances and recommend corrective actions to minimize financial exposure and operational risk
• Maintain oversight of open reconciliation items and support analysts in resolving complex inventory issues in a timely manner
• Serve as a key accounting resource within the Controller’s organization while supporting audit requests and cross-functional initiatives
• Provide backup support for the Terminal & Pipeline Accounting Supervisor and Pipeline Financial Analyst as needed

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree required in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related discipline
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting requirements, including US GAAP
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data, investigate discrepancies, and independently resolve complex reconciliation issues
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement corrective actions
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, filtering, and data analysis functionality
• Experience supporting month-end close, general ledger reconciliations, accruals, and financial reporting activities preferred
• Experience working with inventory accounting, supply chain accounting, or operational accounting environments is highly desirable
• At least 2+ years of experience utilizing SAP, RightAngle, or similar ERP/ETRM systems preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively with both accounting and operational stakeholders across multiple business functions
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter capable of working independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment
• High attention to detail and commitment to maintaining financial accuracy and data integrity

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive base salary ranging from $85,000-$100,000 + 10% Bonus
• Opportunity to work within a highly visible accounting function supporting critical supply chain and inventory operations
• Direct exposure to senior accounting leadership and cross-functional business partners
• Valuable experience working within one of the largest refined fuels organizations in North America
• Long-term career growth opportunities within Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain Finance, Operations Finance, and Leadership pathways
• Stable and established organization with significant operational scale and industry presence

Selling Points

• Unique opportunity to gain direct exposure to the refined fuels supply chain and understand how products move from production through distribution and sale
• Highly visible role that combines accounting, financial analysis, operations, and supply chain exposure
• Opportunity to partner closely with Operations, Supply, Financial Reporting, Compliance, and Business Development teams
• Develop deep expertise in inventory accounting, logistics, distribution networks, and commercial fuel transactions
• Gain hands-on experience with industry-leading systems including SAP and RightAngle within a complex operational environment
• Strong foundation for long-term career growth in accounting, finance, supply chain, trading support, or operations leadership roles
• Ideal opportunity for a detail-oriented accounting professional seeking greater business exposure, ownership, and industry specialization within the energy sector
• Opportunity to become a recognized subject matter expert in refined fuels inventory accounting and operational finance processes

SE #510806014