Why energy companies need a specialized CFO
- Cash swings with commodity cycles. Activity can drop fast when prices fall, so cash forecasting and lender relationships matter more than in steadier industries.
- Customers pay slowly. Long payment terms from large operators mean receivables tie up cash, and working capital management becomes a core job.
- Equipment-heavy balance sheets. Equipment financing, utilization and maintenance capex decisions drive returns.
- Job and well-level profitability. Knowing which crews, jobs and customers make money requires good job costing.
- Deals. The Houston energy market sees steady consolidation, so sale and acquisition readiness is a common engagement.
Questions to ask a CFO candidate
- Which parts of the energy sector have you worked in: upstream, oilfield services, midstream, or industrial and downstream?
- How have you managed cash through a downturn?
- Have you worked with reserve-based or equipment lending?
- Have you prepared a company for sale or due diligence?
Houston fractional CFOs with energy experience
Clear Financial Solutions
Steven M. Plumb, CPA
Houston (Post Oak)
Contract CFO work for companies facing SEC reporting, IPO or SPAC readiness, M&A, capital raising, and private equity exit preparation.
Laverton Advisory
Derek Hammock, CPA
Houston
Fractional CFO for owner-operators doing $2M to $15M, built by a Big Four-trained CPA.
Engagements listed from $6,000/month
The Energy CFO
Paula Waggoner-Aguilar, CPA
Houston (headquartered in San Antonio)
Fractional CFO, outsourced FP&A and board advisory for oil and gas, oilfield products, energy service, midstream, LNG and renewable energy companies.
"Not yet verified" profiles were built from each firm's own website. FractPros has not yet confirmed experience, credentials or availability with the firm. A profile shows Verified only after the CFO claims it and passes our review. See all Houston profiles.