LEISURE - Ship Financial Controller for Azamara Cruises in London

V.Ships Leisure is looking for a Ship Controller for Azamara Cruises. The Ship Controller is responsible for supervising the financial operations onboard Azamara ships, ensuring accurate, efficient, and compliant management of financial processes for the entire vessel. This role involves the direct supervision of the Payroll Officer, responsible for crew payroll management, and the Guest Accounts Officer, who handles guest accounts and onboard financial transactions. The Inventory Managers oversee hotel procurement and inventory operations, and Marine Store Controllers oversee marine procurement and marine inventory operations, offering full cooperation and visibility to the Ship Controller for financial reporting and cost control. The Ship Controller ensures all financial activities are in compliance with policies and procedures, with a primary focus on cost control, accurate reporting, and the safeguarding of company assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages and controls all financial operations within the hotel department onboard, ensuring that processes are accurate, efficient, and compliant with company policies.
• Reviews and reconciles daily financial reports, including revenue, expenses, and cash flows.
• Ensures all financial data is entered accurately into relevant systems (Fidelio SPMS, MXP, MXP POS, ShipSure) and regularly reviews system reports for accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborates with department heads to monitor and analyse financial performance and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Oversees the Guest Accounts Officer to ensure all guest transactions, billing, adjustments, and refunds are accurately recorded and processed.
• Conducts periodic audits of guest accounts to verify accuracy, compliance, and identify discrepancies.
• Resolves any escalated issues related to guest financial transactions or disputes, providing exceptional service to maintain guest satisfaction.
• Oversees the Payroll Officer in their managing and processing of crew payroll, ensuring timely and accurate payment.
• Reviews and approves all payroll adjustments, deductions, and commissions processed accurately and in compliance with Company policies and maritime regulations.
• Conducts a final audit of the payroll files before processing and approving the sending of payroll files to V.Ships Payroll team and shoreside accounting.
• Reviews and manages the approval of all time and attendance for each department; ensuring T&A reported is accurate and in compliance with MLC policy.
• Conducts periodic physical spot checks of all Hotel inventory items ensuring compliance with MXP inventory.
• Implements and maintains internal control procedures to prevent financial mismanagement or fraud in Hotel inventory operations.
• Coordinates with the Inventory Manager to ensure timely submission of Hotel inventory financial data for monthly and annual reporting.
• Reviews and approves ships account/DA before the actual service or purchase takes place.
• Monitors the port cost invoices and enters the invoice totals in MXP ensuring they accurately match the preliminary figure, taking corrective action as required.
• Conducts regular audits of financial processes and systems, addressing any irregularities and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Provides guidance, mentorship, and training to Payroll Officers, Guest Accounts Officers, Inventory Managers, and Marine Store Controllers regarding their fiscal responsibility.
• Sets performance expectations and conducts appraisals for direct report team members to support their growth and improvement.
• Responsible for effectively managing the time and attendance of their own and direct reports work and rest hours in accordance with MLC regulations and company procedures.
• Leads by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the company’s financial and service standards.

Education/Experience/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Hospitality Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years of financial leadership experience onboard cruise ships, and shipboard operations.
• Advanced knowledge of and expertise in shipboard systems including Fidelio SPMS, MXP, MXP POS, and ShipSure systems.
• Previous experience as Crew Purser/Payroll Accountant and Guest Accounts Officer/Chief Purser/Financial Controller is a must.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively and work collaboratively across departments.
• High level of integrity and commitment to maintaining confidentiality and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Thorough understanding of onboard financial operation, guest accounts, payroll, inventory, cost, and financial leadership positions in the cruise industry.
• Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly, and cordially with guests.
• Ability to read and write English in order to understand and interpret written procedures.
• Ability to speak additional languages such as Spanish, French, or German is preferred.