Financial Controller – Cruise Ship

About the role

The Financial Controller leads all fiscal responsibilities and procedural compliance for a cruise ship’s financial operation. This role ensures accurate exchange of financial information between shipboard finance, operations accounting and finance administration while maintaining the integrity of payroll, cash handling, revenue and expense reporting.

Key responsibilities

• Lead shipboard financial operations, assign tasks and enforce labor‑policy compliance.
• Process crew payroll (salaries, gratuities, supplements) with zero‑error target.
• Oversee revenue and expense reporting, including Purser’s Journal and CAMEX approvals.
• Manage cash operations, safes, floats, foreign‑exchange and overall financial security.
• Enforce financial controls (SOX, audits, company policies) and drive continuous improvement.
• Monitor budgets and forecasts, identify efficiencies and guide departments to meet targets.
• Conduct audits and risk‑management activities, resolve findings proactively.
• Develop and retain the finance team through training, mentoring and recruitment support.

Required profile

• High school diploma required; degree in Hospitality, Business, Accounting or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of financial operations experience on cruise ships and 4+ years of managerial experience in hospitality or finance.
• Cash‑handling expertise (minimum 2 years) with knowledge of US currency and exchange rates.
• Strong analytical, administrative and accounting abilities with tight‑deadline performance.
• Knowledge of HR policies, coaching and disciplinary processes.

Required skills

• MS Office – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead finance on a world‑class cruise vessel.
• Dynamic multicultural team environment.
• Professional development and career progression within the maritime hospitality sector.