Financial Controller – Shipboard Finance Operations

About the role

The Financial Controller leads all fiscal responsibilities and procedural compliance for the ship’s financial operation. You will ensure accurate exchange of financial information between shipboard finance, operations accounting, and finance administration while maintaining the integrity of payroll, cash handling, and reporting processes.

Key responsibilities

• Lead shipboard financial operations, assign duties, 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 and compliance (SOX, audits, company policies) through training and monitoring.
• Monitor budgets and forecasts, identify efficiencies, and guide departments to meet financial targets.
• Conduct audits and risk‑management activities, resolve findings proactively.
• Develop and retain the finance team through training, mentoring, and scheduling.

Required profile

• High school diploma required; degree in Hospitality, Business, Accounting or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of financial operations experience on cruise ships.
• 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 focus.
• Knowledge of HR policies, coaching and disciplinary processes.

Required skills

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook