Job Description: Accountant – Shipping & Crew Management
Position: Accountant – Shipping & Crew Management
Industry: Shipping / Marine / Crew Management
Department: Finance & Accounts
Reports To: Finance Manager / Chief Financial Officer
Location: Head Office / Marine Operations
Job Purpose
The Accountant – Shipping & Crew Management is responsible for managing accounting and financial activities related to vessel operations, crew management, payroll, supplier payments, voyage expenses, and maritime-related financial transactions. The role ensures accurate financial reporting, timely processing of crew salaries and expenses, and compliance with company policies and applicable accounting requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day accounting activities related to shipping and crew management operations.
- Maintain accurate books of accounts, ledgers, journals, and supporting documentation.
- Process accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions related to vessels, suppliers, agents, and crew.
- Prepare and process monthly crew payroll, wages, overtime, allowances, bonuses, leave pay, and other crew-related payments.
- Verify crew contracts, wage scales, attendance, joining/leaving dates, leave records, and payroll adjustments.
- Coordinate with the Crewing Department to ensure accurate and timely payroll information.
- Process crew allotments, remittances, advances, and other crew financial transactions.
- Reconcile crew payroll accounts and investigate discrepancies.
- Maintain accurate records of crew-related expenses and vessel operating costs.
- Monitor and record vessel expenses, including port costs, agency fees, provisions, repairs, supplies, bunkers, and other operational expenses.
- Review invoices and supporting documents for accuracy, approvals, and appropriate cost allocation.
- Reconcile vessel accounts, bank accounts, supplier statements, and crew accounts on a regular basis.
- Coordinate with ship agents, suppliers, crew agencies, and other maritime service providers regarding payments and outstanding balances.
- Prepare vessel-wise and voyage-wise cost reports and financial summaries.
- Monitor outstanding receivables and payables and support timely collection and settlement.
- Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing activities.
- Prepare management reports, expense analysis, cash-flow information, and financial schedules.
- Support budgeting and forecasting for vessel operations and crew costs.
- Ensure proper allocation of expenses to vessels, departments, cost centers, and voyages.
- Maintain records for audits and provide supporting documents to internal and external auditors.
- Ensure compliance with company accounting policies, applicable tax requirements, and relevant maritime financial procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality of crew salary information and company financial data.
- Identify accounting discrepancies and implement corrective actions in coordination with management.
- Support finance-related requirements for crew recruitment, repatriation, travel, medical expenses, and other crew welfare costs.
Shipping & Crew Management Expertise
The candidate should have practical knowledge of:
- Vessel operating accounts
- Crew payroll and wage administration
- Crew allotments and remittances
- Crew advances and final settlements
- Crew travel and repatriation expenses
- Vessel-wise cost accounting
- Voyage-related expenses
- Port and agency expenses
- Ship suppliers and vendor payments
- Bunker and vessel operating costs
- Maritime agency accounts
- Crew contracts and wage calculations
- Multi-currency transactions
- Bank and supplier reconciliations
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related discipline.
- Professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CMA, CPA, or equivalent is an advantage.
- 3–7 years of accounting experience, preferably within shipping, marine, vessel management, or crew management.
- Experience handling crew payroll and vessel-related accounting is highly preferred.
- Experience working with international suppliers, ship agents, and multi-currency transactions is an advantage.
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial procedures.
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and financial reporting.
- Experience with accounting ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms.
- Familiarity with maritime accounting or crew management software is preferred.
- Strong reconciliation and analytical skills.
- Good understanding of payroll processing and statutory deductions.
- Knowledge of multi-currency accounting and international payments.
Key Competencies
- Strong numerical and analytical ability.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Strong communication and coordination skills.
- Ability to handle confidential financial and payroll information.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet payroll and reporting deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving and reconciliation skills.
- Ability to coordinate effectively with Finance, Crewing, Operations, HR, suppliers, agents, and vessel personnel.
Key Performance Indicators
- Accurate and timely crew payroll processing.
- Accurate vessel and voyage cost allocation.
- Timely reconciliation of accounts and outstanding balances.
- Accurate financial reporting and month-end closing.
- Timely supplier and crew payments.
- Minimal payroll and accounting discrepancies.
- Effective control of vessel operating expenses.
- Complete and audit-ready financial documentation.
Pay: ₹35,000.00 - ₹50,000.00 per month
Work Location: In person