Finance Specialist

At Cruise Academy, we don’t just teach it - we’ve lived it. Founded in 2017 by seafarers for seafarers, we specialize in maritime training and shipboard recruitment for the global cruise industry.

We tell it like it is - the good, the bad, and the downright exhausting. No sugarcoating, no sales pitch - just real, honest insights from those who’ve been there. Because you deserve to know exactly what to expect before stepping onboard.

We are MLC Certified and proudly audited and approved by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, ensuring the highest standards in training, recruitment, and compliance.

If you're serious about a career at sea, we’ll get you there - the right way.

Position Summary

The Finance Specialist plays a vital role in supporting financial operations, ensuring compliance with financial policies, and maintaining accurate financial records. This role involves auditing, managing transactions, handling payroll functions, and assisting with inventory management. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to financial accuracy and compliance in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assist with audits to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
2. Ensure adherence to financial controls and HESS protocols.
3. Conduct inventory audits in collaboration with the Inventory Manager, investigating variances and ensuring accurate reporting.
4. Perform spot checks of physical inventory across various onboard locations, including bars and storerooms.
5. Manage daily gratuity postings and batch authorizations for credit card transactions.
6. Resolve outstanding guest balances promptly, ensuring timely payment processing.
7. Handle credit card processing, including manual authorizations when necessary.
8. Oversee foreign exchange transactions and maintain accurate cash float balancing.
9. Assist in payroll management, teammate pay card functions, and reimbursement processing.
10. Serve as Crew Club Treasurer, maintaining Crew Welfare ledger records.
11. Manage travel expenses, cash advances for European crew, and CAPS payments for secondary jobs.
12. Work with the Inventory Manager to conduct physical inventory checks and update inventory records.
13. Ensure inventory counts are accurate and assist with processing daily Point of Sale (POS) files.
14. Monitor guest accounts, addressing outstanding balances, declined credit card transactions, and cash deposits.
15. Resolve financial disputes and guest inquiries, ensuring clarity and satisfaction.
16. Support onboard hotel teams and participate in officer visibility events.
17. Assist in administering Special Services programs and balancing Gifts & Services vouchers.
18. Ensure strict adherence to financial policies, SOPs, and regulatory standards.
19. Foster a positive and collaborative environment within the finance department and across departments.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

1. Proven experience in finance or accounting, with strong auditing and financial control knowledge (A minimum of 12 months' full-time professional work experience).
2. Ability to handle financial transactions with precision, including cash management and reconciliation.
3. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
4. Exceptional accuracy when managing cash handling, credit card transactions, and financial records.
5. Demonstrated ability to resolve financial discrepancies and guest financial issues with professionalism and empathy.
6. Strong communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders.
7. Familiarity with inventory management and Point of Sale (POS) systems is a plus.
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial data with integrity.