Sr Billing Specialist

Cooper/Ports America LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Ports America seeks a detail-oriented Billing Specialist to join our marine accounting team, responsible for invoicing, labor and equipment charge calculations, and contract review. You will audit vessel data, reconcile operational and commercial terms, and collaborate with vessel operations managers to resolve discrepancies under tight deadlines in a small office environment.

This role supports the Controller and accounting staff across business units, requiring quick, accurate work and

Qualifications

• Billing, financial analysis, or cost accounting in maritime/logistics.
• Proficiency with Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, SUMIFS).
• Experience with TOS and ERP/accounting systems (e.g., Oracle).
• Strong numerical accuracy and detail orientation.
• Ability to resolve discrepancies and provide customer service.

Responsibilities

• Invoice Preparation: Audit vessel logs, timesheets, and terminal operating data to generate detailed, accurate invoices.
• Contract Application: Review customer contracts, rate sheets, and port tariffs to ensure correct application of commodity rates, detention/demurrage, equipment usage, and ancillary service charges. Update contracts, as needed.
• Labor Reconciliation: Verify labor hours, shift differentials, overtime, and stand‑by time against operational logs.
• Customer Service: Partner closely with vessel operations managers and client representatives to promptly resolve billing disputes and discrepancies and provide excellent customer service, as needed.
• Reporting & Analysis: Conduct monthly reconciliations, and assist finance leadership with accruals, revenue forecasting, and job‑costing variance analysis.
• Research and resolve billing or accounting related problems and discrepancies.

Skills

Billing experience

Maritime industry

Excel proficiency

Data reconciliation

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Associates degree in Accounting, Finance, Logistics, or equivalent work experience

Tools

TOS

Oracle ERP

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Billing Specialist to join our marine accounting team. As a Billing Specialist, you will play a critical role in the revenue cycle of our port operations. You will be responsible for reviewing daily vessel operational reports, calculating complex labor and equipment charges, auditing stevedoring contracts, and generating accurate, timely invoices for shipping lines and cargo owners. The ideal candidate possesses strong numerical acumen, experience in maritime/logistics billing, and the ability to reconcile operational data with commercial agreements. This highly visible position supports the Controller, accounting staff, and key operational leaders of various business units. The position requires the ability and drive to provide high quality, accurate, work products within tight timeframes. The ideal candidate will appreciate working in a small office environment and should be a flexible team-player with a desire to thoroughly engage and grow with the business.

• Invoice Preparation: Audit vessel logs, timesheets, and terminal operating data to generate detailed, accurate invoices.
• Contract Application: Review customer contracts, rate sheets, and port tariffs to ensure correct application of commodity rates, detention/demurrage, equipment usage, and ancillary service charges. Update contracts, as needed.
• Labor Reconciliation: Verify labor hours, shift differentials, overtime, and stand‑by time against operational logs.
• Customer Service: Partner closely with vessel operations managers and client representatives to promptly resolve billing disputes and discrepancies and provide excellent customer service, as needed.
• Reporting & Analysis: Conduct monthly reconciliations, and assist finance leadership with accruals, revenue forecasting, and job‑costing variance analysis.
• Research and resolve billing or accounting related problems and discrepancies.

Working Conditions:

In‑person, small office environment, M‑F 8-5

• Associates degree in Accounting, Finance, Logistics, or equivalent work experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience in billing, financial analysis, or cost accounting within the maritime, stevedoring, freight forwarding, or logistics industry (strongly preferred).
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, SUMIFS).
• Experience with Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) and ERP/accounting systems (e.g., Oracle High attention to detail and ability to work with large datasets.
• Understanding of maritime terminology, demurrage, laytime, and cargo handling operations. Excellent communication skills to interact professionally with operations teams, port authorities, and global shipping agents.
• Ability to work accurately under very tight timeframes
• Strong analytical skills to identify and resolve discrepancies
• Excellent interpersonal skills to properly interact with supporting staff and leadership
• Navigates effectively in a changing environment where competing priorities require flexibility and agility

NOTE:

Compensation & Benefits:

Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, and geographic location. Eligible employees may receive a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, paid time off, paid holidays, and other company‑sponsored benefits. Additional incentive compensation may be available based on the position.

This job description is not intended to be all‑inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Ports America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Work Authorization:

This position does not offer employment‑based immigration sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Applicant Privacy:

For additional information regarding how Ports America collects, uses, and protects applicant information, please review our Applicant Privacy Notice. Questions regarding the handling or protection of applicant data may be directed to [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.