Capital & Technical Accounting Manager

Overview

Awarded World’s Best Small Ship Cruise line, Windstar Cruises is known for intimate yacht style experience and unique voyages to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbors. Its three sailing yachts and three all-suite yachts carry just 148 to 342 guests and cruise around the world.

Our Mission: We imagine and deliver personalized and immersive experiences 180 degrees from ordinary

Our Vision: Enriching people’s perspective through inspired travel

Our Values: Welcoming, Innovative, Now, Discipline, Serve, Teamwork, Authentic, Responsible

The Capital & Technical Accounting Manager is responsible for the management of the capital & marine technical financial environment.  This includes oversight of the capital expenditures process including preparation/review of the annual capital budget, tracking and reporting on progress of capital expenditures and ultimately ensuring appropriate closure of completed capital projects.  The scope of responsibilities for this position will extend to all departments impacted by capital and drydock expenditures including Marine Technical, Hotel Operations, and IT.   In addition, this position will be the primary liaison with the Corporate Fixed Assets Supervisor.

This position will also be responsible for planning and executing the financial oversight process to control financial operations over ship Drydocks including tracking of Drydock expenses vs. budget at a granular level.

This role will also be responsible for financial oversight of Marine Repairs & Maintenance (“R&M”) expenses including review of the related annual budget, update of monthly forecast, and reporting on monthly results.

Responsibilities

• Manages the financial aspect of the company’s Capital Expenditure Process including:
• Manage the submission and approval of the annual capital budget consolidated from all departments.
• Supervise the opening of approved capital projects and tracking their costs vs. budget.
• Analyze project costs and work closely with project managers to mitigate overspends and identify savings.
• Provide continuous guidance to project managers and operations on how to evaluate expenditures between Capital vs. Operating.
• Ensure all costs related to a capital project are recorded by year end with focus on any required accruals and carryover of funds into the following year.
• Ensure all completed projects during year end are formally closed timely and all related costs are accounted for.
• Provide monthly reporting to Windstar senior management and Corporate Regional Controller on progress of projects and funding.
• Work closely with Corporate Fixed Assets Supervisor to ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
• Reviews CEA opening and closure forms for appropriate submission to Corporate.

• Manages the financial aspect of the company’s Drydock, technical and R&M operations including:
• Plan the financial controls and procedures to be followed before, during, and after the Drydock.
• Track Drydock expenses vs. budget and understand/explain variances.
• Review expenditures for potential capital classification and communicates any adjustments/changes
• Provide onsite financial guidance during the Drydock to technical personnel or others as relevant.
• Assist in reconciling shipyard invoices/contract vs. budgeted Drydock expenditures and capital projects.
• Collaborate with Technical Operations on analyzing annual Drydock budget and required forecast updates.
• Ensure timely and accurate closure of Drydocks making sure all costs are accounted for either through actuals or accruals.
• Review R&M budget and expenditures to identify potential classification issues (CapEx vs. OpEx).

• General Responsibilities:
• Participates in the month-end closing process as directed.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to travel to Drydocks for duration of the project.

Qualifications

• Accounting degree required, CPA a plus.
• Cruise or meritime industry experience.
• 7 to 10 years of progressive management experience.
• Direct experience in Fixed Asset accounting.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP specifically around accounting for capital projects vs. operating expenses.
• Experience with project management preferred.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Motivational, organizational, and time management skills.
• Strong experience with Excel & MS Office.

BENEFITS: For full-time employees, Windstar offers a comprehensive benefits package including:  Medical, Dental & Vision; HSA & FSA; Life & Disability; Accident, Hospital & Critical Illness; Pet Insurance; Vacation, Sick Time and paid Holidays; 401(k) with Company Match; Employee Assistance Plan; Education Assistance and Employee Discounts & Travel Deals.

EEO: Windstar is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.