Position Description
Position Title: Financial Controller
Reports To: Hotel Director
Direct Reports: Inventory Manager
Administration Purser – Payroll and T&A Apprentice Purser
Administration Purser – Documentation
Administration Purser – Guest Accounts
Position Summary
This position is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the ship’s overall financial reporting
including, but not limited to, cash, credit card transactions, inventory, phone cards, money orders, wire
transfer systems, and payroll. This position must fully understand the financial controls set forth in the
SQM for all positions having control over company asset and audit each area according to SQM
procedures to provide assurance that the system is operational. The Financial Controller oversees the
Celebrity Family Purser, Administration Purser-Payroll and T&A, Administration Purser-Documentation,
Administration Purser-Guest Accounts, Night Auditor and Apprentice Purser, and maintain the integrity
of SQM.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
To support Celebrity Cruises’ mission of sustaining “the world’s ultimate premium cruise line with a
taste of luxury,” all duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with Celebrity Cruises’
Pillars of Safety, Service and Style, ISM/ISO and SQM standards, USPH guidelines, and environmental
regulations.
Each shipboard employee may be required to perform all functions in various service venues and
throughout the ship.
1. In accordance with Celebrity Cruises’ Pillars of Safety, Service and Style, as well as through
Celebrity Connections, each employee conducts oneself in a professional and courteous manner at
all times. This consists of physical and verbal interactions with guests or fellow shipboard
employees and/or in the presence of guest contact and Celebrity Family Member (CFM) areas.
2. Manages the Guest Bank operation including, but not limited to, responsible for exchanging
currency, cashing Traveler’s Checks, collecting guest cash, and issuing promissory notes.
3. Directs, coaches, supports, supervises and evaluates, the performance of all Pursers and the Night
Auditor.
4. Supervises the preparation and distribution of payroll, which is then administered by the
Administrative Purser – Payroll and T&A.
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5. Receives and distributes Independent Contractor Company (Guest Entertainers) checks.
6. Acts as ship’s representative in resolving credit card decline and onboard charge disputes by
communicating required action by the Administration Purser-Guest Accounts.
7. Reports all shipboard transactions via the Purser’s Journal (Revenues, Expenses, Cash Receipts,
Cash Disbursements, Credit Card Transactions, Concessionaire Settlements, CFM Transactions, etc.)
8. Determines the ship’s cash order requirements in conjunction with the Hotel Director, receives and
verifies all cash deliveries to the ship, and reconciles the main safe cash to the Purser’s Journal.
9. Administers CFM and business partner onboard account collections (including bar and gift shop
bills, shoe and uniform collection).
10. Reviews Bingo Pay Out worksheets.
11. Reconciles the number of shore excursion tickets sold to vendors’ invoices upon payment (excluding
Alaska and Europe).
12. Prepares “Business Partner Settlement” reports and obtains approval from each Business Partner
before rendering payment.
13. Submits to Shoreside Accounting the final spreadsheet for the monies collected through the “Crew
Wire Transfer” program.
14. Facilitates shore side audits and provides feedback to the Hotel Director for management responses
on all relevant findings.
15. Facilitates a monthly Financial Review meeting with the onboard Steering Committee in accordance
with SQM procedures.
16. Understands the Safety & Quality Management Program and his/her responsibilities in the Safety
Organization according to the Emergency Plan and Station Bill. Must be available, capable and
ready to act in the event of an emergency.
17. Is aware of and/or acquires the necessary knowledge to comply with the ship’s standard operation in
order to assist guests and CFMs with inquiries.
18. Attends meetings, training activities, courses and all other work-related activities as required.
19. Performs related duties as required. This position description in no way states or implies that these
are the only duties to be performed by the shipboard employee occupying this position. Shipboard
employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor or
management.
Financial Responsibilities
Financial responsibilities for budget, expenses and/or achievement of revenue targets.
This position is responsible for supporting the financial accounting aspects of all shipboard activities.
Responsible to track, monitor and reconcile all cash and credit card transactions. Prepares a
variety of financial reports utilizing personal computer system and equipment.
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Motivational Responsibilities
People management responsibilities to ensure optimal performance of the function.
Monitors and supervises the job performance of the Pursers and Night Auditor. Monitors the
assignment of their duties and responsibilities. Observes and evaluates Pursers and the Night Auditor
and their work procedures to ensure quality standards and service are met. Makes recommendations
regarding personnel actions such as new hire requests and discharges, to ensure adequate and
continuous staffing. Inspects workstations, work areas, equipment, etc. to ensure efficient service and
conformance to Celebrity standards of service and style.
Mentors, develops and provides on-the-job training to Pursers and the Night Auditor to strengthen
their current performance and preparation for future advancement.
Qualifications
Minimum hiring, language and physical requirements to perform the job.
Hiring Requirements:
Minimum of two years experience in an upscale hotel, resort or cruise ship.
Superior customer service, teambuilding and conflict resolution skills.
Very strong management skills in a multicultural and dynamic environment.
Very strong communication, problem solving, decision making, and interpersonal skills.
Intermediate computer software skills required.
Strong understanding of basic accounting principles such as numbering flow “Debits/Credits”,
adjusting and correcting entries.
Completion of high school or basic education equivalency required.
Internal Candidate Requirements:
In addition to the stated hiring requirements, internal candidates are required to fulfill the following:
Completion of two contracts as Apprentice Purser and one contract each as: Administration Purser-
Guest Accounts, Administration Purser-Documentation, Celebrity Family Purser, and Front Office
Supervisor and one contract as Inventory Officer (optional), with a performance rating of satisfactory
or above along with demonstrated leadership skills.
Language Requirements:
Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly and cordially with guests.
Ability to read and write English in order to understand and interpret written procedures. This
includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms and to effectively
present information and respond to questions from guests, supervisors and co-workers.
Ability to speak additional languages such as Spanish, French or German preferred.
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands
to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee
must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job
include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to
adjust focus.
All shipboard employees must be physically able to participate in emergency life saving procedures
and drills. Full use and range of arms and legs as well as full visual, verbal and hearing abilities are
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required to receive and give instructions in the event of an emergency including the lowering of
lifeboats. Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Prepared by: Gerry Logan & Antony Papageorgiou Date: 2nd Draft 01/09/04
Approved by: Jacques Wulffaert Effective Date:
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