Senior Accounts Officer - Corporate (Qualified CA)

Job description

As a Senior Accounts Officer at BSM , you will manage accounting records, general ledger activities, financial reporting and statutory compliance for BSM and assigned vessels. The role ensures accurate and timely processing of financial transactions in accordance with accounting standards, company policies, ship management agreements and owners’ requirements. Key Responsibilities Manage accounting transactions for assigned vessels, including invoices, expenses, payments, payroll, accruals, journals and reconciliations. Maintain accurate general ledger accounts and supporting documentation, ensuring compliance with company procedures, applicable accounting legislation and international accounting standards. Review and approve accounting entries and supporting documentation within delegated authority, escalating discrepancies and unusual transactions to the Chief Accountant or Supervisor. Prepare and submit periodic financial reports for assigned vessels, including management accounts, balance sheet schedules, cash flow information and analytical cost reports. Review actual vessel costs against approved budgets, investigate variances and provide timely explanations and recommendations to relevant stakeholders. Prepare and issue client invoices in accordance with contractual agreements and obtain the required approvals before submission. Monitor accounts receivable and the timely settlement of client invoices, follow up on outstanding balances and report discrepancies or potential delays. Raise intercompany invoices and perform regular intercompany balance reconciliations, investigating and resolving differences promptly. Coordinate and process approved payments for assigned vessels, ensuring accurate coding, appropriate authorisation and timely settlement. Monitor the financial position and cash requirements of assigned vessels and communicate relevant information to vessel senior officers, ship owners, clients and internal stakeholders. Maintain management accounting systems and ensure that cost, revenue and financial information is complete, accurate and up to date. Provide financial data and analysis to support management reporting, forecasting, budgeting and operational decision-making. Review ship management agreements, crew wage scales and contracted agent tariffs to support accurate billing and payment processing. Keep up to date with changes in accounting legislation, maritime finance requirements and company procedures, recommending improvements where appropriate. Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, reconciliations and supporting documentation and responding to audit queries in a timely manner. Provide guidance to less experienced colleagues and contribute to the continuous improvement of accounting processes and controls. Qualifications & Experience University degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or an equivalent relevant discipline. Professional accounting qualification or progress towards one is desirable. 5+ years of relevant accounting experience, ideally within ship management, maritime services or a similar international industry. Experience managing vessel accounts, general ledger activities, financial reporting, invoicing and reconciliations is advantageous. Experience supporting internal and external audits and working with budgets and cost variance analysis. Skills & Competencies Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles, general ledger management and management reporting. Ability to analyse financial data, investigate variances and prepare accurate reports and reconciliations. Excellent attention to detail, numerical accuracy and organisational skills. Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and work independently. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with vessel, client and shore-based teams. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial accounting systems; experience with maritime or ERP accounting software is desirable. Sound understanding of accounting controls, audit requirements and applicable legislation. Professional integrity and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues. Fluency in English. Why You Should Join Us! We offer a supportive environment, competitive compensation, and meaningful opportunities. By joining us, you will enjoy: Career development and opportunities within ship management and maritime finance Technical and soft skills training Comprehensive health insurance coverage Annual performance bonus Exposure to international clients, vessels and a diverse workforce Flexible opportunities for career progression within the Schulte Group family BSM Working with Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) means partnering with one of the world’s leading third-party ship managers. At BSM, success is built on teamwork. With a diverse, multinational team, we collaborate to drive innovation and set industry standards. Looking for a dynamic career and global opportunities? Then join the BSM family. We’re looking forward to meeting you! Equal Opportunity BSM is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion or any other protected characteristic. unting records, general ledger activities, financial reporting and statutory compliance for BSM and assigned vessels. The role will ensure accurate and timely processing of financial transactions in accordance with accounting standards, company policies, ship management agreements and owners’ requirements. Key Responsibilities Manage accounting transactions for assigned vessels, including invoices, expenses, payments, payroll, accruals, journals and reconciliations. Maintain accurate general ledger accounts and supporting documentation, ensuring compliance with company procedures, applicable accounting legislation and international accounting standards. Review and approve accounting entries and supporting documentation within delegated authority, escalating discrepancies and unusual transactions to the Chief Accountant or Supervisor. Prepare and submit periodic financial reports for assigned vessels, including management accounts, balance sheet schedules, cash flow information and analytical cost reports. Review actual vessel costs against approved budgets, investigate variances and provide timely explanations and recommendations to relevant stakeholders. Prepare and issue client invoices in accordance with contractual agreements and obtain the required approvals before submission. Monitor accounts receivable and the timely settlement of client invoices, follow up on outstanding balances and report discrepancies or potential delays. Raise intercompany invoices and perform regular intercompany balance reconciliations, investigating and resolving differences promptly. Coordinate and process approved payments for assigned vessels, ensuring accurate coding, appropriate authorisation and timely settlement. Monitor the financial position and cash requirements of assigned vessels and communicate relevant information to vessel senior officers, ship owners, clients and internal stakeholders. Maintain management accounting systems and ensure that cost, revenue and financial information is complete, accurate and up to date. Provide financial data and analysis to support management reporting, forecasting, budgeting and operational decision-making. Review ship management agreements, crew wage scales and contracted agent tariffs to support accurate billing and payment processing. Keep up to date with changes in accounting legislation, maritime finance requirements and company procedures, recommending improvements where appropriate. Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, reconciliations and supporting documentation and responding to audit queries in a timely manner. Provide guidance to less experienced colleagues and contribute to the continuous improvement of accounting processes and controls. Qualifications & Experience University degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or an equivalent relevant discipline. Professional accounting qualification or progress towards one is desirable. 5+ years of relevant accounting experience, ideally within ship management, maritime services or a similar international industry. Experience managing vessel accounts, general ledger activities, financial reporting, invoicing and reconciliations is advantageous. Experience supporting internal and external audits and working with budgets and cost variance analysis. Skills & Competencies Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles, general ledger management and management reporting. Ability to analyse financial data, investigate variances and prepare accurate reports and reconciliations. Excellent attention to detail, numerical accuracy and organisational skills. Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and work independently. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with vessel, client and shore-based teams. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial accounting systems; experience with maritime or ERP accounting software is desirable. Sound understanding of accounting controls, audit requirements and applicable legislation. Professional integrity and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues. Fluency in English. Why You Should Join Us! We offer a supportive environment, competitive compensation, and meaningful opportunities. By joining us, you will enjoy: Career development and opportunities within ship management and maritime finance Technical and soft skills training Comprehensive health insurance coverage Annual performance bonus Exposure to international clients, vessels and a diverse workforce Flexible opportunities for career progression within the Schulte Group family BSM Working with Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) means partnering with one of the world’s leading third-party ship managers. At BSM, success is built on teamwork. With a diverse, multinational team, we collaborate to drive innovation and set industry standards. Looking for a dynamic career and global opportunities? Then join the BSM family. We’re looking forward to meeting you! Equal Opportunity BSM is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion or any other protected characteristic.