Senior Accountant (Revenue, Voyage Cost & Vessel OPEX Forensic Analyst)

Job Description:

GMS is looking to hire a highly analytical and detail-oriented Senior Accountant (Revenue, Voyage Cost & Vessel OPEX Forensic Analyst) to join our finance team. This role bridges accounting, operational finance, and forensic analysis ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and cost efficiency of voyage and vessel-level financials. The position focuses on revenue recognition, voyage cost review, vessel OPEX control, and forensic auditing of vessel expenditures, working closely with operations, technical management, and external agents.

Key Responsibilities:

Voyage & Port Cost Analysis

• Review and validate Proforma Disbursement Accounts (PDAs) and Final Disbursement Accounts (FDAs) submitted by port agents.
• Analyze port tariffs, agent quotations, and cargo handling charges, ensuring alignment with charter party (CP) terms and contractual provisions.
• Estimate port dues and turnaround costs based on vessel type, size, and expected port time.
• Identify cost anomalies, inflated charges, or double billing and engage with agents for clarification or refund.
• Maintain a voyage cost control database, ensuring transparency by vessel, voyage, and counterparty.
• Conduct variance analyses comparing actual voyage costs to budgets and historical trends.
• Liaise with port authorities, agents, and operators to resolve billing discrepancies and operational cost disputes.

Vessel Operating Expense (OPEX) Control & Forensic Audit

• Perform monthly and quarterly OPEX reviews for assigned vessels, focusing on repairs, spares, lubes, stores, consumables, and travel costs.
• Conduct forensic audits of vessel operating expenditures to detect irregularities, fraudulent activities, or policy non-compliance.
• Investigate suspected cost manipulation, vendor collusion, or improper approvals, documenting findings and recommending corrective actions.
• Benchmark vessel OPEX across the fleet and identify vessels exhibiting chronic overruns or abnormal expense patterns.
• Collaborate with technical and procurement teams to improve vendor control, PO discipline, and cost transparency.
• Contribute to the development of fraud detection dashboards and red-flag analytics using DANAOS, Power BI, and Excel-based models.
• Participate in annual vessel budgeting, validating assumptions and reconciling with prior-year performance and known technical issues.
• Support management reviews and special audits involving vessel performance, agent practices, or procurement transactions.

Accounting & Finance

• Ensure accurate revenue recognition in compliance with IFRS and company policies.
• Review charter party terms, hire statements, demurrage/dispatch settlements, and voyage closing files.
• Prepare and post journal entries for voyage revenues and costs, ensuring correct period cut-offs.
• Maintain integrity of GL accounts related to voyage and OPEX transactions.
• Support monthly and annual financial closing, ensuring completeness and accuracy of accruals.
• Develop and maintain forecasting models and management dashboards on revenue, voyage margins, and vessel cost efficiency.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors during statutory, tax, or special purpose audits.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement in cost accounting and reporting workflows.

General Duties

• Perform ad hoc financial analysis or projects as required
• Take on additional tasks as delegated by the Finance leadership team

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Maritime Studies (CPA, CA, or ACCA preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of accounting experience, with at least 2 years in maritime or shipping.
• Demonstrated experience in vessel OPEX control, cost variance analysis, and forensic auditing.
• Exposure to fraud detection, internal investigations, or forensic accounting engagements preferred.
• Strong knowledge of charter party terms, voyage accounting principles, and technical cost structures.
• Advanced proficiency in DANAOS, Power BI, and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in finance, operations, and technical management.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic work environment in the global maritime industry
• Opportunity to work on complex international revenue structures
• Collaborative culture and exposure to senior leadership
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

Company Websites: GMS | Lila Global