In order to become an accountant on a cruise line, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. This is the minimum requirement for entry into this field. Many accountants and auditors choose to obtain certification to help advance their careers, such as becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). You will have to work for several years or more in the industry before being promoted to senior staff accountant. The next step up is accounting manager.
All accounting positions, including senior staff accounting positions, are onshore. This means accounting professionals typically work in the main office with administrative/clerical personnel as well as air operations employees, marketing & public relations workers and reservation and salespersons. *Accountants typically earn an average of $51,000-$61,000+ per year.
When you are ready to apply for a senior staff accountant position, create a list of cruise lines you are interested in. Next, locate the cruise lines’ OFFICIAL website. Visit the Ships and Cruises Directory for official listings. Once you have located the site, visit the website and search around for job postings. Most cruise line websites have a career center or job postings page. If the cruise line lists job openings, be sure to follow the application procedure to the letter. Applicants that do not follow directions are typically passed over in favor of those that do.
If the cruise line does not list job openings on its site, send a polished cover letter and resume to the cruise lines Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department is typically located at the cruise lines headquarters. This information is usually listed on the cruise line website. It is important to include the position you are interested in so that it can be directed to the appropriate department manager.
For more information about jobs on cruise ships visit Cruise Ship Jobs online. Here, you can download the 2010 cruise ship employment guide; you can read through cruise line profiles; you can find out which ships are hiring and for what positions — and you can even apply for a cruise ship job right online. Please note that this website charges a fee. You can apply for a job on your own, free of charge, sign up with a placement agency, or use Cruise Ship Jobs’ service.
Cruise Ship Job Perks
Even onshore employees receive some of the same perks as employees working at sea. Onshore cruise ship employees may receive free or discounted travel to exciting destinations, and free or discounted accommodations and meals while onboard. Senior staff accountants also receive health insurance and retirement benefits.
*Source: United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH), www.bls.gov.