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 four all-suite yachts carry just 148 to 342 guests and cruise around the world. Our mission is to imagine and deliver personalized and immersive experiences 180 degrees from ordinary. We enrich people’s perspective through inspired travel.

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

Job Summary:
The Senior Manager, General Ledger Accounting is responsible for owning the integrity, accuracy, and governance of the company’s general ledger and financial reporting processes.  This role provides strategic oversight of the month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close; balance sheet integrity; internal controls; and compliance with U.S. GAAP.

As a senior leader within Finance, this position serves as a key advisor to finance leadership and cross‑functional partners on accounting matters, complex transactions, process improvements, and financial risks.  The Senior Manager leads and develops the general ledger accounting team while ensuring scalable, well‑controlled accounting operations in a dynamic cruise line environment.

Financial Close & General Ledger Ownership

• Own and govern the month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to internal and corporate deadlines.
• Review and approve non-revenue related journal entries, accruals, estimates, and adjustments.
• Ensure all general ledger activity is complete, properly supported, and recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Balance Sheet Integrity & Reconciliations

• Own balance sheet governance, including ensuring all accounts not already covered under the Revenue Accounting department are reconciled timely and reconciling items are appropriately investigated and resolved.
• Review high‑risk and judgmental reconciliations and ensure consistency in methodology and documentation.
• Maintain strong linkage between subledgers and the general ledger and resolve discrepancies.

Technical Accounting & Policy Leadership

• Serve as the primary technical accounting resource for the organization.
• Interpret and apply U.S. GAAP to routine and non‑routine transactions.
• Prepare and review accounting position memos for complex or unusual transactions.
• Own and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation standards.
• Partner with finance leadership on the accounting implications of strategic initiatives.

Audit & Compliance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external and internal auditors for general ledger and balance sheet matters.
• Lead audit planning, coordination, and execution, including preparation of audit schedules and responses.
• Ensure audit readiness throughout the year and drive resolution of audit findings.
• Ensure compliance with internal control policies and Corporate control frameworks as applicable.

Financial Analysis & Business Partnership

• Analyze financial results and balance sheet movements to identify trends, risks, and anomalies.
• Prepare monthly EBITDA Reconciliation and partner with operational and administrative leaders to explain financial results and provide insight into cost drivers, operational performance, and risks.
• Act as a trusted finance partner by translating accounting data into clear, actionable insights for management.

Systems, Process Improvement & Scalability

• Serve as a finance lead for ERP (Infor) and accounting system enhancements.
• Identify, prioritize, and lead process improvements that strengthen controls, improve efficiency, and enhance reporting quality.
• Ensure accounting processes are scalable and support business growth and operational complexity.
• Champion automation and standardization initiatives within Accounting.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the general ledger accounting team (currently a staff of five) in line with Windstar’s Lead180 standards.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability.
• Build bench strength and succession plans within the Accounting function.
• Foster a culture of accuracy, ownership, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Communication & Leadership

• Communicate proactively with finance leadership regarding financial close status, risks, and emerging issues.
• Provide clear guidance and direction to the accounting team during high‑pressure close cycles.
• Represent Accounting in cross‑functional discussions with confidence and clarity.

• B.S. in Accounting / Finance or related field
• CPA strongly preferred
• 8–12 years of progressive accounting experience, including significant general ledger and close ownership
• Demonstrated experience leading month‑end close, balance sheet governance, and audits.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and technical accounting concepts.
• Prior experience in travel, hospitality, cruise, or similarly complex, multi‑entity environments preferred.
• ERP experience required (Infor strongly preferred).
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing accounting professionals.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment

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.