Accounts Payable Specialist

Company Overview At Margaritaville at Sea our core purpose is to create and deliver fun and escapism. This drives all we do and is the heart of our decision making. As a valued member of our team, you'll contribute to providing an incredible guest experience every day of each cruise and in every way. You’ll also have opportunities to advance your career as we continue to grow. Your career path with us starts here! Our Culture Joining the Margaritaville at Sea® team means embracing our Culture Essentials, which are the cornerstone values shaping our identity, principles, and actions, which are every guest, every time, act with integrity and respect, shred responsibility for the well-being of our guests, crew and community and each employee’s responsibility to ne better than the rest.. These beliefs and behaviors not only define who we are but also unite us as a team, guiding us in decision-making, fostering relationships, tackling challenges, and reaching milestones. These culture essentials propel us toward a shared vision of success, ensuring a collective effort in shaping our future. Responsibilities The Accounts Payable Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the financial operations of Margaritaville at Sea. This position is responsible for processing vendor invoices, reconciling payments, managing guest refunds, and collecting outstanding balances from customers. The AP Specialist ensures timely and accurate financial transactions while maintaining strong relationships with vendors, guests, and internal departments. This role supports both shoreside and shipboard operations and contributes to the overall efficiency and integrity of the accounting function. Essential Functions:
Invoice Processing: Receive, verify, and process vendor invoices, ensuring accuracy, proper coding, and timely approvals.
Payment Execution: Prepare and execute payments to vendors in accordance with company policies and payment schedules.
Account Reconciliation: Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies to maintain accurate financial records.
Guest Refunds : Process guest refund requests promptly and accurately, coordinating with Guest Services and Finance teams.
Chargeback Managemen t: Investigate and contest credit card chargebacks, providing supporting documentation and timely responses.
Accounts Receivable: Generate customer invoices, monitor aging reports, and follow up on outstanding balances to ensure timely collections.
Record Maintenance: Maintain organized and up-to-date records of all AP and AR transactions for audit and reporting purposes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with shipboard and shoreside departments to ensure smooth financial operations and resolve issues.
Month-End Support: Assist with month-end closing activities, including journal entries and financial reporting.
Compliance & Controls: Ensure all financial transactions comply with internal policies and external regulations. Qualifications:
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
Certification in bookkeeping or accounting (e.g., AIPB, NACPB) is a plus. Experience:
Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in accounts payable and/or accounts receivable.
Experience working with accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP).
Prior experience in hospitality, cruise, or travel industry is a plus. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong understanding of accounting principles, including accounts payable and receivable processes, reconciliation, and financial reporting.
Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP) and Microsoft Excel.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in handling financial data and documentation.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact professionally across departments and with external stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to identify and resolve discrepancies independently and maintain accurate records.
Ability to manage sensitive financial information with discretion and confidentiality.
Adaptability to changing priorities and a commitment to continuous process improvement.
Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively with both shipboard and shoreside teams. Physical Demands: Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time. Travel: No travel Work Conditions: Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential. This position is classified as “in-person,” which means the physical office in Orlando. Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience. At Margaritaville at Sea, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. We provide comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including: Health Benefits:
Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans
Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources
Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage Financial Benefits:
401(k) plan that includes a company match Paid Time Off
Holidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 10 company-wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee’s discretion.
Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the below the Director level start with 15 days/year; Director and above level have Discretionary Time Off, which for Directors is generally 15 days and for VPs and above 21 days. Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work. Other Benefits
Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends Join us and embark on a career that offers not only the chance to grow professionally but also the opportunity to be part of a fast growing company that offers opportunities for advancement. In addition to other duties/functions, this position requires full commitment and support for promoting an ethical and compliant culture. More specifically, this position requires integrity, honesty, and respectful treatment of others, as well as a willingness to speak up when they see misconduct or have concerns. Margaritaville at Sea is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of sex, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, religion, age, protected veteran status, disability status, marital status or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, federal, and/or international law.