Operations Accountant

Job title: Operations Accountant

Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.

About this role

The Operations Accountant compiles, processes and maintains accounts payable and receivables records. Work along side our other Finance team members on board to keep

What you will contribute

Payables

• Reviews all invoices expense reports for appropriate documentation and approval prior to payment
• Charges expenses to GLs, departments, and programs by analyzing invoices/expense reports and recording appropriate entries in the accounting software
• Completes payment of expenses by way of cash advances, cash payments, checks and bank transfers
• Liaise with suppliers and internal departments regarding payment terms, dates and timings, when needed
• Prepares ship-based contractor payroll and coordinates with on- and off-ship teams for payment
• Drafts and reconciles inbound and outbound crew bank wires for crew bank
• Counts and reconciles cash-on-hand balances, including multiple foreign currencies at end of day
• Reconciles the sales report and records cash receipts and revenue for the Ship Shop and Cafe on a weekly basis
• Processes Day Crew stipend by compiling departmental timesheet data and prepares stipend payment for review
• Disburses petty cash by verifying documentation, recording entry, and communicate with Finance team and departments
• Prepares various daily, weekly, and month-end journal entries
• Maintains all accounts payable reports, spreadsheets and files
• Assesses the efficiency and effectiveness of the current process to streamline workflow; develop, implement and communicate and process improvements
• Supports the Finance Manager and others with expense analysis queries
• Maintain documentation of all accounts payable procedures

Receivables

• Meets with the crew to discuss their fees (flight charts, insurance fees, etc. as needed) and the methods of payment
• Collects and processes insurance premiums (if long term crew), flight, and other charges from crew members, communicates with crew, and records entries in accounting software and tracking sheets
• Monitor status of all crew fees using excel spreadsheets and accounting software
• Respond to all crew inquiries in regard to fees and insurance premiums
• Ability and willingness to deputize for Finance Manager if required
• Accomplishing other duties as the Finance Director may direct
• Due to the ever-changing staffing levels and field service rotations, all staff may be re-assigned to temporarily fill roles in other departments in a time of need
• Collect transport charges for drivers making personal use trips in ship vehicles

For This Role, You Will Need

• Successful completion of the Mercy Ships On Boarding Program will be required, if commitment is longer than 12 months.
• High School diploma required
• Prior administrative accounting experience required
• Prior experience working in a finance team, making payments and recording journal entries is preferred
• Background / criminal records check required
• Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision, and committed to its core values
• Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability
• Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented, organized, and ability to multi-task. Must be able to define priorities and complete tasks in a timely manner
• Strong customer service and relationship skills
• Strong Excel skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Teams
• Comfortable with computer programs and program changes
• Detail-oriented and the ability to multi-task. Must be able to define priorities
• Individual should exhibit problem-solving, accounting, and customer service skills

The experience of a lifetime is calling.

More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.

At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.

Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve — and your own.