Accountant (Shipping / Maritime Industry)

Job Title: Accountant (Shipping / Maritime Industry)

Location: Singapore

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Function: Accounting, Auditing and Taxation

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Accountant to manage the full spectrum of accounting and financial activities for our Singapore shipping entity.

The successful candidate will be responsible for full-set accounting, financial operations of the ship management. statutory compliance, tax filing, financial reporting and audit coordination. The role will also work closely with our headquarters in China and support cross-border financial and tax matters.

Key Responsibilities

Full-Set Accounting

Handle the full set of accounts for the Singapore entity, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger and bank reconciliation.

Manage monthly and year-end closing activities.

Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and management reports.

Monitor cash flow, expenses and financial transactions.

Monitor and record vessel operating expenses, including:

Crew costs

Repairs and maintenance

Stores and provisions

Lubricants

Insurance

Port and agency expenses

Technical management fees

Miscellaneous vessel expenses

Verify invoices and ensure expenses are correctly allocated to each vessel and cost centre.

Assist in monitoring vessel budgets and expenditure against approved budgets.

Compliance and Tax Filing

Ensure compliance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) and relevant statutory requirements.

Prepare and submit GST returns and support corporate income tax filings.

Ensure compliance with requirements issued by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).

Maintain proper accounting records and supporting documentation.

Financial Processes and Internal Controls

Assist in establishing, reviewing and improving financial processes and internal controls.

Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reporting accuracy and financial governance.

Support the implementation or improvement of accounting systems and procedures.

Audit and External Liaison

Coordinate annual audits and statutory reporting with external auditors.

Liaise with tax agents and other professional service providers.

Prepare audit schedules, supporting documents and responses to audit queries.

Independently follow up on audit and compliance matters.

Head Office Reporting

Liaise with the China headquarters regarding financial reporting and management requirements.

Provide consolidation support and prepare reports according to the headquarters’ reporting schedules.

Ensure clear and timely communication between the Singapore entity and the China finance team.

Banking and External Stakeholder Management

Maintain effective working relationships with banks, auditors, tax agents and other relevant institutions.

Support banking arrangements, account administration and other finance-related matters.

Cross-Border Tax Support

Support cross-border tax compliance and structuring matters involving Singapore, China, Southeast Asia and the United States.

Assist in reviewing and applying relevant Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs).

Support tax-efficient and compliant profit-repatriation arrangements, including dividend payments.

Assist in ensuring that cross-border arrangements comply with applicable economic-substance and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline.

Minimum 2–5 years of full-set accounting experience in Singapore.

Strong knowledge of Singapore corporate tax, GST and statutory reporting requirements.

Familiarity with CPF, payroll-related regulations and Singapore employment practices.

Good understanding of Singapore’s business environment and company regulations.

Proficiency in accounting software such asXero, QuickBooks or SAP.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel.

Fluent spoken and written English.

Ability to communicate in Mandarin is an advantage, as the position requires liaison with the China headquarters.

Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

Professional accounting qualifications such as ACCA, CPA or ISCA membership.

Experience in shipping management companies.

Previous experience managing external audits independently.

Experience in China–Singapore cross-border finance and taxation.

Experience in financial process improvement or accounting-system implementation.

Key Skills

Full-Set Accounting

Financial Reporting

Financial Management

Corporate Tax

GST and Tax Compliance

Singapore Financial Reporting Standards

Audit Coordination

Internal Controls

Cross-Border Taxation