Hotel Purser @ Viking Cruises

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Hotel Purser supports the Associate General Manager to efficiently manage revenue & costs and guest & crew administration including posting, balancing, and reporting for all guest, crew and company accounts, in accordance with Viking’s STAR Service Standard. It is your responsibility to create a friendly, guest-oriented service culture to ensure guest satisfaction and repeat business, which in turn, will increase revenue and profitability of the company.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• In MXP and POS, balance all departmental postings each day and report discrepancies.
• Perform cruise closing, this includes but is not limited to Spa/Shops settlements and auditing all cash floats, once per week; extract all End of Cruise reports and transfer the reports to Head Office.
• Manage the accuracy of the cash book and main safe; together with the Associate General Manager and ensure that efficient funds are available; demonstrate ownership of all cruise-related tax duties and assist respective Department Heads, accordingly; undertake cruise roll over and guest check-outs.
• Support the Crew Purser and 2nd Purser Admin with immigration procedures, as necessary.
• Support the 2nd Purser Admin with checking all guest and crew information, including passports, and with controlling the ship’s documents in/out of ports.
• Ensure the daily management of guest accounts through MXP.
• Have in-depth knowledge of all facets of shipboard organization and services, ports of call and shore excursions.
• Together with the 2nd Purser, maintain a good relationship with local authorities at the respective ports of call, to ensure cooperation with all officials whilst onboard.
• Process guest credit card payments for End of Voyage settlements; log all charges and post guest shipboard credits in MXP to ensure accurate accounting; reconcile onboard financials including POS checks, company accounts, MXP postings etc.; assist Shore Excursions with the posting of tours; assist all revenue outlets with guest queries regarding account issues.
• In conjunction with the Associate General Manager, manage the ship’s safe, tasks also include MXP cashbook entries, Daily Revenue Reports, End of Cruise Financial Reports, closing the cruise and Cash to Master orders.
• Conduct random cash float audits on the Explorers’ Team and Crew Purser.
• Prepare turnaround memos and hold turnaround meetings for the Head of Department involved.
• Assist at check-in on embarkation day and provide daily support to the Explorers’ Desk.
• Lead and support a multi-cultural team, maximizing crew satisfaction, productivity and retention; meet with Team Leaders on a daily basis for “The Daily Reunion”, to provide feedback & operational updates as well as to ensure that your department is performing to Viking’s STAR Service Standards.
• Provide the necessary guidance/training and information to the Hotel Administration Team, in accordance with company standards and operational needs.
• Provide competent leadership to Heads of Department. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Managing performance, ensuring Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) compliance and onboard training, succession planning, crew communication and recognition.
• Ensure you always wear the appropriate and task specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required for your duties onboard. Always use correct lifting techniques to prevent injuries.
• Uphold impeccable grooming standards within your team at all times by complying with Viking’s Image and Uniform Standards; ensure that company property is appropriately secured and protected and that safe working practices are in place, at all times.
• Positively contribute to achieving/succeeding all operational KPI goals (quality & financial) for the Hotel Department; have full knowledge about safety & security procedures and assist the Hotel General Manager to operate in line with all Public Health and environmental procedures; participate in all training concerning onboard training, safety & security, fire prevention, evacuation exercises as required by the company.

QUALIFICATIONS

•  A required minimum of 3 years’ experience in an onboard financial position.
• Must have a financial background and exposure to financial analysis and budgeting.
• Strong administration skills are preferred, must also be proficient with PC based databases, spread sheets, and word processing systems.
• Previous experience in guest and crew administration is preferred.
• Fluent in English - must be able to address any kind of information in an adequate manner with excellent oral and written English communication skills – the ability to speak an additional language is an advantage.
• Must have experience in leading multi-cultural teams; flexible, stress resistant, committed team player; must demonstrate the ability to work independently.
• Guest-focused, service-oriented, positive personality, professional appearance and impeccable hygiene standards are required, with excellent knowledge of all Public Health Policies; team builder with exceptional work ethic, motivational skills and coaching abilities.
• Must confidentially handle all communications, including written, email, and phone.