Accountant - Bowhead Transport

Position: Accountant - Bowhead Transport Company

Overview

Bowhead Transport Company is seeking an Accountant to lead and manage our accounting operations, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the company’s financial reporting. The ideal candidate will bring strong accounting expertise and work collaboratively with the Bowhead Transport management team to oversee month‑end close processes, invoicing, and support strategic financial planning. This position is based in our Anchorage office and requires on‑site work each business day.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all aspects of general ledger accounting, including journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and financial statement preparation.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Maintain compliance with applicable maritime and transportation accounting standards.
• Manage revenue recognition and cost allocations specific to vessel operations, shipping contracts, and logistics services.
• Oversee preparation of audit schedules and coordinate with external auditors if required.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analytics

• Develop, monitor, and analyze operating budgets and forecasts across multiple maritime divisions (cargo, vessel operations, logistics).
• Provide management with variance analysis and recommendations for cost optimization and profitability.
• Prepare financial projections for new maritime routes, fleet expansion, and capital investment.

Operational Accounting

• Track and reconcile vessel and equipment expenses, including fuel, crew costs, port fees, insurance, and maintenance.
• Manage accounting for charter agreements, freight revenue, and demurrage claims.
• Oversee accounts payable and receivable processes tied to vendors, shipyards, and customers.
• Ensure proper capitalization and depreciation of vessels and related assets.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Implement and monitor internal controls to ensure accuracy and safeguard company assets.
• Maintain lease and rental schedules for vessel, equipment, office and crew lodging leases.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Advise Bowhead staff on required reporting and accounting procedures. Supervise the related processes to ensure timeliness.
• Collaborate closely with operations, logistics, and executive management to support decision‑making.
• Provide financial insights to support pricing strategies, contract negotiations, and efficiency improvements.

Knowledge and Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to adapt in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Three (3) plus years of accounting experience as an Accountant, including one (1) plus years in a supervisory role.
• Technical, analytical focus with proactive, problem‑solving nature. Ability to research and suggest proper accounting solutions.
• High degree of computer literacy, including extensive knowledge in Microsoft Office, specifically Outlook and Excel.
• Strong experience with ERP systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• The ability to work accurately and independently while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills with the ability to multi‑task while meeting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
• Timberline and Smartsheet experience will be considered an additional benefit.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Regularly required to sit for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Must be able to communicate clearly through speech and hearing.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.

Working Conditions:

• Work is typically performed in a professional office environment.
• Extended…