AVP, Accounting Operations and Strategy

AVP, Accounting Operations and Strategy This position will serve as a strategic advisor to the Chief Accounting Officer, CFO, and senior management on matters pertaining to both the day-to-day accounting operations and the long-term transformation strategy of the enterprise accounting function. Overall responsibility is twofold: (1) ensure timely and accurate recording/processing of transactions in accordance with RCG policies across Operations Accounting, Financial Systems, Shipboard Financial Operations, Accounts Payable and procurement; and (2) lead the design, execution, and governance of the Accounting AI & Outsourcing Transformation Strategy, driving the function from its current state toward autonomous accounting by 2030. This position currently oversees a group of approximately 75 shoreside employees, 200 shipboard par positions and 31 roles outsourced to a third-party business processor (TCS). Under this position’s leadership, this organization will evolve to make more effective use of TCS while also increasing the use of automation and/or agentic AI; both of which will impact the size and talent composition of the group over time. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Accounting Operations Leadership Oversight of operational accounting processes, including onboard revenue, receivables, payment processing, accounts payable, shipboard payroll, and other shipboard financial activities including Silversea. This oversight includes the respective information systems utilized in these processes, to ensure timely and accurate processing/reporting of transactions in accordance with RCG policies. Solution‑focused collaboration with members of the Finance organization and various operating department leaders to execute on projects, problem‑solve, and provide insights and recommendations. Establishment and execution of effective internal controls. As part of this process, he/she will work with internal audit and other members of the Accounting Department and other departments within RCG. Work with internal and external auditors on quarterly/annual reviews/audits as well as Sarbanes‑Oxley internal control of financial reporting test work. Monitor and ensure timely identification of accounting issues and work with Technical Accounting Group and the relevant business groups to document and ensure proper accounting in accordance with GAAP. AI & Automation Transformation Lead the Accounting workforce transformation ensuring effective use of out‑of‑the‑box functionality within Oracle Fusion, AI automation/agentic processing, and third‑party business processors (ie TCS). As part of this effort, this role will work closely with the finance organization’s Transformation Hub to drive change management activities including process redesigns, AI upskilling, and adoption of technology/AI tools. The objective is to transform the accounting team into a technology/AI‑first organization. Own and drive the AI automation roadmap for the accounting function. Identify, prioritize, and deploy AI use cases across journal entries, account reconciliations, AP vouchering, expense anomaly detection, revenue recognition, and intercompany accounting. Oversee the development and governance of AI agents, GenAI tools, and intelligent automation solutions deployed within Oracle Fusion Cloud, ensuring outputs are audit‑ready and compliant with GAAP and SOX requirements. TCS Strategic Outsourcing Serve as the executive sponsor for the TCS outsourcing relationship, managing the expansion of the relationship and increase the number of existing TCS resources (31 TCS FTEs 2025), including adjusting the business model to meet future technological and transactional needs. Ensure TCS operates all transactional and low‑risk accounting processes end‑to‑end, while retaining judgment‑based work, AI oversight, controls, strategic analysis, and business partnering onshore. Collaborate with TCS on the deployment of AI‑driven capabilities and pre‑built digital solutions (financial close accelerators, scenario models) to complement RCG's internal automation roadmap. Systems & Strategic Initiatives Lead, support, or otherwise oversee the implementation of accounting‑adjacent systems or initiatives that intersect with the accounting group, ensuring they are implemented in accordance with GAAP and company policy. This role will work closely with the Transformation Hub and IT as a key contributor to the design of new financial systems and processes. Attend regular project status meetings as the Accounting representative, providing updates to senior leadership, Steering Committee, and other stakeholders on both operational performance and transformation progress. Performs other duties as required. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform other job‑related duties assigned by their supervisor or management. Qualifications An undergraduate business degree in Accounting or Finance. Advanced educational degrees (i.e. MBA) will be considered a plus. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in active/good standing. 12+ years of progressive work experience with a track record of managerial responsibility in areas of accounting operations and/or finance transformation, preferably with a public company; attainment of the level of Senior Manager or Director with a Big 4 public accounting firm considered a plus. Experience managing large teams across multiple geographic locations, including offshore/outsourced teams. Proven experience leading large‑scale transformation initiatives, ERP implementations (Oracle Fusion Cloud preferred), or finance operating model redesigns. Excellent knowledge of US GAAP. Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities. Experience with Sarbanes‑Oxley and Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. Demonstrated understanding of AI, automation, and digital transformation concepts as applied to finance and accounting functions. Experience with strategic outsourcing and/or BPO management considered a plus. Knowledge of Oracle Cloud Financial modules and functionalities considered a plus. Strong project management skills, including experience with methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall. Knowledge and Skills Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and project management skills, with a customer service mindset. Possess a passion for developing processes, continuous improvement, and problem solving. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities under pressure. Ability to execute and follow through to completion. Experience in change management, user training, and organizational design. Digital and AI fluency — comfort with emerging technologies including GenAI, agentic AI, intelligent automation, and data analytics. Familiarity with cloud computing, SaaS models, and modern finance technology stacks. Strategic mindset with the ability to translate long‑term vision into executable near‑term actions. #J-18808-Ljbffr Royal Caribbean Group