Fidelio
RAJA RAVI
Chief Financial Officer
Chennai
Summary
Dynamic finance professional with a proven track record in developing and implementing robust financial controls that drive organizational growth and achieve strategic goals through effective stakeholder collaboration. Expertise in enhancing business processes while ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, supported by a strong aptitude for creating and analyzing internal controls, conducting fishbone analyses, and preparing comprehensive MIS reports for executive review. Successfully led the deployment of innovative payroll management systems, including 'Ocean Pay' for Norwegian Cruise Line and Salary @ Sea for Silversea Cruises, demonstrating a commitment to operational excellence. Recognized as a strategic thinker, adept at identifying new business opportunities and analyzing their financial implications to align accounting operations with corporate objectives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Hotel Director/ Finance Officer
Silver Sea Cruises
06.2022 - Current
- In charge of all revenue departments, to set their goals, and seek opportunities to meet the given target.
- Implemented a new electronic payments system for all the crew and staff.
- Responsible for housekeeping, guest relations, and all revenue department.
- Implemented a new process for port operations and cost recording through MXP systems.
- Inputs and my involvement in adding new shipboard incentives for future cruise revenue have increased.
- Streamlined the onboard inventory process to eliminate obsolete stocks.
- Implemented a new electronic NPS survey system for vessels.
- Led financial planning initiatives to optimize budget allocation, improving overall operational efficiency and resource management.
- Streamlined revenue management processes, enhancing forecasting accuracy and contributing to informed decision-making for strategic growth.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop financial reports, ensuring compliance with industry standards and enhancing transparency.
- Mentored junior staff in financial analysis techniques, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
- Spearheaded financial forecasting and budgeting processes, ensuring resource allocation aligned with strategic business objectives.
- Developed and implemented operational efficiency initiatives, resulting in enhanced service delivery and guest satisfaction.
- Managed cross-functional teams to oversee financial performance, promoting collaboration and accountability among departments.
- Established robust financial controls and compliance measures, safeguarding company assets and minimizing operational risks.
- Analyzed market trends and financial data, providing insights that informed strategic decision-making and revenue growth.
- Directed cost analysis initiatives, identifying opportunities for expense reduction and strengthening financial performance across departments.
Chief Purser/ Corporate Purser
Windstar Cruises
10.2018 - 04.2022
- Joined as a Chief Purser and ranked up as a Corporate Purser.
- Implemented financial and vessel clearance procedure for the fleet.
- Implemented Manual for finance, payroll, clearance and Guest relations manuals for vessel operations.
- Vital part of Stretch Project for all 3 vessel in Fincantieri Palermo for 2+ years.
- Coordinate logistics and payments to all vendors in time.
- In charge for yard reporting on day-to-day developments with the work scope.
- Worked closely with the schedulers to have the proper staffing in aligned with visa and local regulations.
- Out stationed in Palermo, Italy for 2+ years as go to person for all yard related concerns.
- Led operational excellence by coordinating onboard activities, ensuring guest satisfaction through exemplary service delivery.
- Managed financial operations, overseeing budgeting and expense tracking to maintain fiscal responsibility across all departments.
- Developed training programs for crew members, enhancing service skills that contributed to improved guest experiences and retention.
- Implemented safety protocols and compliance measures, resulting in a seamless operational environment and enhanced guest safety.
Chief Purser
Viking Ocean Cruises
02.2018 - 07.2018
- Spearheading the complete financial operations and managed the functions pertaining to compliance adherence, protecting the company's financial interests.
- Port Clearance and Compliance with local and internationals law
- Monitoring the complete operating cash of the ship, maintained appropriate cash level, managing other monetary instruments, performed audits and so on
- Supervising the performance of the subordinate and imparting required training, evaluation and performance feedback, checked the work, monthly reconciliation and performed unscheduled spot checks
- Analyzing the performance of scheduled and surprise audits within all shipboard departments for all shipboard inventory
- Managed the control, replenishment and reconciliation of monetary-valued inventory, such as gaming inventory Bingo Winnings Payouts, Crew Welfare helpers Payments
- Maintaining various reports and performing comparison of financial budget reports with actual expenses, reporting & identifying variances, generated report for finance department.
- Co Ordinate and liaise with Shore side, Onboard Management and Port agent for Ship Clearance.
Inventory Controller
The World - Residences at Sea
07.2016 - 11.2017
- Monitoring the complete operation of the ship's food and beverage stock, maintaining appropriate par levels, managing other monetary instruments, performing audits, and implementing proper inventory practices.
- Supervising the performance of the subordinate, imparting required training, evaluating performance feedback, checking the work, performing monthly reconciliation, and conducting unscheduled spot checks.
- Analyzing the performance of scheduled and surprise audits within all shipboard departments for all shipboard inventory.
- Maintaining various reports and performing a comparison of financial budget reports with actual expenses, reporting and identifying variances, generating reports for the finance department, and ensuring the hotel stores manager provides an analysis of the required reports.
- Streamlined inventory management processes by implementing automated tracking systems, resulting in improved accuracy and reduced discrepancies.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive reporting systems to monitor stock levels, facilitating timely decision-making and resource allocation.
- Led cross-functional teams to optimize supply chain operations, enhancing overall efficiency and reducing operational delays.
Payroll Accountant
Norwegian Cruise Line
10.2006 - 02.2016
- Compliance, with MLC 2006 time and attendance, benefits and compensation administration, promotions, transfers, employee relations, employee turnover, policies, procedures and regulatory compliance
- Adhered to the compliance with all CBA’s in payroll matters and all US government regulations (levies and US taxes) with regards to payroll processes and deductions
- Coordinated with all on board department heads with regards to payroll issues to facilitate payment, collaborated with on-board Personnel Manager and shore side Human Resources
- Provided support to on-board management & heads of departments for dealing with Payroll and Human Resources policies and procedures.
- Led the overall processing and maintaining the ship’s payroll records and salary wages, monthly payroll of approximately $800,000 to $1,800,000, ship-dependent
- Monitored the implementation and maintaining the new Electronic Payroll System Ocean Pay
- Managing different nationals and average of 1800 staff benefits and compensation and Tax Returns
Financial Accountant
Norwegian Cruise Line
04.2011 - 11.2011
- Responsible for the entire vessel financial operations.
- Responsible for 50 plus points of sale and property management system.
- Managed high volume of guests from 2400 to 4800 per voyage.
- Ensured the details of the guest and crew accounts are recorded accurately and in balance with the onboard revenue centers, and to make sure that all guest accounts are collected in full prior to disembarkation
- In charge of revenue and cash & credit handling of 50 plus POS locations
- Liaise and assist with shore side hotel operations team for all new implementations in order to test them by providing results and reports.
- Attained the target for closing the voyage with variable dollar values for revenue recording and payments. Maintained the cash payments of $100,000; credit card payments ranging from $200,000 to $800,000; revenue recording of $800,000 to $1,800,000 on a voyage basis
- Managed complete Fidelio Accounting System to calculate daily & cruise-to-date POS postings made within revenue center
- Help to develop and implemented three versions of new application for financial operations.
Casino Controller
Norwegian Cruise Line
09.2008 - 03.2009
- Ensured integrity and completeness of Casino accounting and performed audits of paperwork, maintained direct, open channels of communication with the Casino Cage staff as well as Casino Operations
- Performed ad hoc financial audits of Casino transaction details and voyage audits of Casino paperwork to ensure the integrity of Casino accounting and reporting
- Adhered to the compliance with onboard Casino and Accounting/Financial policies and procedures for the Casino operations
- Coordinated between Casino Operations, Financial Shipboard Operations and Onboard Accounting
- Operated as Custodian of Cage Vault/safe combination to provide access to the vault/safe as per the terms of the Casino Cage and Financial Shipboard Operations policies
- Implemented Migration of Casino Software from Oasis (Aristocrat Gaming Software) to Konami
Inventory Accountant /Hotel controller
Norwegian Cruise Line
03.2008 - 08.2008
- Maintained inventory records including stock releases, stock levels, inventory requisitions, consumables, food & beverage, spot-check deck & engine inventory Investigate, document and correct inventory discrepancies
- Performed cycle counts, spot checks and physical inventory of stock according to a preferred classification of goods (ABC) and ensured all inventory items have been counted at least once every month for accuracy of Inventory data against the physical stock on hand
Asst. Financial Accountant
Norwegian Cruise Line
03.2008 - 08.2008
- Assisted in preparing accurate financial statements to ensure compliance with accounting standards and organizational policies.
- Collaborated with the finance team to streamline month-end closing processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
- Conducted regular audits of financial transactions, identifying discrepancies and implementing corrective actions to mitigate risks.
- Supported budget preparation by gathering financial data and providing insights to facilitate informed decision-making.
Education
MBA - Financial Management
AIITM Chennai
ChennaiBachelor's - Business administration
AIITM Chennai
Chennai IndiaBachelor's - Hospitality & Finance Management
University of Madras
Chennai IndiaSkills
Software
Micros
MXP
Adonis
MAPS
MMS
RPOS
Konami
Timeline
Associate Hotel Director/ Finance Officer
Silver Sea Cruises
06.2022 - Current
Chief Purser/ Corporate Purser
Windstar Cruises
10.2018 - 04.2022
Chief Purser
Viking Ocean Cruises
02.2018 - 07.2018
Inventory Controller
The World - Residences at Sea
07.2016 - 11.2017
Financial Accountant
Norwegian Cruise Line
04.2011 - 11.2011
Casino Controller
Norwegian Cruise Line
09.2008 - 03.2009
Inventory Accountant /Hotel controller
Norwegian Cruise Line
03.2008 - 08.2008
Asst. Financial Accountant
Norwegian Cruise Line
03.2008 - 08.2008
Payroll Accountant
Norwegian Cruise Line
10.2006 - 02.2016
MBA - Financial Management
AIITM Chennai
Bachelor's - Business administration
AIITM Chennai
Bachelor's - Hospitality & Finance Management
University of Madras