Marine Accounting Clerk

Job Title: Accounting Clerk - Permanent

Department: OptimERA Marine
Location: Seattle, WA
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: President, OptimERA Marine

About OptimERA:

OptimERA is a fast-paced company expanding to support commercial vessels and their crews who brave the harsh waters of the Pacific Northwest. Many of our customers are bound for the demanding environment of Alaska, and supporting these operations requires a team willing to put in hard work, engage with their community, and take pride in the results of their combined efforts.

We thrive on each other’s passions and hard work ethic, and continue to surround ourselves with those who can support this team through collegiality and discourse. The optimal candidate for this role will be a meticulous financial professional who embraces complexity, thrives under pressure, and approaches accounting not as a back-office function—but as a critical part of the company’s operational success.

Job Summary:

The Marine Accounting Clerk will lead critical aspects of OptimERA Marine’s financial operations, including bookkeeping, reporting, and compliance, and will help develop strategic financial planning with the executive team. This role will oversee accounts payable and receivable, payroll, job costing, project accounting, reconciliations, insurance audits, tax reporting, and month-end/quarterly/year-end processes.

The ideal candidate is a self-sufficient “full-charge” accounting professional who can build systems, streamline workflows, and provide accurate financial insights that help guide business decisions. This role requires precision, integrity, and a proactive mindset capable of thriving in a dynamic, project-based maritime environment.

Ensuring proper cash flow and accurate/timely reporting will directly support our mission to “Optimize technology for a new ERA, making things better for the next generation.” 

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all day-to-day accounting functions, including A/P, A/R (as required), payroll, bank reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance.


• Maintain accurate job costing and project accounting records for service, integration, and product sales.


• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for management review.


• Ensure compliance with GAAP standards, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.


• Manage cash flow, budgeting, and forecasting in coordination with executive leadership.


• Track vendor accounts, credit terms, and maintain purchasing records.


• Administer employee expense reimbursements, per diem, and travel cost allocations.


• Support project managers and field service teams with real-time financial visibility and reporting.


• Oversee payroll processing, employee benefits coordination, and related journal entries.


• Prepare and file state and local excise/sales tax reports.


• Coordinate with CPA firm for quarterly reviews, tax filings, and annual audits.


• Continuously improve accounting systems, reporting methods, and documentation standards.


• Contribute to the overall mission of OptimERA by providing insight and accountability across all departments.


• As a newly formed division, this role will support other activities as needed, where time permits, to help power the company's rapid expansion and growth. This may include trivial tasks such as shipping/receiving, reception work, and basic administrative tasks to fill in where needed. 

Qualifications and Skills: (We encourage all interested applicants to apply)

• We encourage all interested applicants to apply—passion and aptitude matter as much as experience.


• 5+ years of full-cycle bookkeeping or accounting experience (preferably in construction, maritime, or field-service environments).


• Proven ability to manage accounting operations independently, including month-end closing and reporting.


• Proficiency with QuickBooks Enterprise or similar accounting systems.


• Strong understanding of accrual accounting, job costing, and inventory tracking.


• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.


• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities for working across departments.


• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.


• Preferred Qualifications:
  
  
  
  
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
  
  
  • Familiarity with multi-site operations and inventory management.
  
  
  • Experience in the marine, construction, or manufacturing industries.
  
  
  • Knowledge of GAAP, financial analysis, and internal control principles.
  
  
  • Payroll processing experience and familiarity with HRIS systems.
  
  
  • Familiarity with QuickBooks Enterprise (QBE) is a plus.
  
  
  
  

Work Environment:

• This position is primarily office-based in Seattle, WA, with periodic interaction with field and shop environments. Occasional travel to remote or maritime sites may occur for audits, team meetings, or project support.
  


• You’ll collaborate with technicians, project managers, and leadership in an environment that values teamwork, adaptability, and hands-on engagement. Expect some controlled chaos—boats don’t always wait for clean ledgers—and an ever-changing set of priorities that make this work uniquely satisfying.

Company Culture:

OptimERA Marine values technical excellence, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose. We foster a collaborative, professional, and safety-oriented environment where employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work, challenge assumptions, and help shape the systems that keep vessels and crews mission-ready.

Physical Requirements: Physical effort may include stooping, kneeling, touching, feeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Ability to use a computer monitor throughout a typical workday, perform repetitive keyboarding activities, and operate general office equipment.  Must be able to communicate orally in person and over the telephone. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. as needed. Occasional travel may involve exposure to industrial environments and variable weather conditions.

Working Conditions: 

• Standard office hours with some flexibility based on project or reporting deadlines.


• Ability to work extended hours during month-end or year-end close cycles.


• Occasional field or vessel visits to understand cost drivers and operational realities.

Compensation: 

• The base starting rate will include factors related to the candidate's qualifications and experience. 


• A strong benefits package, including health, paid holidays, PTO, 401K (matched), and more.


• Relocation assistance will be provided to the right candidate.


• Up to 100% tuition reimbursement for pre-approved Job-Related Training (must be taken while employed).

Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required of employees assigned to this job. Other duties will be assigned as they pertain to the nature of the position and industry.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

**OptimERA Holding Inc. will not discriminate against applicants, apprenticeship applicants, or apprentices based on RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING PREGNANCY AND GENDER IDENTITY), SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION, OR BECAUSE THEY ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY OR  ARE A PERSON 40 YEARS OLD OR OLDER.