COL - Accountant

Chart your Course with PIL
With over 55 years of leadership in the global shipping industry, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is looking for proactive individuals to drive innovation and sustainable shipping solutions. If you’re fuelled by pioneering ideas, enjoy challenging the status quo, and are determined to make a significant impact, PIL wants you as a part of our dynamic community of maritime professionals. At PIL, we provide local experiences with a global reach. With our headquarters in Singapore, and services offered at over 500 locations in 90 countries, you will have ample opportunities to work with colleagues from different cultures and communities.

Get On Board for a Dynamic and Purposeful Career

The Accountant will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting and accounting activities for PIL Colombia, in Bogota. This position plays a key role in maintaining compliance with corporate accounting policies, supporting audits, and ensuring that financial operations align with both local and group standards. The Financial Controller / Accounting – PIL Colombia is responsible for ensuring full accuracy, integrity, and regulatory compliance of accounting, tax, statutory reporting, payroll obligations, and HQ reporting for PIL Colombia. The role serves as the legal accounting representative and is responsible for statutory compliance under:

• Colombian GAAP (NCIF / COL-GAAP / Decreto 2420)
• DIAN tax regulations (Renta, IVA, Retefuente, ICA, Medios Magnéticos)
• Electronic invoicing (Factura Electrónica DIAN & Documento Soporte)
• SuperSociedades accounting and reporting obligations
• Labor and social security regulations (PILA, UGPP)
• PIL Group Accounting Manual, DoA, and Oracle GFS standardsThis position ensures robust internal controls, proper transfer pricing compliance, audit readiness, cost-plus/commission model alignment (as applicable), and timely, accurate reporting to LARO and HQ Singapore.

KEY RESPONSABILITIES

1. Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing in accordance with Colombian local GAAP (NCIF).
• Maintain statutory accounting books and electronic ledgers required by DIAN and SuperSociedades.
• Ensure accurate reconciliation of: Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, ASA Colombia, Payroll & social security
  accruals.
• Fixed Assets & Depreciation (NIIF/NCIF)
• Banks, suspense, and clearing accounts
• Prepare annual statutory financial statements, including Notes to the Financial Statements, under NCIF.
• Prepare and submit all consolidation of Monthly reporting to HQ using Oracle GFS / FCCS within Day +5 deadline.
• Ensure proper application of exchange rate rules for financial reporting (TRM / DIAN rules)

2. Taxation & Regulatory Compliance

• Guarantee full compliance with all DIAN and municipal tax requirements: Income Tax (Impuesto de Renta) Annual
  return and monthly/quarterly anticipos, IVA – Filing, compensations, devoluciones, Retención en la Fuente, Salary,
  services, rentas de trabajo, compras, etc., ICA – Bogotá or applicable municipality, Medios Magnéticos – Annual
  information return, Impuesto al Patrimonio (if applicable), Documentation Soporte for non-electronic invoicing
  suppliers.
• Calculate, Validate tax provisions and deferred tax calculations under NCIF.
• Coordinate with tax advisors, LARO Tax, and HQ Tax on fiscal interpretations and compliance.
• Ensure accuracy and timely submission of all DIAN filings and electronic logs.
  Maintain complete tax audit files and respond to DIAN requirements, audits, and cross-checks.

3. Transfer Pricing (TP) & Intercompany

• Ensure compliance with Colombia’s Transfer Pricing obligations: Local File, Master File, Informative TP return before
  DIAN.
• Validate intercompany charges, shared services, management fees, and Cost-Plus margins.
• Coordinate with external TP advisors and HQ Tax to ensure alignment with Group policy.

4. Audit & Assurance (External & Internal)

• Lead annual external audit and statutory review processes.
• Ensure full audit readiness: reconciliations, supporting documents, tax files, and control evidence.
• Coordinate internal audit visits (LARO / HQ) and follow up on audit findings.
• Ensure compliance with SuperSociedades when applicable (e.g., “Prácticas Comerciales,” financial reporting criteria).

5. Internal Controls & Governance

• Maintain a robust internal control environment aligned with LARO and HQ Internal Audit.
• Enforce segregation of duties and HQ Delegation of Authority (DoA).
• Ensure strict compliance with Group policies: No CSR – No Payment
• Vendor onboarding & procurement rules
• Cash and treasury controls
• Documentation and retention rules
• Monitor and assess quality of deliverables from outsourcing providers (if applicable).

6. Treasury, Banking & Intercompany/ASA Oversight

• Oversee daily bank reconciliations and ensure alignment with ASA Colombia balances.
• Manage local banking relationships, ensuring compliance with dual-approval schemes.
• Support weekly and monthly cash flow forecasting.
• Maintain updated signatories and bank control frameworks in line with HQ DoA.

7. Payroll, Labor & Social Security Compliance (Uruguay)

• Supervise payroll accounting and compliance with: PILA (EPS, ARL, AFP, CCF), UGPP rules on payroll, withholding,
  and social security, Vacations, Cesantías, Prima de Servicios, Dotación, Parafiscales
• Validate monthly payroll provisions and employer contributions.
• Ensure labor statutory requirements are met (contract types, benefits, legal allowances).

8. Leadership & Coordination

• Coordinate the local accounting team (AR, AP, Payroll) and outsourcing partner + WNS.
• Provide technical guidance, performance feedback, and training to ensure knowledge retention.
• Collaborate closely with Country Finance Manager, Regional Office (LARO), and HQ teams.
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

9. Oracle GFS Implementation & Support

• Act as key Finance stakeholder for Oracle GFS localization for Colombia.
• Validate tax configuration (IVA, Retefuente, ICA) and statutory reporting setup.
• Validate migration of master data (customers, vendors, chart of accounts) and open balances.
• Support UAT cycles, document test cases, and provide sign-off evidence.
• Ensure local compliance functionality meets DIAN/SuperSociedades requirements

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (Contador Público – required by Colombian law).
• 5–10 years of experience in accounting, tax, controlling, and external audit.
• Strong knowledge of: NCIF / COL-GAAP (Decreto 2420 and updates), DIAN tax regulations (IVA, Renta, Medios
  Magnéticos, Retefuente, ICA), Payroll and social security (PILA/UGPP), Electronic invoicing (Factura Electrónica DIAN
  + Documento Soporte)
• Experience with TP compliance in Colombia.
• Experience in multinational environments (shipping/logistics preferred).
• ERP knowledge: Oracle, SAP, or similar (Oracle preferred).
• Advanced Excel (financial analysis, reconciliations, data validation).
• Bilingual: Spanish (native) / English (professional).
• High ethical standards, accuracy, and ability to work under pressure.

WE VALUE

Effective Communication
•    Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally, with potential and existing clients as well as team members.
•    Proficient use of communication tools such as phone calls, video conferences, and messaging platforms.
•    Emotional intelligence to manage challenges that may arise during customer interactions.

Attention to Detail and Organization
•    Ability to manage multiple tasks and clients simultaneously, ensuring proper attention to each one.
•    Strong organizational skills for managing budgets, quotations, and sales follow-ups.

Analytical Skills
•    Ability to analyse customer, sales, and market trend data to improve business strategies.
•    Understanding of key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and enhance the effectiveness of sales activities.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving
•    Ability to adapt to market changes or internal process adjustments.
•    Strong problem-solving skills to quickly and efficiently provide solutions to customers.

Teamwork
•    Collaboration with internal and international departments (such as operations, logistics, and customer service) to ensure a seamless and consistent customer experience.

Technology and Digital Tools
•    Familiarity with digital tools such as sales management platforms, online collaboration tools, and productivity software.

Knowledge of the Maritime and Logistics Sector
•    Familiarity with maritime transportation services, cargo loading and unloading operations, and global logistics processes.
•    Understanding of international trade and maritime transport terms and regulations.

WHY JOIN US
•    Be part of a leading global carrier with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
•    Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
•    Opportunities for professional growth and development.
 
APPLICATION PROCESS Process
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume in English outlining your qualifications and experience to PIL Career Website.

Eligibility to Apply
This position is open to colombian nationals or individuals who currently have the legal right to work in Colombia. Please note that applicants without this eligibility will not be considered.

About Us
Incorporated in 1967, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is ranked 12th among the world’s top container shipping lines and is also the largest home-grown carrier in Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, PIL is a global carrier with a focus on Asia, China, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands.
Together with its affiliated companies Mariana Express Lines (MELL) and Malaysia Shipping Corporation, PIL serves customers at over 500 locations in more than 90 countries worldwide with a fleet of 100 container and multi-purpose vessels.
Apart from the core liner shipping business, PIL also has several other business units such as container manufacturing, depot, and logistics services. PIL strives to meet the needs of its customers by providing value-adding services such as intermodal, breakbulk, and reefer services delivered on innovative technological platforms. With its focus on “Driving Connectivity” and commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, PIL aims to be an efficient, sustainable, and future-ready shipping line.
For more information, visit www.pilship.com

Pacific International Lines (PIL) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.