Raising the standard: CFA/chief purser Ann-Cathrin Engdahl on hospitality and sustainability in onboard services

Having worked as a chief financial accountant (CFA) and chief purser in the cruise sector, Swedish-born Ann-Cathrin Engdahl is passionate about raising the profile of maritime crew working onboard in hotel and hospitality. In this interview with Deborah McPherson, she shares her journey, career highlights, and hopes for the future.

What is your role? 

I have two roles, as a chief financial accountant (CFA) – hotel leader, and as a chief purser.  

My role as a CFA is about overseeing all financial transactions onboard and ensuring they comply with company controls and policies. It also involves a lot of team leadership mentoring, and cross-department collaboration with hotel, food and beverages and technical departments, as well as supporting senior leadership. 

As chief purser, I oversee all shipboard accounting and financial reporting, but also supervises guest services, handles complaints, and manages customs, immigration and port clearance documentation – as well as other crew administration documentation, health and safety drill duties, and the management and training of pursers, among many other tasks. 

What originally attracted you to a career in maritime?

 
I've always loved creating memorable customer experiences, and at the same time, the sea has been part of my life since childhood. I was born on Gotland, a beautiful Swedish island in the Baltic Sea, and grew up surrounded by its maritime culture. 

While Sweden is known for its maritime education in deck and engine careers, my interest was always hospitality. So, after my school A-Levels I studied hotel and catering management in Germany, worked in hotels on land, then made the move to sea in my late twenties. I started as an assistant purser, then became a crew purser and later chief purser. Each role gave me deeper knowledge and leadership skills that continue to shape my career today. 

Do you have any personal or family connections to maritime careers?

 
Yes, my father went to sea at 16 and retired after a full career at 65. He even met my mother at sea. My aunt also spent more than 20 years at sea. Their stories were always part of family life and inspired me to follow a similar path. 

Tell us some of your career highlights so far. 

One highlight has been progressing through purser roles and later making a significant shift into finance as a chief financial accountant for a new cruise start-up. I was responsible for building systems and streamlining processes from scratch – a huge challenge, but it broadened my skills beyond maritime. 

Another career highlight has been working on the launch of new ships. My most recent role was as the first onboard CFA for a new cruise line. I've since helped launch three of their four vessels, building and leading the onboard accounting department. 

What have been some of your biggest career challenges? 

Navigating male-dominated industries for over 20 years. Often, I was the only woman in the room. It wasn't easy but it taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to earn respect as a leader. 

Do you think the sector is gearing up well for the transition to new fuels and future technology?

 
The industry is moving in the right direction, though unevenly. Some companies are leading with investments in cleaner fuels, energy efficiency, and greener practices. Others are lagging, so there's still a long way to go. 

What is your favourite place you have visited during your career? 

Gotland will always be special to me as my birthplace, but working at sea allows me to return to various destinations, watching them change over time. That’s one of the privileges of this career. 

Who has helped you the most in your career?

 
My parents gave me the confidence to take risks and pursue this path. Professionally, a chief purser inspired me with his leadership, while another mentor – a woman who trained me as chief purser – gave me both technical skills and the mindset to stay calm and lead under pressure. 

Hotel and hospitality crew have sometimes been overlooked. Yet many of us view this as a long-term career. Union membership helps ensure we get equal support, better working conditions, and fair retirement options.