Accounting Specialist

At Holiday Vacations, our mission is to enrich lives with valued travel experiences. We offer inclusive guided tours led by professional Tour Directors to more than 80 destinations on six continents. We travel by air, motor coach, trains, and cruises on itineraries that bring the destination alive for our guests. We are headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and are a subsidiary of Xanterra Travel Collection, the largest national park concessionaire in the U.S.

About the Role

The Accounting Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial activity related to tours, vendors, and travel operations. This role plays a critical part in validating tour-related financial data, identifying discrepancies, resolving issues, and supporting timely and accurate financial close processes. The position requires strong analytical judgment, disciplined follow-through, and effective collaboration with internal partners across Accounting, Finance, and Operations.

At Holiday Vacations, how we work is just as important as what we deliver. Core values include:

• Honesty & Integrity: We act with honesty and accountability, building trust with every guest, partner, and teammate.
• Create Community: We treat each other and our guests like extended family, fostering belonging and celebrating one another.
• Surprise & Delight: We go beyond expectations to create meaningful experiences.
• Grow Together: We embrace curiosity, feedback, and continuous learning.
• Innovate Boldly: We seek fresh ideas and adapt to change.
• Protect What Matters: We prioritize safety and sustainability for our people, guests, and destinations.
• Celebrate the Team: We succeed together and value each person’s contributions.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, validate, and support tour-related financial activity to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal controls.
• Support accurate financial reporting by reviewing, allocating, reconciling, and adjusting tour-related costs, customized service requests, operational expenses, accruals, and other accounting transactions.
• Audit tour expenses, payroll-related charges, cost allocations, and tour P&Ls; research discrepancies, determine root causes, and process approved corrections.
• Process and support accounting transactions critical to tour operations, including miscellaneous receipts, journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and month-end close activities.
• Review, approve, and support corporate and tour-related expense reports, mileage reimbursements, and corporate card activity for accurate coding, approvals, and policy compliance.
• Support accounts payable and vendor administration, including vendor setup, invoice resolution, ARC (airline bill) processing, and payment validation.
• Independently manage day-to-day accounting activities within established policies and escalate issues outside defined guidelines.
• Provide guidance on financial processes, maintain documentation, and ensure compliance with internal controls.
• Identify recurring issues, trends, and process improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Communicate professionally with internal partners, documenting findings and maintaining composure in a fast-paced setting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Accounting or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years of accounting experience, preferably in auditing, travel-related accounting, expense management, or accounts payable/receivable.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with ability to reconcile data, investigate discrepancies, and apply sound judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and experience with ERP, accounting, or expense management systems.
• Experience supporting monthly accounting activities such as accruals, reconciliations, and close processes in a deadline-driven environment.
• Experience reviewing corporate credit cards, purchasing cards, and expense activity, including coding and compliance review.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and collaborating professionally.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize work; manage time effectively; and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently within established processes and escalate issues as needed.
• Limited travel may be required.

Skills

• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities, follows through on commitments, and meets deadlines with high standards.
• Adaptability to Technology: Learns and applies new technologies efficiently and adapts to system changes.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and completeness in work products, identifies discrepancies, and maintains integrity.
• Communication: Conveys information clearly and professionally across various channels and audiences.
• Resilience/Flexibility: Remains focused and solution-oriented in the face of change or challenge.

Schedule

Work hours are generally during the regular business week, but may vary due to seasonal demands and department needs.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• HSA & FSA options
• Life & Disability insurance
• Accident, Hospital & Critical Illness insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Education Assistance
• Employee Discounts and Travel Deals

Working Conditions

This position is based at the Holiday Vacations corporate headquarters in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The office environment may have moderate noise levels. Physical requirements include the ability to sit, walk, and stand for extended periods, with occasional bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and reaching.