Accounting Specialist

Overview

COMPANY SUMMARY

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. Xanterra also owns other tour operator and cruise line brands including VBT Bicycling Vacations, Country Walkers, and Windstar Cruises.

POSITION SUMMARY

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, welcome to The HV Way!

• Honesty & Integrity: We act with honesty and accountability, building trust with every guest, partner, and teammate. We keep our promises.
• Create Community: We create community by treating each other and our guests like extended family, fostering belonging, celebrating, and supporting one another.
• Surprise & Delight: We go beyond expectations to create meaningful experiences. We make every effort to exceed expectations.
• Grow Together: We embrace curiosity, feedback, and continuous learning – always striving to be better and do better.
• Innovate Boldly: We seek fresh ideas, adapt to change, and look for ways to stay ahead in a dynamic travel landscape
• Protect What Matters: We prioritize safety and sustainability for our people, our guests, and the places we explore.
• Celebrate the Team: We succeed together, value each person’s gifts and contributions, and take time to enjoy the journey along the way.

Responsibilities

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Analyze, validate, and support tour related financial activity to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal controls while exercising sound judgment within established procedures.
• Support accurate financial reporting by reviewing, allocating, reconciling, and adjusting tour-related costs, customized service requests/optional activities, operational expenses, accruals, and other accounting transactions to ensure complete and accurate financial results.
• Audit tour expenses, payroll related charges, cost allocations, and tour P&Ls; research discrepancies, determine root causes and process approved corrections/adjustments to maintain accurate financial records.
• Process and support accounting transactions critical to tour operations, including miscellaneous receipts, journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, allocations, and other month end close activities to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Review, approve and support corporate and tour related expense reports, mileage reimbursements, and corporate card activity to ensure accurate coding, appropriate approvals, policy compliance, and timely resolution of issues.
• Support accounts payable and vendor administration activities including vendor set up and maintenance, invoice resolution, ARC (airline bill) processing, payment support and validation of vendor and banking information to ensure accurate and timely financial transactions.
• Independently manage day –to-day accounting activities within established policies, procedures, and systems; escalating issues that fall outside defined guidelines or authority levels.
• Provide guidance and clarification on financial processes, maintain appropriate documentation and audit trails while ensuring compliance with company policies and internal controls.
• Identify recurring issues, trends, and process improvement opportunities, and communicate recommendations that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Communicate professionally with internal partners by documenting findings, asking effective clarifying questions, and maintaining composure in a fast-paced setting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities from start to finish and consistently follows through on commitments. Demonstrates reliability through accurate, timely work; maintains high standards of quality and internal controls; and meets deadlines while addressing audit findings and corrective actions with diligence and care.
• Adaptability to Technology: Learns and applies new technologies and software efficiently and confidently. Adapts quickly to system changes; uses tools effectively to support accuracy and productivity; and remains open and responsive to evolving technology needs.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy, completeness, and consistency in work products and records. Identifies discrepancies; verifies data and documentation; thoroughly reviews transactions and supporting materials; and maintains high standards of integrity and precision.
• Communication: Conveys information clearly, confidently, and effectively across a variety of channels and audiences. Tailors communication and presentation style to the needs of the situation and audience; delivers information in a clear, engaging, and well‑structured manner; communicates proactively and professionally with guests and colleagues; and maintains composure and clarity when communicating under pressure.
• Resilience/Flexibility: Remains focused, effective, and solution‑oriented in the face of change or challenge. Recovers quickly from setbacks; adapts to shifting priorities and demands; demonstrates perseverance and flexibility; and maintains a positive, professional approach despite obstacles.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in Accounting or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Minimum of two years of accounting experience, preferably in auditing, travel‑related accounting, expense management, or accounts payable/receivable environments.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with the ability to reconcile data, investigate discrepancies, interpret financial information, and apply sound judgment when resolving issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word, including the ability to work with spreadsheets for reconciliations, analysis, and reporting; experience working within 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 and supporting corporate credit cards, purchasing cards, and expense activity, including coding, compliance review, and issue resolution.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document findings, explain issues, and collaborate professionally in one‑on‑one or small group settings.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and organize work; manage time effectively; meet deadlines; and adapt to changing priorities in a small‑team environment.
• Ability to work independently within established processes and internal controls, recognizing when to escalate issues or seek guidance.
• Ability to travel on a limited basis.

 WORKING CONDITIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS

Work Location: The location for work is the Holiday Vacations corporate headquarters in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The office environment may have moderate noise levels from office equipment and verbal interaction.

Schedule: Work hours are generally during the regular business week, but there may be variations due to the time of year and department demands.

Physical Requirements: This position requires the ability to sit, walk, and stand for extended periods of time, with or without reasonable accommodation. May occasionally require bending, twisting, stooping, grasping, and reaching outward or above shoulders, lift/carry and push or pull up to 50 lbs.

BENEFITS: For full-time employees, Holiday Vacations offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental & Vision; HSA & FSA; Life & Disability; Accident, Hospital & Critical Illness; Pet Insurance; Paid Time Off and Holiday Paid Time Off; 401(k) with Company Match; Employee Assistance Plan; Education Assistance; and Employee Discounts and Travel Deals.

EEO: Holiday Vacations is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.