Accounts Payable Specialist

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a(n) Accounts Payable Specialist , reporting to the Accounts Payable Manager, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.

In this role, you will be responsible for processing a high volume of invoices, managing vendor relationships, ensuring accurate and timely payments, and contributing to process improvements and automation initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key part in building and optimizing financial operations within a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

This will be a full-time , non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

Process high-volume of vendor invoices 500+ per month

Takes ownership of vendor accounts, ensuring timely payments

Communicates clearly with the AP Manager regarding vendor onboarding, payment schedules, and PO creation issues

Match invoices to purchase orders and receipts and the resolution of any discrepancies

Ensure all invoices have proper backup, coding, and approvals before processing

Assist with vendor payments and international payments

Manage vendor onboarding process including setting-up credit terms, up-to-date W9 forms and other necessary information

Reconcile vendor statements, research, and correct discrepancies

Contribute to automation and process improvement projects

Establish and maintain electronic repository for supporting documentation related to all invoices and reimbursements

Provide excellent customer service to internal customers and Supplier inquiries

Provide timely responses to vendor emails and internal customer inquiries

Assist the Finance team with other ad-hoc projects as needed

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma

5-10 years experience in accounts payable

Preferred Skills Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration preferred

Experience in manufacturing industry, aerospace preferred

Proficient with Google Suite products (sheets, slides and documents)

Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Excellent and clear communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees, vendors, and customers

Logical and strategic and resourceful approach to solving problems, understands the urgency of on time payments

Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time, and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction

Experience with Netsuite and Ramp or equivalent AP software/accounting systems

Strong understanding of procurement and cost accounting principles

Exceptional attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment

Strong problem-solving skills and accountability

Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism

Self-starter who works well independently and as part of a team

Additional Requirements:

Work overtime if needed

This is an in-person role

Pay Range: California

$27.60 $39.10 USD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with s…