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 USDCOMPENSATION 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: 100% 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 snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.   U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/section-120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.   EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Offices: Long Beach, California, United States (Long Beach);