Accounts Payable Specialist

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. 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 an Accounts Payable Specialist I , 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. This will be a full-time, (exempt/non-exempt) position located in our Long Beach) location. We are looking for a detail-oriented, results driven and proactive Accounts Payable (AP) Specialist to join our growing Finance team. 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, travel and expense reimbursements, 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 and timely responses to vendor emails and internal customer inquiries


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

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration preferred


• 8-10 years experience in accounts payable

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 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-personal role

Salary Range: California

$26.37 - $32.23 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: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, 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, 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 22 C.F.R. § 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.