Hermeus

Accounts Payable & Travel Expense Manager

Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Full-Time

On-site

$143,550 – $167,475 per year

TLDR

Own and scale Accounts Payable and Travel Expense functions, building efficient, automated processes in a high-growth defense aviation company.

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage. About the Role

The AP/T&E Manager will own and scale the full Accounts Payable and Travel & Expense functions in a high-growth environment. This role is responsible for building efficient, automated, and compliant processes that can handle increasing transaction volume, support multiple government contracts, and prepare the company for further scaling.

Responsibilities

Own End-to-End AP Operations: Manage invoice intake, three-way matching, coding, approval workflows, payment execution (ACH, wire, checks), vendor reconciliations, and aging management to ensure timely and accurate payments.

Lead T&E Program: Administer corporate card programs, expense policy enforcement, review and approval of expense reports (using tools like Ramp, Concur, or similar), and employee reimbursements.

Scale Processes for Growth: Design and implement scalable workflows, automation (OCR, workflow tools, AI-assisted matching), and system integrations to handle growth. Prepare for and support internal/external audits.

Vendor & Relationship Management: Maintain strong vendor relationships, negotiate payment terms and discounts, resolve disputes, and manage 1099/Misc reporting.

Month End Close Reporting & Analysis: Book AP journal entries and perform reconciliations for month end close. Provide AP/T&E metrics and insights (aging reports, cash flow forecasting, spend analytics) to leadership.

Team Leadership & Development: Build and mentor a high-performing AP/T&E team as the company grows (hiring, training, performance management).

Continuous Improvement: Identify and drive process automation, policy updates, and system enhancements to increase efficiency and visibility.

CAS & Government Compliance: Ensure AP and T&E processes support CAS standards (e.g., proper cost accumulation, segregation of direct/indirect costs, treatment of unallowable costs) and DCAA audit readiness. Ensure compliance with FAR/CAS rules on allowable/unallowable travel costs.

Requirements

Experience: 6+ years in Accounts Payable and T&E, with at least 3–4 years in a managerial role. Prior experience in a high-growth company or government contracting environment is strongly preferred.
Systems & Automation: Hands-on experience implementing or optimizing AP/T&E tools (e.g., NetSuite, Ramp, Concur, or similar). Proven track record of driving automation and process improvement in scaling environments.
Education & Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
Skills: Strong project management and change management abilities. Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment while maintaining compliance rigor.
Leadership: Demonstrated success building or scaling an AP/T&E team.

The compensation range listed for this position represents the anticipated base salary range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, relevant experience, education, training, skills, certifications, internal equity, market data, and business considerations.

In addition to competitive compensation, Hermeus offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to:

100% employer-paid medical coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Generous paid time off and company holidays
Paid parental leave
Equity participation through stock option grants
Weekly catered office lunches
Fully stocked kitchens and breakrooms

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. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to 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.

Benefits

Health Insurance

100% employer-paid medical coverage

Stocked kitchens and breakrooms

Fully stocked kitchens and breakrooms

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Time Off

Generous paid time off and company holidays

Apply for this job

Hermeus

Hermeus is a manufacturer of high-speed aircraft, specializing in the rapid design, build, and testing of high-Mach and hypersonic vehicles. Our focus is on delivering advanced capabilities for the Department of Defense, ensuring that the U.S. and its allies retain a strategic edge over potential adversaries.

Founded: Founded 2018
Employees: 11-50 employees
Total raised: $76M raised

View company profile

Accounts Payable

Report this job