Accounts Payable & Travel Expense Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site$90k – $150k

About this role

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.

\nAbout 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.
\n
$90,000 - $150,000 a year
\n

The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.

At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.

Benefits:

  • Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
  • Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
  • Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
  • Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked 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.

 

Company at a glance

Hermeus is a high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries.

Utilizing an integrated, hardware-rich, iterative development approach to aircraft design and build, Hermeus aims to deliver advanced air power at a pace not seen in the U.S. since the 1950s. Hermeus’ current Quarterhorse Program is actively unlocking unmanned high-speed flight. One program, four aircraft – each purpose-built to unlock a specific technical challenge, advance learnings, and incrementally de-risk critical technology in the pursuit of hypersonic aircraft.

America needs fast planes fast – and Hermeus is delivering them.

Founded2018
Team Size201-500 employees
WorkspaceOn-site
IndustryAviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Location
Los Angeles, California, United States
LinkedInLinkedIn

Top Benefits

  • Healthcare
  • Pet Insurance
  • Stock Options
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Year-end Bonuses
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Federal Holidays
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Accrued PTO
  • Paid Office Lunches
  • Stocked Breakrooms

Tired of cold applications?

Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.

Know someone who'd be great for this?