Sr. Accounts Payable Specialist

Position Summary

The Sr. Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for overseeing and executing the organization’s accounts payable function with a high degree of autonomy and discretion. This role involves managing vendor relationships, ensuring compliance with financial policies, reconciling accounts, and contributing to process improvements. The position requires the consistent use of independent judgment and decision-making in the application of accounting principles, vendor management, and policy interpretation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads the full-cycle accounts payable function, ensuring high volume invoices, coding, approvals, and payments are processed efficiently and accurately.
• Analyze, monitor, and reconcile AP accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance with GAAP and internal controls.
• Review and interpret contracts, terms, and conditions to ensure appropriate handling of vendor payments.
• Acts as the point of contact for internal departments and external vendors regarding payment issues, disputes, and escalations.
• Resolved issues with open balances between purchasing, material control departments and supplier
• Responsible for recommendations on payment prioritization, cash flow timing, and vendor management strategies.
• Drives process improvements and manages the implementation of system enhancements or procedural changes.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations, including the accurate processing of 1099s, appropriate tax coding, and recommend process adjustments as needed.
• Assist in month-end and year-end closing activities, including accruals and reporting.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of internal controls related to disbursements and implement improvements as needed.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in accounts payable or accounting.
• Proven ability to apply advanced knowledge of AP principles and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Advanced understanding of procurement, vendor management, and payment terms to support financial decision‑making.
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion on significant business matters.
• Solid understanding of GAAP, 1099 reporting, and tax coding to ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using financial data to inform business decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; capable of working cross-functionally and advising stakeholders.
• Proficient in ERP/accounting systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle) and Microsoft Excel.
• Attention to detail and ability to
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading process improvements or financial system implementations.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, or multi‑entity environment.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, modeling).
• Familiarity with audit preparation or internal audit support.
  
  

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!
  
  

Company Overview

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel

the aerospace industry forward.

• This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**
  
  

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ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.

E-Verify participation required for employment.

Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.   

Must be able to pass background check. 

Pay Range: $71-75k Salary Exempt (DOE)