AP Manager

At Ouster, we build lidar sensing technology. These sensors and accompanying software drive generational innovation cycles in industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, security, safety, crowd analytics systems, and smart cities. We have a market-leading product line of lidar sensors and are expanding our offering to include the perception software that makes 3D lidar data actionable to our customers. We believe our 3D lidar technology will serve as the foundation of tomorrow’s infrastructure, improving the capabilities of nearly every device or team that depends on cameras today. We are publicly traded on the Nasdaq (Ticker: OUST), with an annual revenue run rate of >$100M, and are growing rapidly.
The Accounts Payable (AP) Manager is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight, optimization, and transformation of the company's procure-to-pay (P2P) lifecycle. You will ensure the timely, accurate, and compliant processing of all vendor payments globally, directly supporting the company's financial integrity and operational efficiency within a complex, high-volume hardware manufacturing environment.

This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who is dedicated to both strategic improvement and operational excellence. It requires an expert in AP technology and financial controls (SOX), proven leadership ability, and a dedication to driving automation and continuous process improvement.
This position will be a hybrid capacity in the San Francisco, CA, location. (2-3 days)

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Strategic Process & Compliance

• Process Ownership: Own the global P2P process end-to-end, including purchase requisition review, purchase order management, invoice processing, and payment execution.
• Automation & Efficiency: Strategically identify, recommend, and implement workflow automation and process changes to enhance speed, eliminate manual effort, and improve data accuracy.
• Risk & Control: Develop, document, and enforce P2P policies and procedures, ensuring strict compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and SOX requirements.
• Issue Resolution: Act as the final point of escalation for complex payment issues, vendor disputes, and invoice/inventory receipt discrepancies.

2. Team Leadership & Development

• Global Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing AP team, including management of resources in the Thailand operational center.
• Performance Management: Set clear goals and KPIs (e.g., invoice-to-payment cycle time, compliance rates), providing regular feedback and fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.

3. Financial Reporting & Technology

• Month-End Close: Manage all AP aspects of the financial close process, including timely accruals, balance sheet reconciliations, and vendor statement analysis.
• Tax Compliance: Oversee accurate year-end 1099 reporting and ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal tax laws related to AP.
• ERP Expertise: Serve as the functional subject matter expert (SME) for the AP technology stack. Direct, hands-on experience with NetSuite is required.
• System Integration: Lead or support initiatives for system upgrades and seamless integration between AP/P2P and other critical business systems (e.g., Inventory Management, GL).

Qualifications

Required

• Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience in Accounts Payable or P2P, with a minimum of 4 years in a dedicated management or leadership capacity.
• Industry Background: Proven experience managing AP for a company in the hardware, or manufacturing sector. 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Systems: Mandatory proficiency and experience with NetSuite 
• Skills: Exceptional analytical skills, strong grasp of financial controls, and proven ability to drive large-scale process improvements. Must be a proactive, and capable of diving into transactional details as needed.

Preferred

• Prior experience managing Accounts Payable functions for a publicly traded company (SOX environment).
• Experience managing geographically dispersed or offshore teams.