Payroll Manager
Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s human and AI-powered work marketplace that connects businesses with highly skilled, AI-enabled independent talent from across the globe. From entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 enterprises, companies rely on Upwork’s trusted platform and its mindful AI companion, Uma, to find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With on-demand access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, Upwork enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build agile teams for the age of AI and beyond.
Upwork’s platform has facilitated more than $25 billion in economic opportunity for talent around the world. Learn more at Upwork.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
As Payroll Manager at the P4 level, you’ll be a senior payroll leader who owns and drives global payroll operations with precision, scalability, and compliance at the forefront. You will work across HR, Finance, and Accounting to ensure payroll accuracy, manage complex compensation programs, and lead key process improvements. This is an opportunity to shape a critical function that supports Upwork’s distributed workforce worldwide, leveraging your expertise in Workday Payroll and tax compliance to deliver measurable impact.
Responsibilities
Lead U.S. and international payroll cycles with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
Administer payroll for equity awards (RSUs, ESPP, stock options) and variable compensation programs.
Oversee payroll tax setup, filings, and compliance across federal, state, and international jurisdictions.
Deliver accurate reporting and metrics; manage quarterly and year-end payroll processes, including reconciliations and W-2 distribution.
Configure and maintain Workday Payroll to support earnings, deductions, tax tables, and reporting needs.
Identify, document, and implement process improvements and automation to scale payroll operations.
Partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, IT, and vendors to deliver payroll-related projects and system enhancements.
What it takes to catch our eye
Significant payroll experience with U.S. multi-state and international administration.
Expertise in Workday Payroll, including configuration of earnings, deductions, and tax setup.
Proven experience handling equity compensation and complex payroll compliance.
Strong analytical and reporting skills with advanced Excel/GSuite proficiency.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, drive cross-functional projects, and maintain a high level of accuracy and confidentiality.
Come change how the world works.
At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full-time employees in 34 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.
Our culture is built on trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.
We’re proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.
Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our Careers page to learn more about opportunities at Upwork.
Upwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.
Please note that a criminal background check may be required once a conditional job offer is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances.
The annual base salary range for this position is displayed below. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salary for this position, and individual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Additionally, this position is eligible for the annual bonus plan or sales incentive plan and eligibility to participate in our long term equity incentive program.
Annual Base Compensation
$99,250—$121,250 USD
About the job
Apply for this position
Payroll Manager
Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s human and AI-powered work marketplace that connects businesses with highly skilled, AI-enabled independent talent from across the globe. From entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 enterprises, companies rely on Upwork’s trusted platform and its mindful AI companion, Uma, to find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With on-demand access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, Upwork enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build agile teams for the age of AI and beyond.
Upwork’s platform has facilitated more than $25 billion in economic opportunity for talent around the world. Learn more at Upwork.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
As Payroll Manager at the P4 level, you’ll be a senior payroll leader who owns and drives global payroll operations with precision, scalability, and compliance at the forefront. You will work across HR, Finance, and Accounting to ensure payroll accuracy, manage complex compensation programs, and lead key process improvements. This is an opportunity to shape a critical function that supports Upwork’s distributed workforce worldwide, leveraging your expertise in Workday Payroll and tax compliance to deliver measurable impact.
Responsibilities
Lead U.S. and international payroll cycles with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
Administer payroll for equity awards (RSUs, ESPP, stock options) and variable compensation programs.
Oversee payroll tax setup, filings, and compliance across federal, state, and international jurisdictions.
Deliver accurate reporting and metrics; manage quarterly and year-end payroll processes, including reconciliations and W-2 distribution.
Configure and maintain Workday Payroll to support earnings, deductions, tax tables, and reporting needs.
Identify, document, and implement process improvements and automation to scale payroll operations.
Partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, IT, and vendors to deliver payroll-related projects and system enhancements.
What it takes to catch our eye
Significant payroll experience with U.S. multi-state and international administration.
Expertise in Workday Payroll, including configuration of earnings, deductions, and tax setup.
Proven experience handling equity compensation and complex payroll compliance.
Strong analytical and reporting skills with advanced Excel/GSuite proficiency.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, drive cross-functional projects, and maintain a high level of accuracy and confidentiality.
Come change how the world works.
At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full-time employees in 34 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.
Our culture is built on trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.
We’re proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.
Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our Careers page to learn more about opportunities at Upwork.
Upwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.
Please note that a criminal background check may be required once a conditional job offer is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances.
The annual base salary range for this position is displayed below. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salary for this position, and individual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Additionally, this position is eligible for the annual bonus plan or sales incentive plan and eligibility to participate in our long term equity incentive program.
Annual Base Compensation
$99,250—$121,250 USD