Payroll Manager

Upwork Inc.’s (Nasdaq: UPWK) family of companies connects businesses with global, AI-enabled talent across every contingent work type including freelance, fractional, and payrolled. This portfolio includes the Upwork Marketplace, which connects businesses with on-demand access to highly skilled talent across the globe, and Lifted, which provides a purpose-built solution for enterprise organizations to source, contract, manage, and pay talent across the full spectrum of contingent work. From Fortune 100 enterprises to entrepreneurs, businesses rely on Upwork Inc. to find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, the Upwork family of companies enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and transform their workforces for the age of AI and beyond.

Since its founding, Upwork Inc. has facilitated more than $30 billion in total transactions and services as it fulfills its purpose to create opportunity in every era of work. Learn more about the Upwork Marketplace at Upwork.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X; and learn more about Lifted at Go-Lifted and follow on LinkedIn.

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The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading payroll operations for employees in the U.S. and internationally, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance with regulatory requirements. This includes managing complex compensation structures such as stock-based awards, variable pay, and multi-state tax compliance. The Payroll Manager partners closely with HR, Finance, and Accounting to maintain strong internal controls, deliver a reliable and scalable payroll function, and drive process improvements. The role also leads payroll-related projects, Workday configurations, and tax setup to support a global, distributed workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Operations: Manage semi-monthly payroll cycles for U.S. exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple US entities, and international payrolls. Ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

• Equity & Variable Compensation: Administer payroll for equity transactions (ESPP, RSUs, stock option exercises) and variable pay programs including bonuses and commissions.

• Compliance & Tax: Maintain compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll regulations. Oversee payroll tax setup, registrations, filings, and funding. Support audits and ensure adherence to SOX and internal control requirements.

• Reporting & Year-End: Responsible for monthly metrics reporting, preparation of ad hoc reports to management and other stakeholders. Manage quarterly and year-end payroll processing and reconciliations, including preparation and distribution of W-2s.

• Systems & Process Improvement: Configure and maintain Workday Payroll (earnings, deductions, tax tables, reporting). Upkeep of payroll process documentation, Identify, document, and implement process improvements and automation to increase accuracy, timeliness, efficiency, and scalability.

• Projects & Cross-Functional Work: Lead payroll-related projects including system implementations, upgrades, and integrations. Coordinate with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to deliver projects on time and within scope.

• Employee Support: Serve as a point of escalation for employee payroll inquiries, provide clear explanations of pay and deductions, and communicate payroll policies and procedures effectively.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience, including multi-state payroll administration
  
  

• Minimum 2 years of experience with equity-related payroll transactions
  
  

• Experience with international payroll management or vendor oversight (preferred)
  
  

• Workday Payroll expertise required, including configuration of earnings, deductions, and tax setup
  
  

• Strong understanding of payroll tax compliance and related filings
  
  

• Advanced proficiency in Excel and GSuite applications
  
  

• Strong understanding of payroll compliance, SOX, and internal controls
  
  

• Demonstrated project management skills; ability to manage multiple initiatives, set priorities, and drive results
  
  

• Excellent organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
  
  

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

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Come change how the world works.

Upwork is establishing its first international operational hub in Lisbon, Portugal. The new office is expected to be fully operational by Q4 2026.This position will initially be employed through a partner to ensure a seamless hiring process while we establish the hub. Once the hub is established, there may be opportunities to transition to employment with Upwork depending on business needs and other requirements. While employed by the partner, you’ll work as part of Upwork’s team, with access to our resources, culture, and growth opportunities.Our partner will offer competitive benefits. When Upwork’s hub is established, we will be excited to offer employment and benefits directly as business needs require.Upwork is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.