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.

The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading international payroll operations, with a primary focus on Europe (beginning with Portugal and the Netherlands) and North America (with preferred experience in Canada). This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple global jurisdictions. Responsibilities include managing complex compensation structures such as equity transactions, variable pay, and country-specific tax and reporting requirements. The Payroll Manager partners closely with HR, Payroll Service Providers, Finance, and Accounting to maintain strong internal controls, improve processes, and support the organization’s global payroll strategy. The role oversees payroll vendors operations, leads payroll configurations, and supports payroll-related projects. U.S. payroll support may be provided only as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

International Payroll Operations

• Lead end-to-end payroll processing for international entities, with initial focus on Portugal, Netherlands and expansion across Europe and North America (Canada preferred).
• Manage relationships with Payroll vendors to ensure accuracy, service-level compliance, and adherence to country-specific regulations.
• Ensure payroll accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with all applicable international labor, tax, and reporting requirements.
• Provide support for U.S. payroll tasks only as needed.

Equity & Variable Compensation

• Administer payroll-related processing for equity transactions, including RSUs, ESPP, and stock option exercises, ensuring correct taxation across multiple countries.
• Oversee variable compensation programs such as bonuses and cash long term incentive, ensuring proper treatment under local regulations.

Compliance & Tax

• Maintain compliance with international payroll regulations, including tax registrations, filings, funding, statutory reporting, and remittances.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, SOX requirements (if applicable), and support internal/external audit activities.
• Monitor regulatory changes across supported countries and implement required updates.

Reporting & Year-End

• Prepare monthly payroll metrics and ad hoc reports for cross-functional stakeholders.
• Lead international quarterly and annual payroll processes, including statutory year-end reporting (e.g., Portugal’s annual declarations, Canada T4/NR4, and other country-specific obligations).
• Perform ongoing payroll reconciliations to ensure data accuracy and compliance.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Configure and maintain Payroll for international payroll (earnings, deductions, tax setup, reporting, and integrations with external vendors).
• Identify, document, and implement process improvements and automation opportunities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Maintain up-to-date payroll process documentation

Projects & Cross-Functional Work

• Lead payroll-related projects including new-country expansions, vendor transitions, system implementations, upgrades, and cross-functional integrations.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, Legal, and external partners to ensure accurate and timely project delivery.

Employee Support

• Serve as an escalation point for international employee payroll inquiries, providing clear explanations of pay, taxation, and deductions.
• Communicate payroll policies and processes effectively to global employees and internal partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience, including significant experience with international payroll administration.
• Direct experience with payroll operations in Europe (Portugal, Netherlands preferred) and North America (Canada preferred).
• Minimum 2 years of experience processing equity-related payroll transactions.
• Expertise with payroll systems, including configuration of earnings, deductions, country-specific tax requirements, and system integrations.
• Strong understanding of global payroll tax compliance, statutory reporting, and regulatory requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and Google Workspace.
• Familiarity with internal control frameworks and SOX requirements.
• Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives, prioritize effectively, and drive results.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and accuracy.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

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.

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