Chief Accounting Officer at Upwork

Austin, Texas, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

TechnologyIndustries

Requirements

Demonstrated success leading a complex, global accounting function at a public company, ideally in a high-growth tech or platform environment; marketplace experience preferred but not required
Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance, with a track record of transforming accounting systems and processes at scale
Proven ability to influence at the executive level and lead cross-functional initiatives with clarity and strategic insight
Excellent verbal and communication skills, and proven business acumen
Passion for operational excellence, data integrity, and building inclusive, high-trust teams
Experience and passion for leading highly diverse and cross-functional disciplines that drive operational excellence
CPA certification and strong technical accounting foundation required

Responsibilities

Own and lead Upwork’s global accounting operations, including financial reporting, technical accounting, SOX compliance, tax, payroll, accounts payable and procurement and sourcing. Possibility to also own treasury and financial systems
Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements
Design and implement scalable systems, processes, and controls to support business expansion and operational excellence
Partner with the CFO and executive team to support strategic initiatives, capital markets activities, and long-range planning
Oversee all external audit and tax compliance activities, and maintain strong relationships with auditors, regulators, and advisors
Oversee and continue to build out strategic sourcing and procurement program
Drive continuous improvement and automation in accounting processes to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and enable data-driven decision making
Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing, inclusive accounting team with clear succession planning and leadership development

Skills

Financial Reporting

Technical Accounting

SOX Compliance

Tax

Payroll

Accounts Payable

Procurement

Treasury

Financial Systems

Upwork

Online platform connecting freelancers and clients

About Upwork

Upwork connects freelancers with clients looking for various services in the gig economy, which focuses on short-term contracts instead of permanent jobs. The platform allows freelancers to create profiles that showcase their skills, while clients can post job listings for specific projects. Freelancers bid on these projects, and clients choose the best candidates based on proposals and reviews. Upwork earns revenue through service fees charged to freelancers based on their earnings, with a tiered structure that rewards long-term client relationships. The platform also offers premium memberships and additional services for enhanced visibility and access to job listings. Upwork provides tools for time tracking, invoicing, and project management, making it easier for both freelancers and clients to manage their work and payments. The goal of Upwork is to facilitate successful project completion by bridging the gap between freelancers and clients.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2015Year Founded

$143.8MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Consulting, Enterprise SoftwareIndustries

10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Unlimited Paid Time Off

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Risks

Increased competition from Fiverr and Toptal threatens Upwork's market share.

The new Fiverr-style Project Catalog may commoditize services, reducing freelancers' perceived value.

Strategic shifts under new management may not align with current client expectations.

Differentiation

Upwork connects freelancers with clients across diverse industries, enhancing global work opportunities.

The platform offers tools like time tracking and invoicing for efficient project management.

Upwork's tiered fee structure incentivizes long-term client relationships, differentiating it from competitors.

Upsides

Upwork's acquisition of Objective AI enhances its AI capabilities for better talent matching.

The introduction of Featured Jobs increases visibility for job posts, attracting more candidates.

Upwork's recognition as the top job posting site boosts its credibility among employers.

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