Upwork

Sr Director, Accounting Shared Services (Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Equity)

Remote

Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Online Marketplaces, Biotechnology, Finance, Staffing and RecruitingIndustries

Sr. Director, Accounting Shared Services

Upwork ($UPWK)

Position Overview

Upwork is the world’s largest work marketplace, connecting businesses with highly skilled professionals worldwide. From entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 enterprises, companies trust Upwork’s platform to access expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive meaningful business outcomes. Upwork’s AI-powered platform has facilitated over $20 billion in economic opportunity for professionals worldwide. With professionals spanning 10,000+ skills, including AI and machine learning, software development, sales and marketing, customer support, finance and accounting, and more, Upwork empowers businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build agile teams.

We are looking for a Sr. Director to lead Upwork’s Accounting Shared Services function, which encompasses Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Equity. This critical leadership role will own the evolution of our global finance operations footprint, driving efficiency, compliance, and scalability as we grow and expand internationally. This is an exciting opportunity to influence financial strategy, build cross-functional partnerships, and develop the next chapter of shared services at a remote-first marketplace company.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and scale global Shared Services operations, overseeing AP, Payroll, and Equity with a focus on quality, compliance, and customer experience.
  • Build and execute a strategic roadmap for the Shared Services function, identifying additional processes suitable for inclusion in a shared services model.
  • Partner with cross-functional stakeholders across Finance, Tax, Treasury, and FP&A to re-engineer high-impact workflows and transform end-to-end processes.
  • Spearhead complex initiatives including ERP system implementations, M&A integrations, and automation efforts that improve operational agility.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), service-level agreements, and internal controls that promote accountability and excellence.
  • Provide strategic leadership and people development for a growing team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of ownership, learning, and inclusivity.
  • Collaborate with internal and external audit partners to ensure compliance with SOX and other governance frameworks.
  • Deliver executive-level insights and recommendations based on financial performance and operational efficiency.

What it takes to catch our eye:

  • Demonstrated success leading global shared services or finance operations teams within a high-growth, multi-national environment.
  • Expertise in ERP systems, accounting operations, and process transformation, including cross-functional project leadership.
  • Proven ability to manage complexity, build scalable systems, and influence across functions at the senior leadership level.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with a focus on business impact and customer-first thinking.
  • Experience in marketplace, SaaS, or fintech environments is a plus.

Company Information

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 21 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, and a 401(k) plan.


Employment Type: [Not Specified] Location Type: Remote Salary: [Not Specified]

Skills

Accounting Shared Services
Accounts Payable
Payroll
Equity Management
Finance Operations
Compliance
Scalability
ERP Implementation
M&A Integration
Process Re-engineering
Workflow Transformation
Automation
KPI Monitoring
Service-Level Agreements (SLAs)

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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