Payroll Specialist

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s work marketplace. We serve everyone from one-person startups to over 30% of the Fortune 100 with a powerful, trust-driven platform that enables companies and talent to work together in new ways that unlock their potential.  

Last year, more than $3.3 billion of work was done through Upwork by skilled professionals who are gaining more control by finding work they are passionate about and innovating their careers. 

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Specialist with 2-5 years of hands-on Workday payroll processing experience. The ideal candidate will have comprehensive end-to-end payroll process knowledge, proficiency in payroll audits, and a deep understanding of payroll taxes and other complex tax situations. The candidate must also possess strong skills in Microsoft Excel.

• • Prepare and process semi-monthly full cycle US exempt and non-exempt payroll.

  • Handle imputed income, garnishments, benefits, taxes, and off-cycle requests.

  • Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations.

  • Handle the entire payroll process, including data entry, payroll calculation, validation, distribution, and reporting.

• • Administer the electronic timekeeping system.

  • Monitor the submission of approved timesheets, ensure data validity, and ensure adherence to FLSA content to/from payroll service.

• Verify the accuracy of payroll elements including base pay, bonuses, equity, commissions, payroll taxes, and various deductions.

• Ensure accurate calculation and reporting of payroll taxes, including federal, state, and local taxes. Handle complex tax situations and resolve tax issues as they arise.

• • Establish and maintain accurate tax jurisdictions within payroll systems.

  • Regularly review and reconcile payroll tax filings and deposits, coordinating with ADP to resolve discrepancies and ensure compliance.

  • Ensure accurate and timely 401(k) funding and reporting, assist with annual 401(k) audits, and ensure compliance with ERISA and IRS regulations.

• Generate payroll reports for management, finance, and HR departments. Provide analysis and insights on payroll data.

• Address and resolve payroll-related inquiries from employees. Provide guidance on payroll policies and procedures.

• Identify opportunities for process improvements within the payroll function and implement solutions to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

• Stay up-to-date with changes in payroll laws and regulations. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws.

• Work closely with HR, finance, and other departments to ensure seamless payroll processing and data accuracy.

What it takes to catch our eye:

• Demonstrated experience in payroll processing across multiple states/sites with a strong background in Workday payroll.

• In-depth understanding of end-to-end payroll processes, payroll audits, payroll taxes, and complex tax situations.

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including functions, formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis. 

• Exceptional attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy in data handling and processing.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret payroll data and identify discrepancies.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate payroll information to employees and management.

• Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll information and employee data.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Flexibility to adapt to changing regulations and processes.

Come change how the world works.

At Upwork, you’ll shape talent solutions for how the world works today. We are a remote-first organization working together to create exciting remote work opportunities for a global community of professionals.  While we have physical offices in San Francisco and Chicago, currently we also support hiring of corporate full-time employees in 15 states in the United States. Please speak with a member of our recruitment team to determine whether you are located in a state in which we are hiring corporate full-time employees. 

Our vibrant culture is built on shared values and our mission to create economic opportunities so that people have better lives. We foster amazing teams, put our community first, and have a bias toward action. We encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to work and grow together through development opportunities, mentorship, and employee resource groups. Oh yeah, we’ve also got amazing benefits.