Payroll Specialist

About the role

The Payroll Specialist at Upstart is responsible for handling all pay related items for our Upstart employees. This position requires meticulous attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Process full cycle US domestic payroll biweekly and semi-monthly
• Maintain and monitor the time tracking system for non-exempt employees, ensuring all timecards are complete and approved ahead of payroll processing
• Prepare and audit all payroll data including new hires, salary changes, commissions, benefits, and all other payroll related items received from stakeholders
• Audit and prepare all payroll data for multi-state tax withholding, garnishments, and annual audits
• Prepare and process equity events including RSUs, NSOs, ISOs, and ESPP transactions
• Respond to payroll inquiries within SLA timeframes

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience with US Domestic payroll processing and timekeeping
• Solid understanding of payroll operations including reconciliations, SOX controls, wage types, and their impact on taxation/W2
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Willingness to learn, perform, and succeed in a high-growth environment
• Ability to multitask, manage time, and accept changing priorities

Qualifications

• Experience with Workday payroll and timekeeping
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets
• FPC or CPP certified (a plus)

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
• Retirement benefits to help you plan for the future, including a 401(k) or Group Retirement Savings Plan with a company match of $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 annually (USD in the US, CAD in Canada)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees (US only)
• Comprehensive health coverage designed to support you and your family, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness resources for US and supplemental health coverage for Canada
• Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans (US only)
• Income protection benefits, including life insurance and disability coverage for added financial security
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, in line with local requirements
• Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments (duration varies by country)
• Family-centered benefits to support fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources
• Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service (US Only)
• Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you
• Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from
• Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our offices in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!)