Lead Accountant

Upstart

22h•$105,500 - $145,900•Remote

About The Position

Upstart’s Accounting Operations team supports company growth through accurate financial reporting, strong controls, and scalable accounting processes, partnering across Finance and the business to translate complex transactions into reliable accounting and timely financial results. As a Lead Accountant, Capital Markets, you will own key accounting processes supporting structured products, derivatives, and loan sale and funding activities. You will serve as a dedicated accounting partner to Capital Markets and Analytics throughout the transaction lifecycle, from understanding new activity through month-end close. In collaboration with Technical Accounting and Financial Reporting, you will help ensure transactions are accurately recorded, balances are supported, and accounting processes evolve with the business. The position is remote and supports a team operating across East and West Coast time zones. Most work can be completed remotely, with employees encouraged to participate in team in-person sessions. The anticipated U.S. base salary range is $105,500–$145,900, with actual pay depending in part on geographic location, skills, experience, and education or training. Total compensation may also include target bonuses, equity compensation, and benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
At least 6 years of progressive accounting experience in financial services, lending, fintech, or public accounting serving financial services clients.
Experience accounting for structured products and derivatives, including related valuations, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
Experience with loan sale and funding activities, including transaction accounting, settlements, and related financing arrangements.
Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and ability to independently own complex accounting processes and month-end close activities.
Ability to evaluate new transactions in partnership with Technical Accounting and lead cross-functional issue resolution.
Strong analytical skills, including investigating discrepancies, interpreting transaction data, and clearly communicating accounting results.
Strong Excel skills and experience working with large datasets.
Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver accurate, timely results with limited oversight.

Nice To Haves

CPA or equivalent professional designation.
Experience supporting financial reporting, external audits, and internal controls in a public company environment.
Experience reviewing transaction documents and translating key terms into accounting processes.
Experience leading process improvements, strengthening controls, and implementing automation.
Experience with NetSuite, SQL, or other accounting and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

Own month-end accounting for structured products and derivatives, including journal entries, reconciliations, supporting schedules, and balance analysis.
Support accounting for loan sale and funding activities, accurately recording transactions, settlements, and related financing costs.
Partner with Capital Markets and Analytics throughout the month to understand transaction activity, investigate discrepancies, and ensure timely and complete accounting.
Coordinate with internal partners on valuation inputs and outputs, reconcile related balances, and record appropriate accounting entries.
Provide analyses and supporting documentation to Technical Accounting and Financial Reporting for accounting assessments, disclosures, and external audits.
Help establish accounting workflows for new transactions and arrangements in partnership with cross-functional teams.
Strengthen documentation, controls, and automation to support increasing transaction volume and complexity.

Benefits

Target bonuses and equity compensation.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness resources.
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 U.S., CAD in Canada).
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with discounted stock purchase options for eligible U.S. employees.
Health Savings Account contributions for eligible U.S. plans.
Life insurance and disability coverage.
Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays in line with local requirements.
Paid family and parental leave.
Family-centered benefits for fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs.
Employee Assistance Program with mental health support and life-centered resources.
Financial wellness resources, including financial planning tools and a financial concierge service in the U.S.
Annual wellness allowance supporting physical and emotional well-being and personal development.
Annual productivity allowance for relevant work tools and resources.
Team events, all-company updates, and employee resource groups.
Catered lunches and stocked micro-kitchens when working from company offices.