Payroll Specialist

Upstart•San Mateo, CA

8h•$70,000 - $95,000•Remote

About The Position

The Payroll Team is responsible for handling all pay related items for our Upstart employees. We are passionate about delivering accurate results on time, everytime! This position requires meticulous attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality. As the Payroll Specialist at Upstart, You’ll be the backbone of our payroll operations, ensuring continuity, accuracy, and employee confidence in every paycheck

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Process full cycle US domestic payroll biweekly and semi monthly
Monitor and manage 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
Assist with payroll compliance matters such as multi-state tax withholding, garnishments and annual audits
Prepare and process equity events including RSU, NSO, ISO, and ESPP transactions
Manage and respond to payroll inquiries within SLA timeframes

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
Connection and community through team events, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
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!)