Payroll Specialist

Upstart

Payroll Specialist managing US domestic payroll processes and compliance at Upstart. Ensuring accuracy in payroll operations and responding to employee inquiries.

Posted 6/3/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $70,000 - $95,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

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

Benefits

Comp & perks

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!)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

US domestic payroll processingtimekeepingpayroll compliancereconciliationsSOX controlswage typesmulti-state tax withholdinggarnishmentsequity eventsRSU

Soft Skills

self-starterindependent workwillingness to learnmultitaskingtime managementadaptability