Payroll Specialist

About Upstart

At Upstart, we’re united by a mission that matters: to radically reduce the cost and complexity of borrowing for all Americans. Every day, we bring creativity, experimentation, and advanced AI to reshape access to credit, helping millions move forward financially with clarity and confidence. As the leading AI lending marketplace, we partner with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit through technology that’s both radically intelligent and deeply human.

The Team

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.

How you’ll make an 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

Minimum Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

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