Payroll Specialist
Posted:
Position: Payroll Specialist
Date Posted: June 26, 2026
Industry: FinTech / Payroll / Human Resources / Financial Services
Employment Type: Full Time
Experience: 3+ Years of US Domestic Payroll Experience Required
Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or Related Field
Salary: $70,000 – $95,000 per year + Benefits + Bonus + Equity
Location: United States, REMOTE
Company: Upstart
Description:
Upstart is a leading AI-powered lending platform on a mission to make borrowing more accessible, affordable, and efficient for individuals across the United States. By leveraging advanced machine learning and data-driven insights, Upstart partners with financial institutions to transform credit decisioning and improve financial outcomes for millions of customers.
The company is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join its Payroll Team and ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations. This role plays a key part in maintaining employee trust by managing end-to-end payroll processing, compliance, and reporting in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
The ideal candidate will be highly organized, analytical, and experienced in US payroll systems, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strict accuracy and confidentiality.
Key Responsibilities:
• Process full-cycle US payroll on a biweekly and semi-monthly basis.
• Ensure accurate timekeeping data for non-exempt employees.
• Validate payroll inputs including new hires, terminations, salary changes, and benefits.
• Manage multi-state payroll compliance, tax withholdings, and garnishments.
• Prepare and review payroll reports, reconciliations, and audit documentation.
• Process equity-related payroll transactions including RSUs, NSOs, ISOs, and ESPP.
• Respond to payroll inquiries and resolve issues within defined SLA timelines.
• Support annual audits and compliance reporting activities.
Requirements:
• 3+ years of experience in US domestic payroll processing.
• Strong understanding of payroll operations, taxation, and W-2 reporting.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations and compliance requirements.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong multitasking, time management, and organizational skills.
• Strong knowledge of:
• US payroll laws, tax regulations, and multi-state compliance.
• Payroll systems, timekeeping tools, and HRIS platforms.
• Payroll reconciliation, SOX controls, and audit processes.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with Workday payroll and timekeeping systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
• FPC or CPP certification is an advantage.
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