Chief Accounting Officer

About Upwork

Upwork Inc.’s (Nasdaq: UPWK) family of companies connects businesses with global, AI-enabled talent across every contingent work type including freelance, fractional, and payrolled. This portfolio includes the Upwork Marketplace, which connects businesses with on-demand access to highly skilled talent across the globe, and Lifted, which provides a purpose-built solution for enterprise organizations to source, contract, manage, and pay talent across the full spectrum of contingent work. From Fortune 100 enterprises to entrepreneurs, businesses rely on Upwork Inc. to find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, the Upwork family of companies enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and transform their workforces for the age of AI and beyond.

Since its founding, Upwork Inc. has facilitated more than $30 billion in total transactions and services as it fulfills its purpose to create opportunity in every era of work. Learn more about the Upwork Marketplace at upwork.com and follow on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X; and learn more about Lifted at go-lifted.com and follow on LinkedIn.

We’re seeking a strategic, results-driven Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) to lead our global accounting function at Upwork. This is an exceptional opportunity to steer financial integrity and scale a world-class accounting operation in a high-growth tech company. You’ll set the vision and execution roadmap for our accounting strategy, ensuring compliance, transparency, and operational excellence that aligns with Upwork’s mission and public company requirements.

As a member of the Finance leadership team, you’ll partner cross-functionally to support Upwork’s ambitious growth plans and influence company-wide decisions. If you thrive in complex, fast-paced environments and are passionate about building high-performing teams, this role is for you.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead Upwork’s global accounting operations, including financial reporting, technical accounting, sox compliance, tax, payroll, accounts payable and procurement and sourcing. Possibility to also own treasury and financial systems.
   

• Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements
   

• Design and implement scalable systems, processes, and controls to support business expansion and operational excellence
   

• Partner with the CFO and executive team to support strategic initiatives, capital markets activities, and long-range planning
   

• Oversee all external audit and tax compliance activities, and maintain strong relationships with auditors, regulators, and advisors

• Oversee and continue to build out strategic sourcing and procurement program
   

• Drive continuous improvement and automation in accounting processes to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and enable data-driven decision making
   

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing, inclusive accounting team with clear succession planning and leadership development
   

What it takes to catch our eye

• Demonstrated success leading a complex, global accounting function at a public company, ideally in a high-growth tech or platform environment; marketplace experience preferred but not required
   

• Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance, with a track record of transforming accounting systems and processes at scale
   

• Proven ability to influence at the executive level and lead cross-functional initiatives with clarity and strategic insight

• Excellent verbal and communication skills, and proven business acumen
   

• Passion for operational excellence, data integrity, and building inclusive, high-trust teams

• Experience and passion for leading highly diverse and cross-functional disciplines that drive operational excellence
   

• CPA certification and strong technical accounting foundation required

Come change how the world works.

At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full-time employees in 34 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.

Our culture is built on trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.

We’re proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.

Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our Careers page to learn more about opportunities at Upwork.

Upwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

Please note that a criminal background check may be required once a conditional job offer is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances